“A recipe has no soul. You, as a cook, must bring soul to the recipe.”
—Thomas Keller
In recent months I have joined my friend Bill on early Saturday morning bike rides that ends with a stop at the Farmer’s Market in Saratoga, CA. Earlier in the year I noticed a new food vendor: Nopnala Foods Mama Africa Approved. Having traveled to Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa, and eating Ethiopian food in the the US, it peaked my curiosity.
Hajj, the friendly owner-entrepreneur who operates the kiosk has drawn a lot of attention. Since he has been following me on Instagram, I thought it was about time we get personally acquainted. After introducing myself, he said “You really travel a lot.” He even told some of his customers about my love of travel. Hajj will be the first one to tell you that his cooking background was inspired by his long journey and experiences through his travels.
Some of his popular dishes that come fresh-chilled or frozen are African Gumbo, African Peanut Stew, and green Chicken Curry. I decided to buy a quart size of African Peanut Stew, a rich flavorful melody of 100% Sonoma County Grass Fed Beef, Yams, Snap Peas, regular sweet peas and Corn with Coconut Peanut Sauce. Cecile and I had it for dinner last evening over a bed of brown rice and a fresh salad and it was delish. For those who live locally, you can speak to him at the Farmer’s Market or message Hajj and he’ll set aside what you need.
@saratoga.farmersmarket from 8:30am to 1pm
