Kwanzaa Food

Kwanzaa food is prepared as a part of a seven-day Kwanzaa celebration held in the United States and other parts of the world to honor the African culture and heritage. Kwanzaa is celebrated annually from December 26 to January 1. Each day of the Kwanzaa holiday is dedicated to the seven principles of Kwanzaa which are known as:

• Umoja (Unity)
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
• Nia (Purpose),
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
• Imani (Faith)
• Kuumba (Creativity)

Kwanzaa is also represented by special symbols and traditions. One of the Kwanzaa traditions is the celebration of an African feast which is known as Karamu. Karamu is celebrated on the sixth day of the Kwanzaa holiday which is usually on the 31st of December. Kwanzaa food during the Karamu feast consist of seeds, vegetables, condiments and other dishes from the African nations or those that originated from Africa but are now grown in America and other parts of the world. Examples of such foods are sweet potatoes, yams, peanuts and sesame seeds. Several traditional African dishes are prepared to commemorate this great festive holiday. Therefore, Kwanzaa food is basically African dishes from one or more African nations and tribes.http://www.novelguide.com/a/discover/jwwh_03/jwwh_03_00065.html

During the Kwanzaa holiday week most celebrants use a menu of foods from the African Diaspora. There are various African dishes used as Kwanzaa food but the most popular dishes include:

Fried Okra Recipe: This recipe is made by frying fresh okras in canola oil until it turns golden brownhttp://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/fried-okra-recipe/index.html

Peanut Soup Recipe: The Peanut soup recipe is prepared using fresh peanuts in combination with chicken andmilkhttp://www.congocookbook.com/soup_and_stew_recipes/peanut_soup.html.

The use of native African seasonings in the preparation of the Kwanzaa food also helps to bring out the African aroma that fills the air with a longing for the motherland.