Cooking in Impfondo- 1

This is a series with recipes and cooking tips for our town.  It will give you a picture of a little slice of our life here, and who knows, maybe a few ideas!

Hello, everyone!

I know that cooking in Impfondo can be a challenge.  Even if you have a cook, there may be times that they have a day off, take vacation, or become ill and unable to work at the last minute.  I’ve been reminded of this recently!

I thought that we could share some ideas and recipes to make that easier.  I’m going to try to share one a week (when I have internet), and you can all add tips or recipes that you think will be helpful.  :)  The first one is a quick, easy one with non perishable items that can be kept on hand.  It uses all ingredients that are available in Impfondo.  The sausage is available in the store across the first intersection after the main part of the market.  (Across the aisle from where the buses load.)  The tiny pasta is available at Ets. Ali Baba, next door to the international store, across from the main intersection of the market.  

Random food photo

Easy Sausage Pasta

1 pack sausage, cut into small pieces

1 can whole tomatoes, crushed with fork or spoon

1/2 package tiny pasta

optional: Onions, garlic, mushrooms

Saute the sausage, with optional ingredients if desired.  Add tomatoes and two cans full of water.  (You can change the amount of water based on your preferences.)  Bring to boil.  Add pasta, let cook 3-4 minutes, until pasta is tender.  Serve warm.  (Note: I do not drain this pasta, but add enough water to have it cook, without lots of extra water.)

You can also change this recipe by adding other spices, tomato paste, fresh vegetables, canned vegetables or beans, or whatever else you think would taste good together.  It’s very versatile.

Tip #1 for Cooking in Impfondo:

Keep some non-perishables on hand that can make a quick, easy meals for those times when you don’t have a cook, are too tired to cook a big meal, other plans fall through, or guests drop by unexpectedly.

Ideas:

Pasta

Rice

Crackers

Laughing cow cheese

Tomato Paste

Canned Tomatoes

Canned Veg

Canned Beans

Cassolet

Canned Meat, such as ham, corned beef, and tuna

Mayo

Pickles

Examples of quick meals:

1) Pasta, tomato sauce, and corned beef can make spaghetti.

2) A can of beans, can of vegetables, and canned ham can make a quick sauce to go over rice.

3) A can of tuna with some mayo and pickles can go with crackers for a light meal in the early evening.  (or whenever.)

What other suggestions can you add?  I would love to hear your ideas!