Stango Cuisine in Champaign, IL – A Tasty Tour of Zambian Cuisine
CHAMPAIGN, IL (USPress.News)—Stango Cuisine is an innovative restaurant that offers an enticing tour of Zambian culture. As the first of its kind in America, Stango serves delectable foods like nshima and flavorful stews while supporting charity work in Zambia.
Mubanga Chanda and Betty Phiri, immigrants from Zambia, recently opened Stango in Lincoln Square Mall with the passion of sharing home-style recipes from Zambia with Champaign-Urbana residents. However, they have moved to 500 N Walnut Street in Champaign, IL.
Zambian cuisine
Zambian cuisine is known for its abundant fresh ingredients and bold flavors, such as nshima or succulent stews. Visitors to Zambia, as well as locals alike, will enjoy sampling its delectable offerings!
Zambia’s primary food staple is nshima, which is made of ground white maize and mixed with various relishes, stews, and vegetables. This dish can be enjoyed using one’s hands as part of an enjoyable dining experience; cold beer (mosi) made from local sorghum is popularly enjoyed as an essential dietary supplement in rural areas.
Relishes or “ndiwo,” typically prepared by boiling together salt and vegetable oil with water, are commonly prepared by roasting some varieties such as mice, termite ants, caterpillars or mice roasted over an open fire before being fire dried for consumption. Other insects consumed for their culinary value can also include stink bugs and mopani worms.
Zambian food culture includes more than nshima; other staples include ifisashi, a vegetable stew of leafy greens and peanuts often served with nshima. Kapenta from Lake Tanganyika is another staple; while game meat remains popular despite stricter wildlife protection regulations, it can still be found at specific markets.
Zambian culture
Zambian culture places great value on music and dance. Each ethnic group has its musical traditions; for instance, Lozi ceremonies such as Nc’wala and Kuomboka include dancing, drumming, and singing performances. Many Zambians practice weaving and wood carving; these arts serve artistically and have more profound symbolic significance within Zambian society.
History in Tanzania can be divided into three distinct periods: early civilizations, colonial experiences, and independence in 1964. Today, it’s home to over 70 ethnic groups that contribute their unique cultures to building the national identity.
While English is the official language in Zambia, most Zambians speak one of 73 indigenous languages, like Bemba, Nyanja, or Tonga, as their first language. These serve to preserve cultural heritage and ensure that identities are preserved.
Zambians are well known for their hospitality and warm spirit. Visitors from around the globe are always welcomed warmly into Zambia and its rich cultural history. Additionally, Zambia is considered one of Africa’s most peaceful nations; modernity has been welcomed with open arms while maintaining strong bonds of community spirit.
Zambian culture places great value on family, with extended family networks playing an essential role in society and community life. Zambians respect their elders by dropping to one knee, bowing, clapping three times or saying “bubela bubwel”. Traditional beliefs and superstitions still permeate society, emphasizing nature and spirits.
Zambian samosas
Zambian samosas are triangular pastries known for their versatility. While fillings vary depending on region, most recipes include spices like turmeric and cumin and ground beef or lamb fillings – adding flavorful diversity to Zambian cuisine! No matter what ingredients are used inside samosas, Zambian cuisine celebrates diversity through these tasty snacks, representing its rich blend of cultures.
Samosa dough is typically composed of flour, carom seeds, salt, and either ghee or oil, and it is kneaded until firm. As it’s being worked on, however, muslin cloth must be placed over it periodically to prevent drying out or hardening of the dough. Furthermore, it must also be at room temperature, as too warm temperatures could make working with pastry more challenging.
Once the dough for samosas is prepared, it is rolled into thin sheets, formed into triangle or cone shapes, and deep-fried in hot oil until golden brown; this process typically takes up to four minutes.
Stango Cuisine in Champaign-Urbana is the first of its kind in America. It provides delicious Zambian flavors and traditions while supporting the One Dream Foundation by donating 10% of profits. Donate now!
Zambian stews
Zambian stews are distinguished by an eclectic combination of flavors and ingredients, from proteins and vegetables to chicken or fish protein, for maximum flavor and satisfaction. Vegetarian options can easily substitute lentils, quinoa, or seitan as an alternate protein source to add another dimension to traditional African cuisine.
Nshima, made from ground maize or sorghum flour, is the staple food in most homes, often eaten alongside Ndiwo, an aromatic stew consisting of vegetables and meats. Nshima is typically eaten using the right hand, similar to South Asians, often with relishes and condiments added for extra nutrition; some dishes even feature insects such as caterpillars or worms in some recipes!
Zambian cuisine is an exhilarating blend of flavors and culinary traditions from Zambia and its neighboring countries, which combine to form a mouthwatering array of local dishes with bold spices and fresh ingredients. Residents will recognize local dishes from stews to samosas as well as delicious street foods and traditional desserts such as Chikanda: an energy ball made from ground peanuts mixed with tubers from wild orchid plants, making for an indulgent yet healthy alternative dessert option!
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