The Organisation pour l'Alimentation et le Développement Local (OADEL) has launched its second cookbook, "Saveurs du Togo", featuring 40 traditional Togolese recipes. The book aims to promote local food consumption and preserve the country's culinary heritage. According to Tata Ametoenyenou, Oadel's executive director, the idea behind the cookbook is to show that local products can be combined in different ways to create new dishes.
The cookbook is part of the organization's efforts to promote local food consumption, which is in line with the spirit of the Mois du Consommer Local, a campaign launched by the UEMOA to encourage the consumption of local products. The book features recipes from five Togolese chefs, including Olivia de Souza, Thérèse Mona, and Lauretta, as well as François Aligbo and Anthony Akakpo.
The cookbook took three years to prepare and features a range of traditional Togolese dishes, including the gali-fɔtɔ, a simple dish that was at risk of being lost. The book includes ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking times for each recipe, as well as QR codes that link to YouTube videos demonstrating each dish.
One of the recipes featured in the book is the soupe de tilapia à la mangue, prepared by chef Thérèse Amona. The dish combines tilapia with mango and a squeeze of lemon, highlighting the flavors of local ingredients. The cookbook aims to promote the use of local ingredients and reduce reliance on imported products.
The book was financed by Pain pour le Monde (Brot für die Welt), a German-based organization. It is being sold at a promotional price of 3,000 francs CFA until December 30, 2026, after which the price will be adjusted. The cookbook is available from Oadel and its partners, including bookstores in Adidoadin and Brother Home.
The launch of "Saveurs du Togo" is part of Oadel's efforts to promote healthy eating and preserve Togolese culinary traditions. According to the organization, the consumption of ultra-processed foods has contributed to the rise of diet-related diseases in Togo. By promoting local food consumption, Oadel aims to encourage healthy eating habits and preserve the country's cultural heritage.
The cookbook is also seen as a way to transmit Togolese culinary traditions to future generations, both in Togo and in the diaspora. By documenting traditional recipes and promoting local ingredients, Oadel hopes to preserve the flavors of Togo's past and inspire a new generation of cooks to explore their culinary heritage.
Key points
- The cookbook features 40 traditional Togolese recipes and aims to promote local food consumption and preserve the country's culinary heritage.
- The book was financed by Pain pour le Monde (Brot für die Welt) and is being sold at a promotional price of 3,000 francs CFA until December 30, 2026.
- The cookbook is part of Oadel's efforts to promote healthy eating and preserve Togolese culinary traditions, and to encourage the consumption of local products.
