Book Review and Giveaway: Sweet Salone - Recipes from the Heart of Sierra Leone by Maria Bradford
Sierra Leonean chef Maria Bradford’s debut recipe book which was published in 2023 is so much more than a cookbook. It’s the first recipe book that I’ve read from the beginning to the end as Bradford takes us through a journey, back to her roots as she exquisitely showcases the various flavours the Republic of Sierra Leone has to offer through her words, creativity and stunning photography by Dave Brown.
The chef and founder of the eatery business ‘Shwen Shwen’ has created over one hundred recipes ranging from Afro Fusion Starters to traditional mains and desserts. The artwork of Sweet Salone: Recipes from the Heart of Sierra Leone beautifully embodies Sierra Leone’s heritage with the borders of the book referencing the traditional textile called ‘Kontri Cloth’. Before introducing the reader to Sierra Leone’s various street food items, we are given a brief history of Sierra Leone, who we are as people, the history and the culture, alongside Maria’s personal experience and childhood memories growing up in the capital city of Freetown.
A rack of lamb with Kankankan crust and heritage tomato salad in the Afro-fusion starters looks as good as it sounds. Bradford does not shy away from her views on food fusion and reminds us how Sierra Leone’s history is infused and influenced by a variety of nations, cultures, experiences and people. “It’s important that we cherish traditional dishes, and build bridges, not walls, and that’s why Afro-fusion cooking is culturally important.” Afro-fusion food was only a matter of time.
All of our traditional and favourite Salone recipes, ɔltin de de!
From my personal favourite - Krain Krain to Okra Stew and many more, Maria has spoiled us for choice with this food bible. Not to forget signature cocktails like the Leone Star and Maria’s Mojito that feature Sierra Leonean ingredients such as coconut water. What I found sentimental about this masterpiece of work by Maria Bradford, Dave Brown, Elise Dillsworth and the team is the ode to women, the commitment to show their empowerment and influence whilst shining a light on their unwavering place in society. For this reason, I wanted to start the new month also known as Women’s Month (March) by acknowledging this body of work that Maria Bradford has created. We (Sierra Leoneans) are proud of you. Continue to put the land that we love on the map via every person’s food palette.
To celebrate 10 years of Yasmin TELLS and Women’s Month. We have a giveaway of Maria Bradford’s recipe book! Please follow the instructions below to enter:
Entries via Instagram or Twitter only
Make sure you are following @yasmin_tells
Make sure you are following @shwenswhenbymaria
Comment and tag 2 or 3 women who inspire you.
The winner will be announced on the 15th March. Good Luck!
Check out Maria Bradford’s YouTube channel
