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What do people eat in Senegal?

Diet

The diet in Senegal is diverse and influenced by various factors, including geography, culture, and religion.

Staple Foods: The main staple foods in Senegal include rice, millet, couscous, and various grains. These are often served as a base for meals and accompanied by various sauces, stews, and side dishes.

Fish and Seafood: Senegal is a coastal country, so fish and seafood are prominent in the Senegalese diet. Commonly consumed fish include tilapia, sole, sea bream, mullet, and shellfish such as shrimp and prawns. Fish is often grilled, fried, or cooked in stews and sauces.

Meat: While fish is the primary source of protein for many Senegalese, meat also plays a significant role in the diet. Beef, lamb, goat, and chicken are commonly consumed, often grilled or stewed with spices and served with rice or couscous.

Vegetables: A variety of vegetables are eaten in Senegal, including okra, eggplant, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and onions. These vegetables are often used to make sauces, stews, and side dishes.

Legumes and Beans: Legumes such as black-eyed peas, lentils, and beans are important sources of protein in the Senegalese diet. They are often cooked into hearty stews or served as a side dish.

Peanuts: Peanuts are a major crop in Senegal and are widely used in cooking. Peanut sauce, known as "mafé," is a popular accompaniment to rice and other dishes. Roasted peanuts are also commonly eaten as snacks.

Fruits: Senegal is known for its abundant variety of tropical fruits, including mangoes, bananas, papayas, pineapples, oranges, and guavas. These fruits are eaten fresh as snacks or desserts and are also used to make juices and smoothies.

Bread and Pastries: French influence is evident in Senegalese cuisine, and bread and pastries are commonly consumed. Baguettes, croissants, and pastries filled with meat or fish are popular breakfast items.

Tea and Coffee: Tea, particularly green tea with mint, is a popular beverage in Senegal and is often served throughout the day. Coffee is also consumed, usually sweetened and served with milk.

Mealtime

Rice, corn, millet, sorghum, peanuts, beans, milk and sugar are the staple foods. The main meal is during the middle of the day. The evening meal is served late. Senegalese eat from a communal bowl with the right hand. Tiébiy Dienn (CHEB-oo Jen) a fish stew eaten on rice is the national dish.

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