Burundi

Burundi is a small Central African country and unfortunately in 2016 the World Happiness Report ranked it among the most unhappy countries in the world. People are poor, as in most African countries. Only 2% protein and fat are consumed with food. That’s why they often suffer from Kwashiorkor (those kids in the photo with swollen bellies suffer from this disease). In addition, they have serious problems with deforestation and soil erosion.

In 2014, Burundi’s president banned group running on the grounds that such actions caused people to plan anti-government activities. But it clearly does not prohibit the individual, because in 1996 the country won a gold medal at the Olympics precisely in the discipline of long-distance running. By doing so, she became the poorest country to ever win an Olympic gold medal.

There are three communities in the country – Tutsi, Hutu and Twa. The Tutsi control the country economically and politically. There is a constant dispute between the Hutu majority (85% of the population) and Tutsi. Hutu is mainly engaged in agriculture. They are lower and rounder. The Tutsi are elite, they are taller and slimmer. 🙂 Cows play a major role in Burundi culture. When a cow dies its meat is eaten and its horns are ‘planted’ in the soil around the house, people believe it is for their luck. The typical “Amish” greeting translates to “May you have herds of cattle.” Cattle are a symbol of health, prosperity and happiness. Burundi is among the most densely populated countries in Africa and the Prime Minister is a woman. 🙂

What I chose to prepare for you on this side was the only one I found at all. This is not the first time, especially when we are in Africa. The cake is called “Date & Banana Mix”. Here are the products you need:

18 tablespoons butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

4 cups of flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon of baking powder

4 bananas

1 1/2 teaspoon dates

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

Steps of preparation:

Beat 16 tablespoons of butter well, which should be softened at room temperature with sugar. Then, successively, with breaking, add the eggs. After each, beat until completely absorbed by the mixture. Finally add the sifted flour with salt and baking powder.

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Cover a rectangular or square baking sheet with baking paper and pour half of the mixture.

On top of her arrange the sliced bananas and chopped dates. I personally grinded them with a blender, but in larger pieces.

Finally add the remaining mixture. Put in the oven for about 30 minutes or until browned.

Once you have baked the cake, remove it to a grid and while it is still warm, top it with the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Finally sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

Well, that’s it. It’s quick, easy, and delicious. Try it too.

Next destination – Bhutan.