Flavours of Harmony a return to cook’s roots

BELOVED Phoenix FM radio broadcaster Benjamin Sam is releasing his third cookbook next month.

Titled Flavours of Harmony, it also delves into Sam’s Ghanaian heritage, explaining traditional symbols like Sankofa, which means “return to your roots,” and Gye Nyame, a symbol of belief and acceptance.

“These symbols and stories add depth to the recipes, making them more than just food – they are a reflection of my culture and history,” he said.

Growing up as his “nana’s favourite,” Sam delicately described how he discovered his love for food.

“Any time my mum was busy, I’d help nana cook dinner or lunch,” he said.

“I used to stir the pot a little, making sure things didn’t burn. She would often ask me to grind things for her using a big stone grinder. From there, I developed my passion.”

He portrays African cooking simply as “diverse,” due to the vastness of the continent.

“Generally, our food has a lot of stews and soups, often with onions and tomatoes as the base. We also use a lot of carbohydrates like rice, cassava, and taro,” he said.

“The history of slavery plays a role too. Many of our dishes were designed to be filling and last for hours, as people would often only have one meal a day.

“For example, fufu takes a lot of energy to prepare, but it stays in your stomach for a long time, unlike a burger or fries, which don’t provide lasting energy.

“In every culture, food, music, and language are intertwined, and I want to inspire others.

“As an African living in Australia, I want to share my heritage and bring a sense of home to this place by introducing people to the food and lifestyle I grew up with.

“For me, cooking is therapeutic. It’s a way to express physical and mental wellbeing, especially when you’re passionate about what you’re making.”

Flavours of Harmony will be available in bookstores around Australia next month, including Collins Booksellers, Dymocks and Readings.

In Bendigo, it will be at the Bendigo Visitor Centre, Percy & Percy Cafe and Virginia Mary Florist.