The Republic of Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, neighbouring the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west. The highest point in Zambia is found in the Mafinga Hills, with the point is at a height of 2,301 metres. The official language of Zambia is English, but between 43 and 73 languages are spoken.

Zambia unlike most of its neighbours, has managed to avoid the war and upheaval that has marked much of Africa’s postcolonial history, earning itself a reputation for political stability. In 1889 Britain established control over Northern Rhodesia. On the 24th October 1964, Northern Rhodesia became the Republic of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda led the struggle for independence in the 1960’s and he served as president for nearly 30 years. It became the first country ever to change its name and flag between the opening and closing ceremonies of an Olympic Games. The current Leader Edgar Lunga became the 6th president of Zambia in 2015, a former justice and defence minister, his toughest challenge has been to turn around a slowing economy hit by a slump in copper prices, the country’s biggest export.

Zambia has one of the world’s fastest growing populations with the UN, projecting that its population of 13 million will triple by 2050. In 2010, the World Bank named Zambia one of the world’s fastest economically reformed countries. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is headquartered in Lusaka, the capital of Zamb, which is located in the southeast of the country.

One of the most popular places to visit in Zambia are the mighty Victoria Falls. They are 100 metres high and 1.6 kilometres wide. In 1855 the Scottish explorer David Livingstone was the first European to see the magnificent falls on the Zambezi River, naming them after Queen Victoria. The town of Livingstone, near to the falls is named after him, and was the original Capital until 1935.

For many Zambians, the staple food is maize (white cornflour) and one of the most popular dishes is nshima, a stiff porridge made from ground maize. Other recipes I came across included Chibwabwa (pumpkin leaves), Mealie Bread, Mbuzi yo Phika (goat stew), Ifisashi (green vegetables in peanut sauce), Imibu ya Nama (meatballs), Inkoko ya Kocha (grilled chicken), Umukate wa Mbata (duck loaf) and Ikanga yakufumbika (braised guinea fowl). I decided to cook Spicy Village Chicken (free range chicken with tomatoes, onions and spices). I served it with steamed rice and really enjoyed the subtle spicy flavour.

Rating: 8/10

Serves: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes

600g free range chicken pieces
1 big tomato
1/2 medium onion
1 tbsp of vegetable oil)
Salt to taste
100 ml water
1 tsp tomato paste
½ tsp curry powder
½ a tsp of chilli flakes/ or ½ a red chilli, chopped (optional)
½ tsp of garlic powder
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped

Over a high heat boil the water in a medium casserole dish
Place the chicken pieces into the pot and bring to the boil (don’t add any salt)
Turn the chicken pieces after 15 minutes
Cover the pot and allow the chicken to boil for another 10 minutes
Once the chicken is cooked and the liquid has reduced, add the oil and cook over a med – low heat for 5 minutes
Chop the onions and tomatoes, add them to the chicken and stir gently to allow the ingredients to mix thoroughly
Add your tomato paste, salt, curry powder, garlic powder and chilli to taste and stir to blend together
Cook over a low – medium heat for 15 – 20 minutes
Serve with steamed rice