How we eat and gather is central to who we are: the diaspora at Christmas

"Traditions vary from family to family, but there are a few staples that you will find at any large, celebratory gathering, regardless of the time of year: mountains of plantain; coleslaw smothered in salad cream or mayonnaise; an array of starters (spring rolls, chicken wings, savoury donut-style puff puff balls, samosas) endearingly known collectively as small chops; two types of rice: fried, and the regional favourite jollof."

"You will find many similarities on a Ghanaian table. At Morgan's, we opt for the centrepiece protein to be chicken, roasted to perfection. Some have been known to enjoy a good leg of lamb. Elsewhere on the spread, our west African friends enjoy turkey or chicken gizzards cooked in a flavoursome peppery tomato stew and skewered. Mouthwatering spread Nigerian food served at Christmas lunch from chicken wings and jollof rice to assorted meats."

"I find it joyful that across west Africa, nations distinguish between your regular, day-to-day jollof and its festive party jollof variant, which gets its unique smoky flavour from cooking it in a large pot over an outdoor flame. There isn't the space to get into whose jollof is better, but Morgan and I both agree that no plate is verified without a side of our absurd salads that feature anything and everything between *holds breath*: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbe"

Christmas food across the West African diaspora blends individual family customs with communal culinary staples. Nigerian festive tables typically include mountains of plantain, creamy coleslaw, assorted starters called small chops, and both fried rice and jollof. Centrepiece proteins vary from roasted chicken to turkey, beef stew, or leg of lamb, with regional additions like skewered turkey or chicken gizzards in peppery tomato stew. Ghanaian spreads show similar offerings. Festive jollof acquires a smoky character from cooking in large pots over outdoor flames. Salads at these gatherings often mix an eclectic range of vegetables and condiments.

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