A very French Thanksgving

Soon, thousands of families will be gathering together to share a Thanksgiving turkey filled with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. However, Jean Baptiste Kanagwe, a student and a French tutor at Santa Monica College, will be enjoying some untraditional treats while celebrating the day of the harvest with his family.

Kanagawe came to the United States in pursuit of a better life and education. He now tutors and studies at SMC while working to earn his master’s degree in linguistics.

Although Kanagawe has visited France only once in the three years he has been in the U.S., he has not forgotten the French-African cuisine, which he has been sharing with his family here in America.

For Thanksgiving, Kanagawe and his family enjoy eating fried fish, chicken or other meats together with some fresh vegetables.

These dishes are cooked by his mother most of the time, and when he eats them, they remind him of his childhood.

“I wish you could try the food," Kanagwe said. "It’s just amazing. The smell, the flavor, the savor, the feeling reminds you of your childhood and a lot of memories. I can’t wait for the next Thanksgiving."

If you want to try and cook some French-style fish, follow the directions bellow.

Ingredients:

Salmon or Cod

Olive Oil

Onions

Tomatoes

Garlic

½ a Cup of Water

Directions:

Take the fish and clean it. Prepare a pan with olive oil, then place the fish and fry it for about three to five minutes.

After frying the fish, put it aside and start making the sauce. First add olive oil, onions, tomato and garlic. Let it cook a little and then add any other ingredients that might smell or taste good to you. For example, you can add salt and pepper.

When the vegetables are done cooking, add the fish and half a cup of water to the pan. Leave the food to simmer for about five to 10 minutes.