Book of Days Tales

The 2^nd Friday in April is now called Pray and Fast Day in Liberia. The holiday was first observed in 1883 when an Act of the National Legislature was passed into law declaring the second Friday in April of each year as “National Fast and Prayer Day” for the safety and welfare of the Nation and its people with penitent reverence to God. The Day is observed as a Day of Supplication, Prayer, Fasting and Meditation for the common cause of the Nation, the State and humanity. Each year the President of Liberia issues a Proclamation for this holiday in the days before the date.

Liberia was created in the early 19^th century as a home territory for freed slaves from the U.S. which grew in popularity both before and after the U.S. Civil War. Liberia was able to resist the 19^th century European “scramble for Africa” and became the first independent democratic state on the African continent.

Fasting is not the same thing as abstinence. You can pray and meditate all day while avoiding eating, but then have a nice meal with family in the evening. Because of the population’s origins in U.S. culture, some of the indigenous dishes that are popular there have strong European roots. Liberian spaghetti is a local fav made with a sauce that usually does not have a tomato base. Instead it is made from onions and bell peppers with some protein such as shrimp or sausage. So . . . no fixed recipe just the general idea.

Cut up some bell peppers, and peel and slice some onion and garlic. Place them in a food processor along with a splash of broth and a hot pepper or two if you like. Pulse until thoroughly blended.  Meanwhile cook a batch of spaghetti to the desired level of doneness. Liberians prefer a longer cooking than al dente. Sauté your desired protein (shrimp, sausage, chicken, pork) in a little oil in a deep skillet and then add the veggies from the food processor, and cook them all together. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the skillet. Mix everything together and serve.