{"id":"bissap_35aa005383","slug":"bissap-african-hibiscus-tea","title":"Bissap (African Hibiscus Tea)","description":"A vibrant, tart, and deeply refreshing West African beverage made from dried hibiscus petals, infused with fragrant mint and sweetened with a touch of vanilla.","serves":8,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":10,"totalMinutes":140,"activeMinutes":20},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"2 cups dried hibiscus flowers (sorrel)","name":"Hibiscus flowers","quantity":50,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"2","usUnit":"cup","form":"dried","notes":"often labeled as sorrel or flor de jamaica","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"8 cups water","name":"Water","quantity":2,"unit":"l","usQuantity":"2","usUnit":"quart","form":"liquid","notes":"","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 cup sugar","name":"Sugar","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1","usUnit":"cup","form":"granulated","notes":"adjust to taste","group":"sweetener","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 bunch fresh mint","name":"Mint","quantity":1,"unit":"bunch","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"bunch","form":"fresh leaves","notes":"stems included for steeping","group":"flavoring","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 teaspoon vanilla extract","name":"Vanilla Extract","quantity":5,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"tsp","form":"liquid","notes":"","group":"flavoring","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1/2 cup pineapple juice","name":"Pineapple Juice","quantity":120,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"liquid","notes":"optional for extra sweetness and depth","group":"flavoring","optional":true}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Briefly rinse the dried hibiscus flowers in cold water to remove any dust or debris.","group":"Preparation","title":"Briefly rinse the dried hibiscus flowers","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a large pot, bring the 2 liters (8.5 cups) of water to a boil.","group":"Cooking","title":"Bring the 2 liters of water","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat. Add the rinsed hibiscus flowers and the bunch of fresh mint. Stir and let steep for 15-20 minutes.","group":"Cooking","title":"Remove the pot from the heat","timerMinutes":20,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof pitcher, discarding the solids (flowers and mint).","group":"Finishing","title":"Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Finishing"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"While the liquid is still warm, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and pineapple juice (if using). Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.","group":"Finishing","title":"Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and pineapple juice","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Finishing"},{"id":"instruction-6","text":"Allow the Bissap to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled. Serve over ice with a fresh sprig of mint.","group":"Storage","title":"Allow the Bissap","timerMinutes":120,"sourceTitle":"Storage"}],"notes":"Bissap is the national drink of Senegal. It can be served hot or cold, but it is most commonly enjoyed ice-cold. Adjust the sugar to your preference, as the hibiscus is naturally quite tart.","cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Senegalese","West African"]},"course":[],"cookingMethod":["boil","steep"],"equipment":["Large pot","Fine-mesh sieve","Pitcher"],"diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free"],"allergens":[],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":2,"unit":"l","note":"Yields approximately 2 liters of beverage"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Bissap can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Keep refrigerated in a sealed pitcher.","reheatingNotes":"Serve chilled; no reheating required."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fbissap_35aa005383%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=e761e539-a018-4d0a-bcaf-a62602f6cc55","imageAlt":"Bissap (African Hibiscus Tea) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["hibiscus","refreshing","west african","herbal tea","senegal","cold drink"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Bissap (African Hibiscus Tea)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T22:47:50.144Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T22:47:50.144Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_17142e2daf","slug":"asida-traditional-african-porridge","title":"Asida (Traditional African Porridge)","description":"A thick, smooth, cooked flour pudding popular across North and East Africa, typically served with melted butter and honey or date syrup for a comforting breakfast.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":25,"totalMinutes":30,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Sudanese","Libyan"]},"course":["main"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["vegetarian"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_17142e2daf%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=e46cb0f8-07cd-453d-8e07-df1274fe8fc9","imageAlt":"Asida (Traditional African Porridge) — recipe cover","tags":["porridge","traditional","sweet","dough","filling","soft"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":5,"stepCount":5},{"id":"piri_piri_abb399d24a","slug":"authentic-african-piri-piri-sauce","title":"Authentic African Piri-Piri Sauce","description":"A fiery, tangy, and aromatic chili sauce originating from the African-Portuguese fusion traditions of Mozambique and Angola. This sauce combines bird's eye chilies with citrus and garlic for a versatile condiment that works as a marinade or dipping sauce.","serves":12,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Mozambican","Angolan"]},"course":["sauce"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","keto","paleo","low_carb","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fpiri_piri_abb399d24a%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=d113b5df-8225-42fd-8ab3-2e447865fa9f","imageAlt":"Authentic African Piri-Piri Sauce — recipe cover","tags":["spicy","condiment","african cuisine","marinade","hot sauce","peri peri"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":9,"stepCount":4},{"id":"boli_cb6fb8f7eb","slug":"boli-roasted-plantain","title":"Boli (Roasted Plantain)","description":"A beloved West African street food staple consisting of sweet, ripe plantains grilled until caramelized and smoky. It is traditionally served with crunchy roasted groundnuts for the perfect balance of textures.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","West African"]},"course":["side","appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fboli_cb6fb8f7eb%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=dc7467a3-0e95-473a-96b4-000ff7dd6c34","imageAlt":"Boli (Roasted Plantain) — recipe cover","tags":["boli","plantain","roasted plantain","african snack","nigerian food","street food","gluten free","vegan"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":4,"stepCount":6}]}