Every day, a little boy from the house will be sent to the baker to buy many loaves of bread. Each family member grabs a loaf or half-loaf, slathers it in plain mayonnaise, and goes on their way. The plain version aside, these sandwiches are delicious and a true Pulaar staple. The only other breakfast I’ve seen is when small children eat a bag of local cookies — little white, cracker-like treats.
Lunch
Lunch meals are restricted to lunch, while dinner dishes are restricted to dinner. My family rotates the lunch meals at random but rarely serves the same thing twice in a row. Because I live at the mayor’s house, lunch is often attended by visitors and tends to be more robust than average. Other lunches are rice-based with fish or beef, vegetables, and an onion-oil sauce — usually unnamed but hearty.
Mafe Gerte: White rice and thick peanut sauce served with potatoes, a pepper, and a piece of meat. The sauce is oily and flavorful, made from a bulk paste.
Yassa Poulette: White rice with chicken in an acidic onion-based sauce, often with carrots, peas, or tomatoes. This dish is reserved for special occasions and is a favorite among Americans in Senegal.
Dinner
Dinner begins between 8 and 10 p.m. and often includes guests.
