Many African meals have influences from Europe and the Middle East. This has helped bring new ingredients and flavors to local foods. These impressive African food recipes will demonstrate that!
A popular way to cook in Africa is via stewing. However, traditional African recipes are as diverse as their culture and people.
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What is Popular Food in Africa?
African cuisine is traditionally starch-based. Many traditional African dishes contain starches from popular foods such as rice, yams, cornmeal, potatoes, and ground millet.
Tagines, stews, and spicy rice are popular meals in Africa. Much African food uses prominent ingredients such as peanut butter, plantain, and okra.
African Foods You Need to Try
Do you want to try some African foods? You will be treated to a fusion of different flavors and textures.
1. Beghrir Baghrir
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Beghrir Baghrir is a popular dish for breakfast in Morocco and resembles a fluffy, airy pancake. Made with semolina, they’re a delicious way to start your day.
The beauty is in the air bubbles of your pancakes. Top these with maple and nutmeg-roasted plantain to add even more amazing flavors.
2. African Beignets
Source: giftofhospitality.com
African beignets are separate from the beignets from New Orleans.
The African-style sweet treats are made with more sugar than their American counterparts. But there is no sugar dusting on top. Instead, this delicious recipe is served with peanut butter for dipping.
These are one of the best things to bake when bored on a rainy day!
3. Fried Plantains
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Plantains are a staple food in west African countries. Plantains can be cooked and enjoyed in many ways. Fried plantains are a simple recipe for a tasty snack to enjoy anytime.
All you need to make this popular street food is plantains, salt, and oil. Slice your plantain, sprinkle with salt, and fry until golden.
Alternatively, pop this African staple food into the air fryer for 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Nigerian Coconut Candy
Source: foodpluswords.com
Nigerian coconut candy has been enjoyed for generations by Nigerians. It is a three-ingredient recipe that provides a healthier alternative to sugary treats.
It’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
To prepare this delicious treat, you only need a fresh coconut—specifically the coconut meat, sugar, and salt. Grate the coconut, then add sugar and water to a pan to caramelize.
Add the coconut flakes and mix until cooked.
5. Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Okra
Source: theveganatlas.com
Exactly how it sounds, this delicious peanut stew is packed with sweet potato and okra. It can often include many green veggies too.
This tasty, wholesome stew can be on the table in under an hour.
Onions, garlic, and ginger add flavor to your hearty stew. Cabbage, tender sweet potato, okra, and peanut butter add African flavors.
6. Pepper Soup
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
African Pepper Soup is a staple African food often served after dinner parties. It’s also known as the “illness-curing soup.”
This soup requires some form of protein. Beef, chicken, offal, or fish are ideal options. Onions, garlic, ginger, pepper, and thyme add milder flavors to your soup.
You can choose the spice you get from your pepper. Choose from mild right through to hot & spicy.
7. Nigerian Salad
Source: foodpluswords.com
A Nigerian Salad is nourishment at its finest. There is no abundance of green leaves here.
This mixed vegetable salad has lettuce, tomato, cucumber, potato, carrots, eggs, beans, corn, and peas. It would be best if you also had some mayonnaise or salad cream.
Prep is easy. All it needs is for the ingredients to be chopped or shredded and then placed in the salad bowl to create a flavorful side dish.
8. Peanut Soup
Source: beplantwell.com
This hearty meal is a new twist on a classic peanut soup recipe. Your main ingredients are peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.
Ginger, garlic, cinnamon, turmeric, and vegetable stock flavor your soup. Garnish your cooked, blended soup with fresh chard.
9. Instant Pot Misir Wot
Source: paintthekitchenred.com
Misir Wot, or Ethiopian Lentils, is a staple on Ethiopian menus. It makes up part of the vegetarian selection of meals.
This variation is made in an Instant Pot on sauté mode. Sauté your ingredients, including lentils, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices, for 30 seconds.
Switch to pressure cook for six minutes.
You can also make Misir Wot on the stove top with a 30-minute cooking time. It is a great main meal for the whole family.
10. Peppermint Crisp Tart
Source: the-bella-vita.com
Peppermint crisp is a delicious South African treat. It has a bright green peppermint filling wrapped in chocolate. It makes a delightful addition to this creamy dessert!
It’s easy to make this sweet treat. Your ingredients include peppermint crisp bars, fresh whipping cream, caramel, and chocolate cookies.
Grate the chocolate, whip the cream, and add the caramel.
Add half of your grated chocolate and mix. Add the cookies to the bottom of your tray, then add your mixture, layering with cookies as you go.
Garnish with the last peppermint crisp and leave to set in the fridge. Enjoy! Out of whipping cream? Check out these mind-blowing heavy cream substitutes!
11. Atakilt Wat
Source: spoonsofflavor.com
A three-step, 30-minute dish, this flavorsome Ethiopian cabbage dish is gluten-free and vegan. Atakilt Wat contains cabbage, potato, carrots, onions, and spices.
You will sauté all the ingredients gently and simmer until cooked. You can serve this as a side dish with your main meal. Atakilt Wat is best served hot.
12. Chicken Stew
Source: hildaskitchenblog.com
Another peanut butter stew, this dish is ready to serve in under an hour. Thanks to the abundance of spices in the recipe, it is packed full of flavor.
Garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper add incredible flavor. You’ll have tender chunks of chicken and crunchy peanuts as textures in your stew.
13. Milk Tart
Source: withablast.net
Milk tarts are a common sight in South African stores. This one is up there as far as popular African foods go. This South African milk tart recipe is no-bake and easy to make.
Using a store-bought pie crust saves time with this recipe. Use eggs, sugar, butter, milk, and cornflour to fill your tart.
Vanilla adds a delicious sweet flavor. Sprinkle cinnamon on your pie when it’s set.
14. Nigerian Stew
Source: canadiancookingadventures.com
A satisfying meal with an onion base, this Nigerian stew is made with goat meat and beef tripe. These give it a robust meaty flavor.
It’s a meal you will see on many holiday menus in Nigeria. This recipe is adapted for versatility and can be made with different meats. Chicken is a good choice.
However, keeping close to the traditional flavor combinations will give a more authentic Nigerian Stew.
Packed with vegetables and protein, this stew is a healthy African food for spice lovers.
15. Peanut Butter Soup
Source: inthekitch.net
This spicy, one-pot wonder peanut butter soup is perfect for the colder weather. It will blow away the germs and give you the comfort you crave in winter.
It’s full of flavor, fiber, and nutrition.
The combination of peanut butter and ground peanuts makes for a stand-out dish. You can opt for a smooth or chunky texture. Blend it down if you prefer a smoother soup.
16. Ghana Jollof Rice
Source: canadiancookingadventures.com
Ghana Jollof Rice is a long-grain rice dish similar to Nigerian jollof rice. It is cooked in a tomato-based stew.
You can add a variety of meats such as chicken, beef, goat, or fish to make this rice recipe a meal.
The secret to a good Jollof rice is the blend of herbs and spices. You can use red chilies, thyme, garlic, and chili powder for solid flavor.
Using a wooden spoon is best for this dish. Frequently stir it to help the rice maintain its firmness. Follow this recipe carefully to ensure you make the best rice dish.
This yummy rice is one of the best potluck ideas to feed a crowd!
17. Shakshuka
Source: smalltownwoman.com
Shakshuka is a classic North African dish. Tomatoes, peppers, and garlic bring out the flavor of the eggs. They also pair perfectly with feta cheese, which is crumbled on top.
Mix all the ingredients except the egg in a pan. Stir continuously until the sauce is ready. Then make wells in the sauce to poach your eggs.
Add jalapenos for extra spice to your meal.
18. Slow Cooker Lamb Tagine with Apricots
Source: cookingorgeous.com
A tagine is a pot used for cooking rather than the name of a meal. A large earthenware pot traps steam and keeps the dish’s moisture.
This lamb tagine recipe is easy to make. It combines commonly used ingredients for African food. Saute your lamb, then slowly add your other ingredients while stirring.
You’ll then add your stock.
Squash, apricots, lemon juice, and honey are added after 45 minutes. You will cook it for another 60 minutes before serving it hot.
Not sure what to serve with this savory stew? These best side dishes for lamb will help!
19. Beef Stew
Source: seasonandthyme.com
This Instant Pot beef stew is a delicious, wholesome meal. It’s also easy to prepare and cook! It is packed with herbs and spices, enhancing your meal’s flavor.
For flavor, you will sauté your meat before adding onions, garlic, carrot, and celery. Add in the rest of your ingredients and pressure cook for 32 minutes.
This beef stew is best served with rice.
20. Bobotie
Source: thecinnamonjar.com
A classic African meal, bobotie is a curried mince dish. It has a delicious fruity flavor and is mildly spicy. It’s easy to make too.
This recipe uses bread to bind the main flavorful ingredients. These include ground beef, curry powder, chutney, apricot jam, and red wine vinegar.
You’ll use a savory custard for topping your bread-mince mixture. Bay leaves add aromatic flavor to your topping.
Your traditional dish of bobotie is cooked when it’s golden brown on top and the sides have started to crisp!
21. Lamb and Apricot Kebabs
Source: carnediem.blog
A homemade marinade provides the delicious taste for these lamb and apricot kebabs. It’s best to let the lamb soak in the marinade overnight for maximum flavor.
Your marinade is created from white wine vinegar, apricot jam, turmeric, salt, and African or Caribbean curry powder.
Grill your kebabs over an open flame for the best results. Check that they are cooked thoroughly using a thermometer before serving.
22. Harissa Potato Salad
Source: strengthandsunshine.com
Harissa potato salad is an excellent way to spice up your side dishes. This combines potatoes, broccoli, and eggplant with a smoky, spicy sauce.
While your veggies are roasting in the oven, you can prepare the ingredients for the sauce.
These include fresh parsley, carrot top greens, harissa, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander.
Allow your veggies to cool, then add the sauce to them. Mix thoroughly to infuse the African flavors.
23. Tagine Style Chicken and Olives
Source: carnediem.blog
This classic Moroccan dish is designed to be cooked on a stovetop to get the most from the chicken and olives.
This tagine-style meal has a lengthy prep and cook time, but the result is worth it.
Mix your spices and allow the chicken to marinate before cooking. Your marinade has a robust flavor from spices, including paprika, turmeric, cayenne, and saffron.
Garnish your chicken and olives with cilantro. This is ideally served with couscous or quinoa.
24. Baked Yucca Fries
Source: strengthandsunshine.com
Yucca (or cassava) is a starchy fibrous root. You can prepare it in many ways, but never eat it raw. This recipe produces delicious, crispy, creamy fries.
You must peel and boil to kill off any harmful chemicals. Then roast it on parchment paper in the oven. You don’t even need seasoning for this recipe.
Always prepare yucca correctly, as it can be poisonous.
25. Kachumbari
Source: healthyrecipes101.com
Kachumbari is an excellent way to increase your intake of veggies. It’s the perfect salad to go with meat dishes.
This side dish contains veggies like tomatoes, onions, crunchy cucumber, and celery. Your salad dressing uses balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil.
With origins in the African Great Lakes region, this versatile dish is usually dressed with lime juice or salt. It can also contain gin or vodka. It always has jalapeno!
26. Spiced Carrot Millet
Source: strengthandsunshine.com
Millet is a gluten-free whole grain. It can make delicious side dishes such as this spiced carrot millet.
To start, you need to toast the millet. Then add water with carrot puree, carrot greens, and various flavorful spices.
These comprise turmeric, onion & garlic powder, cumin, sweet paprika, and cilantro.
Mix well and garnish with extra cilantro or carrot greens.
27. Air Fryer Peri Peri Chicken
Source: healthyrecipes101.com
This is an ideal dish if you like your food spicy. You can create this spicy air fryer peri peri chicken with minimal effort.
Your peri peri sauce includes flavorful ingredients like paprika, oregano, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder. Marinate your chicken, then air fry and serve with veggies or salad.
28. Peanut Yam Stew
Source: theveganlarder.com
This recipe is filling, hearty, and full of traditional African flavors. These include yam, plantain, beans, and sweet red pepper.
You’ll use Zim’s Tribe sauce and peanut butter as the base for your stew. Serve it with fried plantain and tender rice. Salted peanuts and fresh coriander are a perfect garnish.
29. Pili Pili
Source: giftofhospitality.com
Pili Pili can mean “spicy spicy” or “pepper pepper.” This means this dish will be hot thanks to the Scotch Bonnet peppers. It’s perfect if you like your food with an extra kick of heat!
All you need to do is blend the peppers with garlic. You will then have a spicy dressing for many different foods!
Use it as a dip, to marinade meat, or for a tomato-based sauce.
30. Aish Baladi
Source: mycookingjourney.com
Aish Baladi is a vegan Egyptian flatbread. It looks and feels like a pita. However, it tastes very different.
To create your dough, you’ll use wholewheat flour, active yeast, sugar, salt, oil, wheat bran, and warm water.
Your flatbread forms a pocket like a pita. This means you can fill it with your favorite African food.
31. Baghrir with Orange Butter Sauce
Source: mycookingjourney.com
Baghrir is a semolina pancake made with an orange butter sauce. This gives it a fruity twist for a breakfast pancake.
You need butter, honey, and orange juice to make your delicious sauce. You can serve your Baghrir plain if you like. Alternatively, drizzle it with the orange butter sauce for added flavor.
32. Vegetarian Instant Pot Moroccan Stew
Source: paintthekitchenred.com
This tasty vegetarian Moroccan stew is easy to make. It’s packed with nutrition from butternut squash, carrots, and chickpeas. So, it’s ideal for when you need a pick-me-up.
You’ll find a robust flavor in your stew from spices, lemon, saffron, and vegetable broth. Herbs and spices include cilantro, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
Serve your stew with lemon and herb couscous or tender quinoa.
33. Instant Pot African Peanut Stew
Source: paintthekitchenred.com
African peanut stew is easy to make in your Instant Pot. You’ll find tender chicken and sweet potato cubes in a flavorful sauce.
Ingredients, including cayenne pepper, curry powder, and dry white wine, impart maximum flavor to your stew. Peanut butter is a vital ingredient for your stew!
Add spinach after cooking and garnish with cilantro. Eat your stew as it is, or serve it with tender couscous or cornbread.
34. West African Peanut Chicken Stew
Source: whatagirleats.com
This West African peanut chicken stew is full of smoky, spicy flavors. It brings out Africa’s tastes in a hearty, comforting dish.
Juicy chicken thighs, sweet potato, peanut butter, and yams are prominent ingredients in your stew. To provide flavor, you’ll use spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and smoked paprika.
Stir in spinach at the end of cooking and serve with rice.
35. Fried Plantains with Vegetables
Source: blackpeoplesrecipes.com
Fried plantains with vegetables are the ultimate Cameroonian chicken dish. It’s a delicious dish full of texture.
You will make a paste with onion, garlic, and fresh herbs. Use this to season your chicken and let it marinate before cooking.
Use carrots, green beans, and green peppers for added nutrition.
Slice and fry your plantain in oil, then set aside until you’re ready to serve. Mix with your chicken and veggies, and enjoy.
36. Vegan Peanut Stew with Butternut Squash
Source: somebodyfeedseb.com
This West African peanut stew is best served with a bowl of brown rice. It makes you appreciate the delicious flavors.
Use sweet butternut squash, pepper, and spinach in your stew. Ginger, cumin, and cayenne pepper add African flavors.
You’ll make a delicious creamy stock from peanut butter and hot vegetable stock. Add spinach and cilantro when your stew is cooked.
Serve over your rice and garnish with cilantro, chili, and lime juice.
37. Chakalaka
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Chakalaka is a traditional South African vegetable relish. It is easy to make and can be made in various ways. However, staple ingredients include tomatoes, beans, and onions.
You can add different vegetables and spices to suit your preference. This recipe uses garlic, ginger, and curry powder.
The extra veggies you will use are yellow pepper and grated carrots.
Add baked beans and thyme after cooking everything else. This can be served hot or cold. Serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or Braaied (barbecued) meat.
38. Peri Peri Rice
Source: seasonandthyme.com
This Nandos-inspired Peri Peri rice needs to be made in a deep skillet. It’s a version of rice and peas that pairs excellently with chicken.
Onions, pepper, and garlic are prominent flavors for your rice. Paprika, turmeric, cumin, and cayenne add a spicy flavor.
39. Peppermint Crisp Tart with a Twist
Source: thecinnamonjar.com
This recipe for peppermint crisp tart is made with mint Aero. This replaces the traditional peppermint crisp used in other adaptations.
Crushed plain cookies make the base of your tart. You’ll combine heavy cream, sugar, and caramelized condensed milk for your filling.
Add crushed mint Aero before layering your dessert. Add extra crushed mint Aero on the top of your tart before serving.
40. Beef Trinchado
Source: thecinnamonjar.com
Trinchado is a delicious Portuguese-inspired beef stew from South Africa. It combines tender steak cubes with a spicy sauce made with red wine.
You can make it with cream or without. However, the creamy version provides a silky richness to the dish. This balances well with the red chilies used to flavor your sauce.
An optional addition to your trinchado is a lemon zest to add freshness. Peri peri sauce can be added for an additional spicy flavor.
41. Ful Medames
Source: dailydish.co.uk
Medames is an Egyptian dish of a delicious creamy dip made with fava beans. The texture is similar to hummus. It can be served as a side dish or purely as a dip.
There are different regional varieties you can make. However, this recipe uses traditional ingredients.
Red onion, garlic, and cumin add flavor to your medames. When your beans are cooked, smash some of the fava beans and mix with the whole ones.
Create a dressing using olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh parsley. Enjoy with pita bread and fresh veggies or as part of a grazing board.
Ready to keep exploring different cuisines? Check out these yummy Indian recipes!