Craving an escape for your taste buds? Look no further!
I’m sharing 20 captivating African recipes that I can confidently make at home.
From enticing stews to zesty salads, I’m sure you’ll find something to spice up your kitchen routine!
1. Akwadu
With my deep love for mangoes, I have a similar fondness for bananas.
This simple little recipe is perfect for breakfast or sweets and can be whipped up in just a short amount of time. The bananas burst with a sweet flavor when baked, and go ideally with a dollop of ice cream or some whipped coconut cream.
2. Best Bobotie
Bobotie is akin to meatloaf, but with a bit of sweetness and a wonderfully smooth milk and egg custard on top. The beef is flavored with chutney, curry powder, raisins, and apricot jam, before being blanketed in the egg mix.
I personally can’t wait to make this!
3. East Africa Mango Cucumber Salad
I have an unending love for mango, so if I see it mentioned, I will immediately whip it up! This basic salad is crispy, fresh, and salty-sweet to the max. The mango lends incredible sweetness to the mild cucumber, along with a pop of color.
I’m excited to experience these flavor combos.
4. Homemade Harissa Recipe
Harissa is a sauce or paste that is both vivid and flavorful and can be used as a dip for your fries or to bring flavor to a dish. I like mine a little on the spicy side, though when making your own, you can easily adjust the intensity.
Once I try this, I’m sure I’ll make it again and again!
5. Fried Plantains
I was immediately sold the first time I sunk my teeth into fried plantains! I can’t say if it was the fact that I had a hand in making them, the spice, or the texture, though they’re something I go back to often. They also happen to be seriously underrated.
Please, if you have any reservations, don’t! Just fry and slice them!
I like to dust mine with chili flakes and sea salt after they’re pulled from the pan.
6. Moroccan Roasted Green Beans
Carb-conscious and without gluten, this is the sort of side I can easily brighten up any meal with in just a snap.
For that Moroccan vibe, this dish adds Ras el Hanout spice, a mix of everything from anise and cayenne to cardamom and cinnamon. If you can’t source it in the store, I strongly recommend making your own.
7. Easy Dukkah
I first encountered Dukkah in 2006 in Melbourne. I was struck by how flavorful yet simple it was.
Just blitz your selection of nuts, and sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, plus salt and pepper are also needed. This recipe calls for walnuts and almonds.
Try offering this up with olive oil and some crispy bread.
8. Stewed Spinach (African Style)
Spinach is highly versatile and a stellar way to get more nutrients!I’m drawn to the fact that this dish, which is hearty enough to make a main course, uses spinach front and center, and not just as an extra.
Seasoned with paprika, cayenne, thyme, garlic, and chicken stock, it also has turkey bacon and shrimp for good measure.
9. Blender Chermoula Sauce
For something a bit different, I think this is an excellent contender for your next fish dish. It is reminiscent of chimichurri in some aspects, bearing warm spices, lemon, and fresh herbs.
Add your herbs at the very end to avoid bruising, and handle with care when blending.
10. East African Pilau
There’s nothing worse than a sad, bland rice side dish, and this recipe is anything but! Instead, it’s a robust meal made with rice, potatoes, beef, and tons of spice.
What’s not to love? I can’t wait to dig in.
11. Easy Moroccan Vegetable Tagine Recipe
Tagine is essentially a slow-cooked stew with meat and lots of veggies.
Though commonly prepared in a tagine pot, this vegetable stew can be ready in just a short amount of time. You can sub in a Dutch oven or even a slow cooker for this.
Keep cooking until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, and the sauce is fragrant and vibrant.
12. Doro Wat – Ethiopian Chicken Curry
If you’re not already familiar with it, you’ll spot something on the ingredients list that may be brand new: Berbere.
For me, I hadn’t come across it previously.However, it is the start of the dish!
If you have trouble finding it at the store (you might need to scout online), try crafting your own!One bite, and you’ll use it on everything!
13. African Chicken (Macanese One-Pan Chicken Curry)
I’m floored by how delicious this chicken and potato dish is! It goes without saying that the blend of peanut butter, coconut milk, curry powder, and oyster sauce is pure magic. It’s savory, sweet, and nutty, with a smoky spice from the paprika.
Sign me up for this easy dinner!
14. African Bean Stew
It may resemble your typical bean stew, though it’s so much more than that. For one thing, it includes a creamy coconut broth. This dish is stunning, bursting with flavor, and vegan!
Whip it up with a side of rice, or some of that couscous from before. Sounds amazing.
15. Vegetarian Peanut Soup
I’ve been endeavoring to stick to meatless Mondays for some time now, and I just might have to extend it into Tuesday with recipes like this!
This soup is thick like a stew, crafted with nutty peanut butter and tomato paste. It’s such a unique flavor profile that I honestly adore.
Your vegetarian buddies are sure to thank you!
16. BEST Moroccan Chicken Recipe
Not only is this tasty dish loaded with lemons, warm Moroccan spices, olives, and dried fruit, it’s also a one-pot wonder, meaning that clean-up is a total breeze.
The spice rub is key for those incredible flavors, and you’ll be cooking it directly in the sauce for chicken that just falls off the bone.
17. Moroccan Forbidden Rice Salad
The base of this dish is black rice, which offers an awesome chewy texture. You’ll also have to add pistachios, chopped dates, and rinsed and drained chickpeas.
All together, it’s salty, nutty, sweet, and tossed in an olive oil and lemon juice dressing, and it’s tasty with a side of Moroccan chicken or a rack of lamb.
18. Moroccan Couscous with Roasted Vegetables Chick Peas and Almonds
Couscous makes a superb swap for rice or pasta as a side. It’s vivid, light, and full of flavor. This simple side can be ready in just 20 minutes and can be bulked out with anything from chickpeas to freshly chopped tomatoes.
Can’t wait to try!
19. Authentic Niter Kibbeh (Ethiopian Spiced Clarified Butter)
By gently heating butter until the milk solids separate, you get clarified butter. You’re left with a lovely, almost clear butter with a higher smoke point after you scrape that away.
This recipe is quite similar, only it also uses spices and herbs. To infuse the butter, just add your spices to the pot and strain it out together with the milk solids.
This sounds heavenly.
20. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is much like making a pasta sauce, except you’ll toss in some extra spices and a few eggs, which gently cook right in the pan.
I like whipping up shakshuka for guests at breakfast. It’s bright, tasty, and the eggs look fabulous nestled in the tomato sauce. Offer it up with crusty bread and dive in!