10+ African Recipes to Savor and Share

African cuisine offers a vibrant tapestry of flavors and traditions. This article will guide you through the diverse and delicious world of African recipes that you can try at home. Each dish reflects the rich cultures and histories of the continent, making your cooking experience both enjoyable and educational.

Whether you are looking to spice up your dinner routine or explore new culinary horizons, African recipes provide a great opportunity to do just that.

From hearty stews to flavorful rice dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As you cook, you’ll discover not just new flavors, but also the stories and heritage behind each dish.

1) Jollof Rice Delight

Jollof Rice is a beloved dish in many African countries. This vibrant, flavorful rice dish is often served at gatherings and celebrations. It’s known for its rich taste and beautiful color.

To make Jollof Rice, you will need rice, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The cooking process brings these ingredients together for a delicious meal.

You can serve Jollof Rice as a side dish or a main course. It pairs well with chicken, fish, or vegetables, making it versatile and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add onions and bell peppers and sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, cayenne, and salt.
5. Add rice and stir to coat.
6. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
8. Fluff with a fork and serve hot.

2) Shakshuka with a North African Twist

Shakshuka is a delightful dish that features poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. This North African twist adds a unique flavor with extra ingredients like spinach and harissa.

To start, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onions and bell peppers until they soften. Then stir in garlic and harissa for that extra kick.

Next, add crushed tomatoes and let the mixture simmer. You can also toss in fresh spinach. Finally, crack the eggs directly into the sauce and cover. Cook until the eggs are just set.

This dish is great for breakfast or any meal. It’s both hearty and healthy, bringing a taste of North Africa to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 medium yellow onion
• 1 medium bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon harissa paste
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Sauté onions and bell peppers until soft.
3. Add garlic and harissa paste, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Mix in spinach until wilted.
6. Crack eggs into the sauce and cover.
7. Cook until eggs are set, about 5-7 minutes.

3) Ghanaian Peanut and Chicken Stew

Ghanaian Peanut and Chicken Stew, also known as Groundnut Soup, is a delightful dish. It combines tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, and spices for a rich taste.

You will love how the chicken simmers in a flavorful peanut broth. The addition of tomatoes and spices gives it a unique kick. This stew is perfect for cozy meals with family or friends.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken thighs, bone-in
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and peanut butter.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
5. Add ginger, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook for an additional 10 minutes and enjoy!

4) Nigerian Egusi Soup

Nigerian Egusi Soup is a tasty and comforting dish. It’s made with ground melon seeds, which give it a unique flavor and texture. You can also find it packed with meats and leafy greens.

This soup is perfect for sharing with family or friends. You can enjoy it with rice or pounded yam for a complete meal. The spices add warmth, making it a favorite in many households.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ground egusi seeds
• 1 lb beef, cubed
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons of palm oil
• 2-3 tablespoons pepper mix (red bell pepper, onion, and chili)
• Salt and seasoning cubes

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, cook beef until tender; add water if needed.
2. Add chopped onion and pepper mix; cook for a few minutes.
3. Stir in the ground egusi and palm oil.
4. Gradually add water to reach desired thickness.
5. Add shrimp and spinach; cook until shrimp turns pink.
6. Season with salt and cubes, then serve hot.

5) Moroccan Tagine Magic

Moroccan tagine is a wonderful stew that captures the rich flavors of North Africa. This dish is named after the pot it’s cooked in, which has a conical lid. You can enjoy tagine made with chicken, lamb, or even vegetables.

The ingredients are simple but pack a punch. Spices like cumin, paprika, and cinnamon come together to create a unique taste. You can also add fruits like apricots or raisins for sweetness.

Cooking a tagine is slow and steady, letting all the flavors meld perfectly. It’s a comforting and filling meal that’s great for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or lamb
• Olive oil
• Onions
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Zucchini
• Spices (cumin, paprika, cinnamon)
• Dried apricots or raisins
• Chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a tagine or pot.
2. Add onions and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Brown the chicken or lamb on all sides.
4. Add carrots, zucchini, and spices, stirring well.
5. Pour in chicken broth and fruits.
6. Cover and simmer for 1.5 hours at 350°F (175°C).
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

6) Algerian Couscous Charm

Algerian couscous is a delightful dish full of flavors. It typically features fluffy couscous topped with tender meats and vegetables. Often, mutton and chicken are slow-cooked with root vegetables, creating a hearty meal.

Spices like ras el hanout add depth and warmth to the dish. This mix usually includes ingredients like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, making it aromatic and comforting. You can serve it hot, drizzled with a spicy sauce to enhance the taste.

Making Algerian couscous at home can be a fun experience. Gather your ingredients and enjoy bringing a taste of North Africa to your dining table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups couscous
• 1 lb mutton or chicken
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 tbsp ras el hanout
• Salt, to taste
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion in oil until soft.
2. Add mutton or chicken and brown it on all sides.
3. Stir in chopped vegetables and spices.
4. Add water to cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours at 350°F (175°C).
5. Prepare couscous according to package directions.
6. Serve the meat and vegetables over the couscous, garnished with broth.

7) Kenyan Nyama Choma Feast

Nyama Choma is a popular Kenyan dish made from grilled meat, usually goat. This flavorful delicacy brings people together for celebrations and gatherings. The meat is marinated with spices and then grilled until tender and delicious.

You can enjoy Nyama Choma with side dishes like ugali and kachumbari, a fresh tomato and onion salad. Eating it is often a hands-on experience, making it perfect for family feasts or parties.

Gather your friends and family, and savor this tasty dish while enjoying good company.

Ingredients

• Goat meat (2-3 pounds)
• Lemon juice (1/4 cup)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the goat meat with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic. Let it sit for at least 2 hours.
2. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C).
3. Grill the meat for about 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked.
4. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

8) Senegalese Chicken Yassa

Senegalese Chicken Yassa is a flavorful dish that centers on marinated chicken. You’ll use onions, mustard, and citrus for a unique taste. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves savory meals.

To start, you marinate the chicken in lemon or lime juice, Dijon mustard, and some spices. This adds a zesty flavor that makes the dish stand out.

The chicken is cooked with sautéed onions until tender. You can serve it over rice, which absorbs all the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onions until golden.
3. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned.
4. Pour in some water and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
5. Serve hot over rice.

9) Ethiopian Doro Wat Adventure

Ethiopian Doro Wat is a flavorful chicken stew that brings the taste of Africa to your kitchen. It features tender chicken cooked in a rich mix of spices. The dish is warm, comforting, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

To make Doro Wat, you’ll use ingredients like red onion, garlic, ginger, and Berbere seasoning. These spices create a unique aroma and taste you won’t forget.

Serve it with injera, a traditional Ethiopian bread. The bread is perfect for scooping up the stew and adds to the experience.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 large red onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons Berbere seasoning
• ½ cup butter
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in garlic, ginger, and Berbere seasoning.
4. Add the chicken and mix well.
5. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken.
6. Simmer on low for 45 minutes.
7. Add salt and hard-boiled eggs before serving.

10) South African Bunny Chow

Bunny chow is a popular South African dish. It features a hollowed-out bread loaf filled with spicy curry. It’s a delicious street food that comes from Durban.

You can use various curries to fill your bunny chow. Common options include chicken, lamb, or vegetarian fillings. The flavors are rich and aromatic, thanks to spices like cumin and coriander.

To enjoy this dish, simply tear off pieces of the bread to scoop up the curry. It’s a fun and tasty meal that you can share with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of white bread (unsliced, flat-topped)
• 2 large onions, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups carrots, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 lb chicken, beef, or chickpeas (for vegetarian option)
• Spices (like curry powder, ginger, and chili)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot.

2. Sauté onions until they turn golden.

3. Add garlic and spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

4. Stir in tomatoes and carrots.

5. Add the meat or chickpeas, and cook until done.

6. Hollow out the bread loaf.

7. Fill with curry and enjoy!