African cuisine is diverse like most of the other continents and varies by region. 5 popular African recipes that you can try at home include:
Doro Wat:
Doro Wat is a traditional Ethiopian stew made with chicken and berbere spice. Berbere is a complex blend of spices that typically includes chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and a variety of other spices such as cumin, coriander, and fenugreek. The chicken is cooked in a sauce made from berbere, onions, tomatoes, and other spices until it is tender. The stew is served with injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread made from fermented teff flour. Doro Wat is a staple dish in Ethiopia, it is typically served on special occasions such as weddings, and it is also enjoyed on a daily basis. The dish is hearty and flavorful, with a spicy kick from the berbere spice. It is also a popular dish in Eritrea and diaspora communities around the world.
Fufu:
Fufu is a West African staple food made from starchy root vegetables such as yam, cassava, or plantains. The vegetables are peeled, boiled, and mashed until they form a smooth and dough-like consistency. They are then shaped into balls and served with a variety of soups or stews. It is a traditional and cultural food that is consumed by many African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Togo and many more. Fufu is usually eaten with the hands, it is dipped into the soup or stew, and then rolled around the mouth before swallowing it. It’s a comforting and filling dish that is often enjoyed as a main course. Fufu is also a popular dish in diaspora communities around the world. It can be served with various soups such as Egusi Soup, Palm Nut Soup, or Light Soup.
Pilau:
Pilau is a popular dish from East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania and in some parts of Somalia. It is made with rice, meat and a blend of spices, which is cooked in a flavorful broth. The dish is prepared by first sautéing spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and cloves in oil, then adding meat such as chicken, beef, or lamb. The rice is then added, along with water or broth, and is simmered until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. It’s a flavorful and aromatic dish that is enjoyed by many East Africans. Pilau is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It can also be enjoyed with vegetables and a variety of condiments such as chutneys, pickles, or hot sauce. It is a popular dish in East Africa and in diaspora communities around the world.
Mbongo Tchobi:
Mbongo Tchobi is a traditional Cameroonian dish made with fish and vegetables cooked in a peanut sauce. The dish is made by first preparing a peanut sauce made from ground peanuts, onions, garlic, ginger, and other spices. The sauce is thickened with a flour paste made from ground cocoyam or yam. The fish and vegetables are then added to the sauce. And simmered until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The dish is typically made with freshwater fish such as tilapia or catfish. And it is commonly served with fufu or rice. Mbongo Tchobi is considered a delicacy and it is usually eaten on special occasions. it is also a popular dish in diaspora Cameroonian communities around the world.
Koshari:
Koshari, also spelled Koshary or Kusksu, is a popular Egyptian dish made from lentils, rice, and macaroni, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. It is considered as a street food, but also it can be found in restaurants. The dish is said to have originated in the 19th century, and it is now considered a national dish of Egypt. The ingredients are cooked separately and then combined in a large pot and topped with a spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. The dish is considered as a comfort food and is enjoyed by many Egyptians. It is also a popular dish in diaspora Egyptian communities around the world. it is a vegetarian dish that is often served with a variety of condiments. Such as hot sauce, garlic vinegar, or tahini sauce.