Africa is a continent where we can find countless traditional dishes influenced not only by ancestral customs but also evidently by the influence of other countries that settled in the country centuries ago. A gastronomy rich in flavors of which we now highlight the best. This is how the most typical African meals and dishes are.
This is how the most typical foods and dishes of Africa are
Do you like the flavors of Africa? This vast continent brings together multiple traditions with colorful and tasty recipes. From Morocco to equatorial and sub-Saharan Africa, many of us can prepare them at home since they have natural ingredients easily accessible in our country. For this reason and in case you dare to prepare an African-inspired lunch or dinner, these are some of the most typical meals and dishes in African cuisine.
Couscous – Origin Morocco
Couscous refers to the durum wheat semolina seed steamed in the couscous machine. It is also the name of a dish that has many variations: whether based on meat (lamb, lamb, chicken, etc.) or fish, it is usually accompanied by chickpeas and always fresh vegetables (carrots, turnips, zucchini, cabbage … ) and cooked in a tasty spicy broth.
The pastilla – Origin Morocco
The pastilla, a kind of pie that is cooked in Morocco but apparently was created influenced by the cuisine of Andalusia. It consists of a filling traditionally made with pigeon, chicken or fish, covered with several sheets of almond paste . The flavor is generally sweet and salty, further enhanced by cinnamon and coriander.
Variant. This specialty is also available as a dessert with seasonal fruits (apple, pear, mango, etc.).
Chicken DG-Origin Cameroon
This recipe was born on the street, to allow women and men from the commercial district of the capital of Cameroon, Yaoundé, to taste a complete dish on the go. This is composed of spicy sautéed chicken (curry and ginger), accompanied by sliced vegetables (carrots, onions, leeks, peppers, tomatoes, green beans), also sautéed, and fried banana slices.
Variant. An easy recipe to prepare can be added other ingredients that are fried in a little peanut oil such as shrimp or tofu.
Yassa – Origen Senegal
Typical Senegalese dish made with chicken marinated in the juice of several fresh lemons, onions, mustard and a crumbled bouillon cube. First grilled, the chicken then simmers with the juice from the marinade, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and carrots. It is served with rice.
Variant. This dish can also be prepared with fish to which diced pineapple is also added to give it a sweet touch.
Mafe-Origin Sub-Saharan Africa
The famous dish based on peanuts in sauce (thick) combines beef or chicken, stewed with carrots, turnips, potatoes, okra, sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic that in some variants also adds green beans or peas by adding two small peppers at the end of cooking.
Tajín-Origin Morocco
The tajín designates both a specialty of meat, fish or vegetables cooked over low heat and the hollow clay pot in which the preparation is cooked. The key: a smooth texture and preserved aromas. It is possible to prepare a tagine in a casserole before presenting it on a good serving plate. The recipe can also add zucchini, carrots, potatoes, but also prunes, apricots, oranges or tangerines.
It is usually prepared by choosing the ingredients that will accompany the meat or fish according to the season in addition to the spices (cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, coriander, cumin …). Cook over low heat for at least 1 hour in 75 cl of broth, starting with 20 minutes over high heat, before continuing over medium heat.
