Cooking, while fun, can also be tedious and repetitive at times. It’s much more boring when you’re accustomed to making the same foods over and over. While the internet has made it a bit easier to gather recipes, the problem with trying out some new recipes is that the ingredients used may not always be readily available. Another problem is that the recipe’s preparation may be too difficult to follow, resulting in an epic disaster. While some African traditional meals can take a while to prepare, there are some delicious options that are very quick to make.
Good news
It’s essential to maintain your culinary versatility, but the stress of trying and failing new recipes can make you want to stay in your comfort zone.
This, however, should not be a deterrent, as we have compiled a selection of exquisite foods from several African regions. This list includes meals that are not only simple to prepare, but also have readily accessible ingredients and are nutritious.
Culinary diversity can be accomplished with this list, and you can tour the world through food without having to travel (though traveling is always a great idea!). If you enjoy preparing African traditional meals for dinner, this can be an exciting addition.
The List
1. Kenyan beef curry:
This traditional Kenyan dish is produced with chunks of beef stewed in tomato and flavored with peppers, garlic, curry, and other spices. The best part is that it takes less than an hour to prepare and cook. Kenyan beef curry can be served with ugali, which is Kenyan cornmeal. In the absence of ugali, you can get creative with your side dishes. Rice, banku, eba, ripe plantain and other side dishes are fantastic examples of what you might serve with this delectable dish.
2. Peanut butter soup:
This soup is prepared with peanut butter, as the name suggests. After the butter has simmered for a while (until oil settles on top), cook your protein in a pot with a mixture of pureed tomatoes (we prefer fresh), peppers, ginger, garlic and salt to taste. It’s one of the most popular West African traditional meals, and can be eaten with side dishes like fufu, eba, banku, omo tuo (rice balls). Some also prefer to eat it with white rice.
3. Kanda:
Kanda is a dish made mostly of beef and pumpkin seeds that is formed into meatballs and stewed in a sauce. It originates in the Central African Republic and tastes best when served over rice.
4. Chakchouka:
A dish made with tomatoes, peppers, eggs, onions, garlic and spices that originated in Tunisia. It is often served with flatbread and takes less than an hour to prepare. To try this at home, heat olive oil (preferred oil choice) in a skillet and stir in the garlic and onions to cook for 5 minutes under medium heat. Add the tomatoes, peppers and spices of your choice. Salt to taste. Allow to cook for 10 minutes. Make a dent in four areas and crack the eggs into those places. Cover the skillet and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Serve with flatbread or pita bread. (See other nutritious egg recipes).
5. Chakalaka:
One of the popular traditional meals in South Africa. Carrots, bell peppers, pureed tomatoes, and other vegetables are used to make this wonderful South African delicacy. It’s simple to make, filling, delicious, and vegan-friendly.
Due to their diversity and richness of their flavor, the foods on this list are likely to create an impression on your taste buds. You never know, if you try it, you might like it!