We’ve collected 10 of the best South African Foods to take you and your taste buds on an epic African food journey!
You may think that traditional African foods extremely differ from one part of Africa to another. However, this is not the case! Most African dishes contain starchy items, meat, fish and a variety of spices and herbs! It is easy to say that many African dishes consist of cornmeal and center around curry dishes, beef and broths but like many other cultures it all starts with a base of rice, vegetables and a meat with the secret being all in the spices.
Table of Contents
Classic Cape Malay Curry
It is easily the aroma from just mixing the spices in this recipe that makes you want to eat this Cape Malay Curry right up! If that isn’t enough, you’ll be in heaven with the tender pieces of chicken, the slight tang from the canned tomatoes, and the full flavor this dish provides.
Droewors (Biltong)
Grab a beer and pair it perfectly with this recipe for Droewors. Using minced beef, lamb casings, and a simple stuffer you can easily make this traditional African snack. Plus, you don’t even need a cured cabinet, just hang these in the kitchen as long as your spouse doesn’t mind!
Braai Inspired T-Bone Steak
If you love steak, you will easily love this Braai Inspired T-Bone steak! What makes this dish so incredible is the history behind it, with Braai actually being a celebration in African culture and being the blend of spices used for the steak! A history lesson and a dish – can’t get better than that!
Bunny Chow
Made with aromatic spices, meat, chickpeas and potatoes, bunny chow is a delicious and tasty South African dish. Serve it up in some hollow bread to experience a one of a kind sandwich!
Bobotie
Easy, tasty, punchy and on point? Yes indeed! This South African dish is made primarily of curried meat topped with an egg and milk mixture and baked to perfection!! This dish is guaranteed to excite and satisfy your palate!!!
South African Milk Tart (Melktert)
A delicate and decadent dessert, South African Milk Tart is a traditional South African dessert! Made with a flaky crust, and topped with cinnamon, you’ll love just how creamy each bite is! Serve it up for dessert or with a warm cup of tea!
Malva Pudding
A caramelized texture, a spongy interior, this Malva pudding is nothing short of a delicious dessert. Soaked in a warm butter sauce, it’s what sets this dessert apart from other South African dishes. Serve it with some whipped cream or ice cream .
Mealie Bread (South African Corn Bread)
If you love cornbread, then you will definitely love Mealie bread! Made with bits of corn, Mealie bread is sweet and flavorful and sure to delight anyone in your family.
Chakalaka
Have you ever tried Chakalaka? If you haven’t, you’re certainly missing out. A traditional South African vegetable relish, Chakalaka tastes amazing when served with bread, stews, meat and so much more.
Pap
In this recipe you’ll get a first hand experience of making an authentic Botswana dish. Made from cornmeal and beef broth, Pap is considered to be more of a base than a meal. All you have to do is add some vegetables to make this a hearty dish with more nutrients.
South African Food Cape Malay Curry Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb chicken cubed
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger finely chopped
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 14 oz can tomatoes crushed
- 2 tsp garlic finely chopped
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp salt
Seasoning Spices
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 2 tsp ground fennel
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 10 cardamom pods
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- All seasoning spices into a mortar. Pound until the mixture turns into a powder.
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium-high heat, then add the onion and ginger, stirring occasionally
- Add the chili flakes and spice mix. Stir for 2 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and stir. Cook until the mixture bubbles up.
- Add in the chicken, and stir to coat well.
- Turn the heat down, cover and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, sugar, lemon juice and salt to the curry. Cover again while leaving a small opening for steam to escape.
- Simmer for 15 minutes or longer. Taste the sauce, and add more seasonings if preferred. Serve and enjoy!
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