Ethnic foods continue to grow in popularity across the United States, and we’ve collected 10 of the most popular West African Foods to try!
Table of Contents
Fufu
This dish is a staple in West and Central Africa, and also a favorite in the Caribbean. The finished fufu product can be served with soup, stew or sauce. Prep time is just five minutes, and can be on your table and in your hands 15 minutes later!
Nigerian Jollof rice
A one pot African dish, Jollof rice is rich and incredibly tasty! Made from scratch with rice, tomatoes, pimento peppers, tomato paste, scotch bonnet, onions and spices – it is one of the most popular Nigerian dishes.
African Chicken Stew
Quite possibly a stew like no other, African Chicken Stew is easy to make, aromatic and flavorful. With a rich, tomato based sauce this stew is the perfect weeknight meal. Pair it with some warm plantains and you will have your family’s new favorite chicken dinner!
Garri (Nigeria)
Ready for a journey to Nigeria? Then don’t skip over this West African recipe. Soaked Garri is definitely a must try for anyone wanting to visit Nigeria for the first time. Made with pan fried cassava flakes, you can enjoy Garri in 3 different ways.
Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
An African stewed spinach, Efo Riro is a one pot stew that just bursts with authentic flavors! It is the Iru that is added to this dish that provides the depth of flavor and the intense smell. You may want to hold off from eating it, just so you can take in that incredible aroma all day long!
Cachupa (Cape Verde)
All you need to know and hear is this is the most cherished dish of Cape Verde. A rich stew of hominy (ground corn) seasoned meats and vegetables. And the good thing is you can add different types of meats, vegetables and spices to see what suits your taste buds the best!
Egusi Soup (Nigeria)
A name that is used for the seeds of squash, melons, and gourds, Egusi soup is another staple in West African culture. Typically served with pounded yams, it is one of the more versatile dishes that is consumed with considerable variation.
Waakye (Ghanaian Rice and Beans)
Rice and beans is a staple in many countries, as it is in Ghana. Here’s the catch, Waakye (pronounced waa-che’) is a popular ‘breakfast’ dish. Filling and healthy are just two words to describe this dish!
Thieboudienne (Senegal Fish and Rice)
Directly translated, Thieboudienne means the rice of fish but the name is said to not do the dish justice! Considered to be the national dish of Senegal, it is made with layers of vegetables, smoked fish, and a secret spice called netetou.
Shakshouka
Spicy with exotic flavors! Shakshouka loosely translates to ‘all mixed up’ in Arabic. One foodie described this dish as ‘heavenly.’ Now the question has to be asked: Breakfast or Dinner? You decide!
Easy West African Food Fufu Recipe
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Food Processor
- Slotted Spoon
- Plastic Wrap
Ingredients
- 1 pound cassava I used 1 cassava for this recipe
- 1 pound plantains It’s best to use the plantains that are not completely ripe. I used 2 plantains for this recipe
- water
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the cassava and plantains with cold water. Peel the skin and cut them into chunks.
- In a large pot add water and bring it to boil.
- Add cassava and plantain pieces, and boil them for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft. Test by piercing with a fork after 15 minutes.
- Transfer the pieces to a food processor or blender using a slotted spoon.
- Pulse to blend, adding water GRADUALLY, until it reaches your desired consistency. It’s important to add a small amount of water each time.
- Transfer the mixture into a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap on the counter, and take about 2 spoons of the mixture to the middle of the wrap. Shape it into balls. Repeat with the rest of the dough. You’ll get about 8-10 fufu balls. Serve them with stew or soup.
Notes
- Store the individually wrapped fufu in the refrigerator and they’ll last for 4-5 days.
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