Africa: Cuisine and Recipes

The cooking of Africa has roots reaching back thousands of years. This huge continent is the origin of many unique grains and vegetables, many found nowhere else in the world. In recent centuries, African cuisine has been influenced by Arab traders, European colonizers and Asian immigrants.

Most African meals center around a starchy gruel — fufu, ugali or nshima — that is served a vegetable stew or a soup. Grilled meats and smoked fish are also popular. Many dishes get fiery heat from hot chile peppers.

Ingredients of the African Pantry

Many of the grains and vegetables eaten in Africa are found nowhere else. Others, like corn, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and coconut milk, are common around the world. Grains like millet, teff and sorghum can sometimes be found at many health food stores. Latin or Asian markets will carry plantains and cassava root.

Here is a list of foods commonly eaten on the African continent south of the Sahara. Use it to stock your own home with the essentials of the African kitchen.

Breads and Grains

• Barley, Cornmeal, Millet, Rice, Sorghum, Teff

Vegetables and Beans

• Collard Greens, Corn, Eggplant, Okra, Onions, Peppers, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato Leaves, Tomatoes, Wild Greens
• Cassava, Plantains, Sweet Potatoes, Taro, Yams
• Black-eyed Peas, Lentils

Fruits, Nuts and Seeds

• Avocado, Bananas, Coconut, Guavas, Mangoes, Pineapples, Tamarind, Watermelon
• Kola Nuts, Palm Nuts, Peanuts
• Baobab Seeds, Sesame Seeds

Meats, Poultry and Fish

• Beef, Bushmeat, Goat, Lamb
• Chicken, Guinea Fowl, Ostrich
• Tilapia, Lake Victoria Perch, Shrimp, Smoked and Dried Fish

Eggs and Dairy

• Buttermilk, Curds, Eggs, Milk

Sauces, Condiments and Oils

• Coconut milk, Honey, Maggi^© Seasoning
• Butter, Palm Oil, Shea Tree Butter

Spices and Herbs

• Chili Peppers, Gingerroot
• Dried Shrimp
• Curry Powder, Egusi (ground gourd seeds), Grains of Paradise

Beverages

• Coconut Juice, Coffee, Ginger Beer, Palm Wine, Tea

Cuisines and Recipes of Africa

Get African recipes and find out what makes the cuisines of Africa so delightfully delicious.