9 African Food Recipes You Need to Try at Home

There are more than 50 countries in Africa, and each one has its own flavorful cuisine. Often hearty in nature, many African recipes rely heavily on plants, seeds, meat and rice, which make them family-friendly. From Fufu to meat pies, we’ve rounded up a handful of dishes that are perfect for introducing your kids to the African culture.

photo: Canadian Cooking Adventures

African Chicken Stew

Known as West African Chicken Stew or Nigerian Red Chicken Stew, this meal from Canadian Cooking is warm and filling. You can make it as spicy as you'd like, and serve alongside rice or pounded yam.

photo: My Moroccan Food

Kefta Briouate

Spiced mincemeat is at the center of this Kefta Briouate from My Moroccan Food. The tasty hand pie made with phyllo dough is traditionally fried (but this recipe saves a few cals by baking) then topped with icing sugar and ground cinnamon.

photo: Recipes from a Pantry

Baked Chicken Jollof Rice

Time for a new spin on your regular chicken and rice recipe! This traditional recipe uses Jollof rice, which is basically a blend of tomato puree and rice, and adds savory chicken and veggies. Recipes from a Pantry gives you the easy details for this baked recipe that makes dinner a breeze.

photo: Sims Home Kitchen

Nigerian Meat Pie

If this dish reminds you of a British Cornish Pasty, you'd be right! Sims Home Kitchen breaks down the uber kid-friendly meal, made with basics like flour, butter, potatoes and minced beef.

photo: Chef Lola's Kitchen

West African Fufu

Need a side dish for your soup? Try Fufu! The three-ingredient recipe from Chef Lola's Kitchen is easy to whip up and allows you to eat your meal without utensils.

photo: Cookie Kate

West African Peanut Soup

While admittedly not an authentic soup, this West African-inspired dish from Cookie + Kate is just as tasty and perfect for vegetarians who wouldn't be able to enjoy the traditional meat version. Peanut butter, onions and collard greens start off this tasty soup, which comes together in less than 45 minutes and can be enjoyed immediately.

photo: Karen's Kitchen Stories

Moroccan Shrimp Tagine

A new take on shrimp and loaded with flavor, this Moroccan dish is one everyone will enjoy. Karen's Kitchen Stories' recipe uses jumbo shrimp, tomatoes, garlic and fennel and suggests a good crusty bread so you don't waste any of those delightful juices.

photo: SubSahara Post

Nigerian Street Beef Skewers

Nigerian Suya is a common street food, and now you can make it at home! Choose between beef, mutton, lamb or chicken, then roll in a special suya spice made of peanuts, ground ginger and chili. SubSahara Post has an easy and delicious recipe you can find here.

photo: Simple Living Creative Learning

South African Milk Tart

Don't forget about dessert! This milk tart from Simple Living Creative Learning uses pantry basics and a store-bought tart shell to make this recipe easy peasy.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: iStock

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