Join us for an adventure in flavor!

    The 35 BEST African Recipes

    African food is so diverse, spanning many different cultures from north to south, east to west. But whatever the part of the continent, there is always something delicious to eat.

    To help you create these amazing flavors in your own kitchen, we’ve compiled this list of African Recipes from GypsyPlate and around the internet.

    From their hearty soups and stews, roasted and grilled meats, rice preparations, vegetable dishes and more, you’ll find it all here.

    Try cooking all of these great African dishes… you’re going to love these flavors!

    The Best African Recipes.

    The Best African Recipes:

    1. Beef Tagine (Moroccan Beef Stew)

    This one is extra special… Beef Tagine is an alluring labor of love that takes hours to slowly cook and simmer. It’s not your regular stew by any standard.

    Brimming with sweet and savory flavors, it’s super fragrant as soon as you start making it. Thanks to all the earthy exotic spices, this stew takes on some amazing flavors from the exotic land called Morocco.

    Get the Recipe


    2. Harira

    Harira is a traditional Moroccan soup of tomatoes, lentils and chickpeas. Full of warm flavors, it’s a real comfort food.

    Wonderfully fragrant with zesty seasoning, it often ranks high on lists of must try North African foods.

    Get the Recipe


    3. South African Chakalaka

    Chakalaka is a South African vegetable staple that normally accompanies their meats and seafood.

    It is often featured in get togethers like their Braais (South African barbecues or cookouts) and celebration times.

    Get the Recipe


    4. Maafe (Senegalese Peanut Stew)

    This West African peanut stew, Maafe (or Mafe), is loaded with rich savory flavors. Any meat of your choice goes great in this perfectly spiced peanut butter and tomato based sauce.

    Get the Recipe


    5. Zaalouk (Moroccan Eggplant Dip)

    Zaalouk is an amazingly delicious eggplant dish out of Morocco. It’s typically used as a dip or salad, but once you taste it you’ll want to eat it with everything!

    This is one of those dishes with just a few humble ingredients that somehow come together to create magic.

    Get the Recipe


    6. Kedjenou Chicken (Ivory Coast Stew)

    The Ivory Coast is one spicy country, proud of its chili tolerance! This kedjenou chicken stew is cooked “undisturbed” low and slow in its own juices along with plenty of vegetables, some hot peppers, the goodness of thyme and the smokiness of paprika.

    End result? Saucy… Bold… Delicious!

    Get the Recipe


    7. Peri Peri Chicken

    This Peri Peri Chicken recipe features a homemade peri peri sauce. It can be baked or grilled, and tastes even better than Nando’s!

    Get the Recipe


    8. Moroccan Lentil Soup

    Give your regular lentils an exotic makeover with this delectable soup. The warm and flavorful combination of Moroccan spices will forever change your idea of a bowl of lentils.

    Get the Recipe


    9. Chicken Jollof Rice

    This colorful and tasty one pot rice dish is a West African classic. Boldly flavorful, it’s a special treat.

    This version has chicken for the perfect one skillet meal.

    Get the Recipe


    10. South African Chicken Curry

    This South African Chicken Curry doesn’t even come close to anything you’ve known before. It’s a completely different flavor, yet so delectable!

    This one is mild and sweet, albeit with loads of curry powder, reminding you of that curry flavor every single bite.

    Get the Recipe


    11. Harissa (North African Chili Paste)

    Are you ready to add some serious flavor to your table? Then you need to try Harissa!

    This paste is a simple preparation of peppers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and some other flavor enhancers. Give this one a try, we were blown away by the flavors!

    Get the Recipe


    12. Harissa Chicken

    Harissa Chicken is a hugely flavorful dish using my new favorite flavor bomb, North African harissa.

    This recipe is a one pot wonder with chicken, potatoes, carrots and chickpeas, and it takes only a few minutes of your hands on time.

    If you love big flavors, put harissa chicken on this week’s menu!

    Get the Recipe


    13. Chicken Tagine

    Our Moroccan Chicken not only looks super inviting, but it’s loaded with so many layers of flavors. Chicken Tagine is a traditional staple of Moroccan cuisine, known for its slow-cooked, tender chicken infused with a rich blend of spices and aromatic herbs.

    Get the Recipe: Chicken Tagine


    14. North African Chermoula

    Chermoula, also known as charmoula, comes from North Africa. Traditionally, it’s a mix of fresh herbs, aromatics and spices bound together with lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil.

    I like to think of it as an African version of chimichurri.

    Get the Recipe


    15. Shakshuka

    Shakshuka is a gorgeous looking dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers and garlic commonly spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper.

    Although this dish originates in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, it has migrated to north African countries like Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.

    Get the Recipe


    16. Moroccan Couscous Salad

    Give regular couscous a colorful makeover by adding a bunch of veggies and earthy Moroccan spices. 

    This Moroccan Couscous is not only an ideal dish next to any of your chicken, beef or fish dishes, but it can be a stand alone light vegetarian lunch option.

    Get the Recipe


    17. Lablabi (Tunisian Chickpea Soup)

    Lablabi is a simple yet hearty Tunisian soup made of chickpeas, bread and warm seasonings, which gets jazzed up with a variety of toppings.

    Get the Recipe: Lablabi


    18. Egyptian Koshari

    Koshari is one of the national dishes of Egypt, and is beloved at home and as a street food.

    It features lentils, rice, vermicelli, chickpeas, tomato sauce, cumin sauce and savory crispy onions. Although it has a long list of components, it doesn’t take much hands on time.

    Get the Recipe @ amiraspantry


    19. Doro Wat – Ethiopian Chicken Stew

    Doro Wat, an Ethiopian chicken stew, is one of the most famous African dishes, and for a good reason.

    Doro Wat is flavor packed with tender cooked chicken in a fiery berbere spiced sauce, topped with boiled eggs. It’s a popular dish in restaurants, but you should try it in your own home.

    Get the Recipe @ cheflolaskitchen


    20. Injera – Ethiopian Flatbread

    If you’ve visited an Ethiopian restaurant, you know their famous flatbread, injera. It has a unique spongy texture, perfect for soaking up stews.

    Even if you don’t have the traditional teff flour, this recipe gives you substitutions.

    Get the Recipe @ linsfood


    21. Beef Suya

    Beef Suya is a popular street food in Nigeria. These beef skewers are generously seasoned with a crushed peanut and spice mixture.

    Try them at your next cookout!

    Get the Recipe @ foodfidality


    22. West African Fufu

    Fufu is an African staple made of starchy foods like cassava or plantains, that is served along with soups and stews.

    Shaped into balls, it is used to scoop up the stews. Interestingly, it is known as a “swallow food”, meaning it is not to be chewed before swallowing.

    Get the Recipe @ cheflolaskitchen


    23. South African Bobotie

    Bobotie is a traditional meat casserole, and is one of the most delicious African recipes.

    A classic dish from South Africa, Bobotie is made with meat (in this case, venison) that is well seasoned and topped with a creamy egg topping.

    Get the Recipe @ honestfood


    24. African Beef Stew

    This recipe is a popular stew from West Africa. It is a homestyle dish that is often eaten with rice or boiled yams.

    The next time you crave comfort food, try this amazing slow cooked African Beef Stew.

    Get the Recipe @ lowcarbafrica


    25. Asun (Spicy Roast Goat)

    Asun, meaning smoked, is a popular dish at get togethers in Nigeria.

    This recipe is tasty goat meat cooked with a variety of veggies, seasonings and fiery scotch bonnet peppers. It’s got a lot of kick, so this is for the spice lovers.

    Get the Recipe @ africanbites


    26. Sosaties (South African Lamb and Apricot Kebabs)

    Sosaties are tender lamb skewers that are grilled to perfection with a spicy curry and apricot marinade.

    Your friends and family will enjoy these African flavors at your next cookout.

    Get the Recipe @ carolinescooking


    27. Efo Riro – Nigerian Spinach Stew

    This Efo Riro is a delicious, savory African stew made with spinach, and it is so wonderful.

    In addition to spinach, the recipe has other veggies, meat, seafood and plenty of seasonings. This is one tasty dish, and one you’ll want to come back to.

    Get the Recipe @ africanvibes


    28. Cameroonian Sese Plantains

    Cameroonian Sese Plantains is a popular West African dish with flavors from plantains, meat, seafood, spices and seasonings.

    It’s a hearty one pot dish that is full of various nutrients. This dish is also referred to as porridge plantains.

    Get the Recipe @ preciouscore


    29. African Grilled Chicken (Kati Kati)

    Are you ready for a great new chicken recipe? This African Grilled Chicken, or Kati Kati, is it!

    Hailing from the Northwest corner of Cameroon, it’s a popular and super tasty chicken recipe you should definitely try the next time you fire up the grill!

    Get the Recipe @ africanvibes


    30. African Meat Pie (Beef Empanada)

    Empanadas are usually associated with Latin cuisine, but they are also very popular in Africa.

    The meat filling is super tasty. Plus, they are baked rather than fried, so are healthier than usual.

    Get the Recipe @ africanbites


    31. African Fish Stew

    This Nigerian inspired African fish stew is spicy and fragrant, yet at the same time so simple.

    It’s a cozy comfort meal that goes great with rice.

    Get the Recipe @ lowcarbafrica


    32. Potjiekos (South African Hodgepodge Stew)

    This Potjiekos, meaning “small pot food”, is an absolutely delicious traditional South African Hodgepodge dish which has flavorful ingredients like meat, vegetables and spices.

    Get the Recipe @ thedomesticman


    33. Bunny Chow

    Bunny Chow is a South African street food consisting of curry served in a hollowed out loaf of bread.

    This cool recipe is most associated with Durban. This Bunny Chow is a super unique dish, which will be loved by all.

    Get the Recipe @ pepperscale


    34. Misir Wot (Ethiopian Lentils)

    Misir Wot, or Ethiopian lentils, is a hearty and nutritious meatless meal. Made with red lentils and a bright combination of exotic spices, this is a simple and delicious recipe.

    It’s great by itself, and even better with injera bread.

    Get the Recipe @ aspicyperspective


    35. Chicken Yassa

    If you’re an onion eater, this Senegelese dish is for you.

    Chicken Yassa is a hearty and exotic stew with lots of onions and other flavor enhancers like vinegar, mustard, ginger, garlic, lemon and more.

    Get the Recipe @ cheflolaskitchen


    36. Matoke With Beans

    Matoke With Beans is a simple, healthy and delicious East African dish made from green bananas.

    This one pot recipe can be eaten for lunch or dinner, and you can serve it in so many ways.

    Get the Recipe @ eatwellabi


    37. Githeri

    This Kenyan corn and bean soup is a tasty and nutritious meal in a bowl. It only takes about 15 minutes of hands on time, then simmers on it’s own to perfection.

    Get the Recipe @ cheapskatecook


    38. Cape Malay Chicken Curry

    This Cape Malay Chicken Curry recipe is a delicious tomato based curry with an assortment of spices.

    It is much more similar to an Indian curry than the other South African curry on this list.

    Get the Recipe @ beyondkimchee


    So many great African recipes to cook. They all look so good, which to cook first?

    Pin or bookmark this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

    Check out these other recipe collections!
    Latin Recipes
    Caribbean Recipes
    Mexican Recipes
    American Recipes
    Puerto Rican Recipes
    French Recipes
    Asian Recipes
    Thai Recipes
    Filipino Recipes

    featured image for African recipes post.

    35 BEST African Foods

    This great collection of tasty and easy African Recipes will satisfy your cravings without a trip to the restaurant! We love this hearty curry:

    Ingredients

    • 6 chicken thighs
    • 2 Tbsp curry powder
    • 2 Tbsp flour
    • 2 Tbsp brown sugar
    • 1 Tbsp black pepper powder
    • ½ cup apricot jam
    • 2 Tbsp vinegar
    • 1 Tbsp mustard
    • 1.5 cup water
    • 2 Tbsp chopped garlic
    • 1 onion, sliced into rings
    • 1 green pepper, diced
    • 8oz mushrooms, halved
    • 3 Tbsp vegetable oil

    Instructions

      1. Mix curry powder, flour, brown sugar and black pepper in a bowl.
      2. In another bowl, mix apricot jam with vinegar, mustard and water and stir together until nicely combined.
      3. Heat oil in an wide bottom pan. Salt and pepper both sides of chicken, add to heated oil and brown on both sides. Remove to plate and set aside.
      4. In the same pan, sauté onion rings until transluscent, then add garlicand stir for a few seconds. Be sure to scrape up the good brown things left from thechicken, this imparts nice flavors to your curry. Add mushrooms and peppers, stir for few minutes.
      5. Return chicken thighs to pan. Mix in your powder blend. Coat the chicken and veggies well with the powder.
      6. Add your apricot preserve blend and stir it for few minutes. Cover and simmer until chicken is done, occasionally checking and stirring. Add more water if necessary or according to your desried consistency.
      7. Serve it over a plate of hot rice.

      Did you make this recipe?

      Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

      Picture of Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate

      Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

      Get griddling! Try these Blackstone Recipes!

      Never miss a recipe!

      Join the GypsyPlate mailing list and get easy dinner recipes right in your mailbox. From homestyle comfort food to exotic dishes from around the world.



        4 thoughts on “The 35 BEST African Recipes”

        Leave a Reply

        Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

        Search by Cuisine

        Travel a word of flavors with GypsyPlate. Sort our recpes by regions:

        GypsyPlate logo.
        Skip to Recipe