West African cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors, influenced by a rich history of regional ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. From hearty stews to savory fritters, West African cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. In this article, we’ve rounded up 14 West African recipes that are easy to make and will surely become staples in your kitchen. 8 West African Recipes to Make Again and Again
Jollof Rice
Jollof Rice is a popular West African dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices. This flavorful one-pot meal is perfect for a family dinner or a big gathering. To make Jollof Rice, start by frying onions in oil until they are soft and translucent. Then add tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, and spices, and stir until well combined. Add rice and chicken broth, and cook until the rice is tender.
Egusi Soup
Egusi Soup is a traditional Nigerian soup made with ground melon seeds, vegetables, and meat or fish. The soup is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. To make Egusi Soup, start by toasting and grinding melon seeds. Then, fry onions, garlic, and tomato paste in oil until they are soft. Add meat or fish, vegetables, and spices, and let simmer until the ingredients are well combined.
Suya
Suya is a popular street food in Nigeria made with skewered meat that has been marinated in a spicy peanut sauce. To make Suya, start by marinating strips of beef or chicken in a mixture of peanut butter, spices, and oil. Thread the meat onto skewers and grill until cooked through. Serve with sliced onions and tomatoes.
Pepper Soup
Pepper Soup is a spicy broth made with meat, fish, or chicken and a variety of spices. This soup is popular in West Africa and is often served as a restorative dish for those feeling under the weather. To make Pepper Soup, start by frying onions and garlic in oil until they are soft. Add meat or fish, vegetables, and spices, and simmer until well combined. 8 West African Recipes to Make Again and Again
Akara
Akara is a popular West African breakfast food made with black-eyed peas that have been ground and deep-fried. The fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and are often served with a spicy pepper sauce. To make Akara, start by soaking black-eyed peas overnight. Grind the peas into a paste, add onions, salt, and pepper, and deep-fry until golden brown.
Efo Riro
Efo Riro is a vegetable soup that is popular in Nigeria. The soup is made with a variety of leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, and onions, and is often served with a side of pounded yam or fufu. To make Efo Riro, start by frying onions, garlic, and peppers in oil until they are soft. Add leafy greens and spices, and let simmer until well combined.
Kelewele
Kelewele is a popular Ghanaian snack made with plantains that have been seasoned with ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, and then fried until crispy. The dish is often served as a side dish or a snack. To make Kelewele, start by slicing plantains and tossing them with spices. Fry the plantains in oil until crispy.
Groundnut Soup
Groundnut Soup is a rich and creamy soup made with ground peanuts, meat, and vegetables. The soup is popular in West Africa and is often served with a side of fufu or rice. To make Groundnut Soup, start by frying onions and garlic in oil until they are soft. Add meat or fish, vegetables,
