5 African dishes to try in a lifetime
Away from the misconception of African food
If some African ingredients and dishes made it to the international culinary scene (like couscous, jollof , pilau etc..) many recipes deserve more exposure for all the savours and culture that they bring! African food can offer deliciously healthy alternatives while bringing a taste of adventure to the table; Discover 5 original meals inspired by African countries below!
1.Chapati, Kenya
Beetroot chapati with Matcha dip, egg/corn salad.
A few countries in Africa have their own take on chapati but the Kenyan recipe stands out! Mombasa was one of the major trading point during pre-colonisation and middle age; The port city absorbed influences coming from other African port cities, the Arabian Peninsula or India amongst others- It shows in Mombasa worldly cooking style!
In food as in the architecture you can find a feel of Portuguese, Arab or South-Asian’ cultures, blended into convivial, colourful Kenyan meals.
Kenyan Chapati is inspired by Indian cuisine; The dough is thiner than it would be for a naan and includes a blend of perfuming spices before being braised or cooked in (coconut) butter.
Chapati is used as a bread and is served with most meals in Mombasa and across Tanzania as well.
2.Beignet, Cameroon
Beignets stuffed with traditional Apple compote, vanilla from Madagascar, Hibiscus coulis on top.
Cameroon or "Little Africa" contributes greatly to the culinary wave emerging from the continent thanks to its refined approach to cooking with memorable flavours and delicate blend of spices. Many dishes are to be named in this country of variety (like Ndole, the National dish for example), yet Cameroon might also be offering one of the most comforting dessert across all Africa.
Beignets or Cameroonian doughnuts can be sweet or savoury. They have a crispy crust with a light, fluffy, brioche-like inside.
The secret is to keep the dough in a warm place so it can rise properly, and create this moist texture once cooked.
One of the neighbour country, Nigeria have its own version of the doughnut called puff-puff.
3.Fonio, Ivory coast
Fonio mixed to black quinoa, garnishing grilled aubergine, spinach sauce and steamed colin.
Another superfood and superstar from West Africa: Fonio is an organic, gluten-free grain with a nutty taste and a pearly apparence similar to brown sugar. It can be prepared like quinoa and kinda have the texture of couscous once cooked. Fonio got a high content of fibre and a lower glycemic index than couscous or brown rice.
Fonio also contains an amino acid usually find in eggs, meat or fish, called methionine; This nutrient is part of the family of 9 essentials to the human body and is known for the important role it plays in preventing liver damage and helping wounds healing.
New go-to for vegan, vegetarian or anyone looking for healthier plant-based alternative!
4.Shiro, Ethiopia
Photo taken during a cooking class in Gongar, Ethiopia
Ethiopian call it ‘ fast-food’; Shiro is indeed quick to make yet deliciously healthy and vegan! This spicy dip is a creative alternative to hummus. Made from a blend of chickpea, broad bean, paprika and spices then simmered until thick with fried onions, peppers, tomato paste and vegetables bouillon.
Photo taken during a cooking class in Gongar, Ethiopia
Shiro is spread on top of injera (the central flatbread looking like a spongy crepe made from fermented teff flour and with a slightly sour taste) alongside a multitude of colourful vegetable creams and stews like kikil or Mesir wat.
5.Nshima, Zambia
Photo taken in Livingstone
Also called ugali ( or Sadza in Zimbabwe, pap in South Africa ) is a classic in Southern African cuisine. This delicious maize flour turned into a porridge is addictive by its melting texture and soft taste! Tilapia, fished from the Lake Victoria is never too either, often prepared grilled or pan fried in juice.
The most important element to fully enjoy nshima is the sauce served along: Caramelised onions, red peppers, coconut oil, Tomato paste and spices.
Ndiwo on the side (chopped cassava leaves, groundnut, tomato sauce) and the pleasure to eat with your hands!
African food vary from one country to another and depending on the climate/ altitude, staples food available to local population can differ. Food insecurity remains a major problem on the continent, however you will often find starchy produces ( yam, potato, rice etc..) served alongside braised meat or in vegetables stew. On the coast fish, seafood and exotic fruits ( plantain, coconut, mango etc..) are also an important part of daily meals.
Did you know any of those dishes ? Hope you have discovered something new by reading this! If you have any questions write a comment below or drop an email to contact@koldenkitchen.com!