There is little doubt today, that Africa houses a large part of the spices, seasonings, condiments and other essential natural ingredients found in our recipes. Most foods across the world feature some kind of plant, seed or shrub originating from Africa. How do Africans today, make their own food from plants and crops grown in their own home? To answer, we take a look at the most common dishes you can find on the continent.
Funge
Funge is a common food among the angolans in the south. Its is made from cassava flour and fish. Occasionally, vegetables and spices are added for flavor, texture and aroma. The meal is eaten as a paste with fish accompaniment.
Millet Meal
Millet and sorghum meals are the main staple foods of Chadians. This food is eaten alongside meat or fish. Unlike the west, communal eating is still practised today in these areas. People gather around the meals and eat from common bowls.
Fufu
Fufu, a cassava meal, is quite common in Ghana, West Africa, but also a staple food of Central Africans. Unlike other regions, fufu in Congo is eaten with stew instead of soup. The stew recipe is prepared with mainly freshwater fish, prawns or smoked meat. Additionally, Lituma, made from plantain, makes a popular dish. They are made from pounded ripe plantain, scooped into the size of a fist and baked. Dish made from mashed plantains which are formed into balls and baked is also common.
Pepper Soup
Pepper soup, made from vegetables and dried freshwater fish, is a signature cuisine of Nigeria but equally popular in Equatorial Guinea where the fish is sometimes substituted with grilled game meat. The Guineans also
like their meals heavily spiced.
Tsebhi
Tsebhi is the national food of the Eritreans. It is a kind of stew recipe made from flour, legumes, vegetables, fish or meat. Owing to cultural ties with Ethiopia, this dish sometimes have influences like the addition of native spices.
Qado
Qado is the favorite food of the Somalis. Its a pasta like rice meal that is spiced and eaten with stew. A similar meal is the Iskkukaris which is also rice-based but with meat and vegetables. Soor is another popular meal made from corn and taken with soup.
Bamia
Bamia, okro stew, is widely eaten in Tanzania. It is mixed with beans.
Harira
Soups are commonplace meals in Algeria. One of the most common is harira. Its made from chicken, vegetables and legumes. It is usually served as a side.
Dokono
Dokon or kenkey is a common food in Ghana. There are two varieties of this food – the Ga version and the Fanti edition. Dokon is made from boiled fermented corn and eaten with fish, stew or soup.
