On Saturday 25 February we celebrate Africa Day, this is a special day for everyone who has an appreciation for the African continent and its cultures. John Burroughts, an American naturalist and nature essayist, wrote: “I go to nature to be soothed and healed and to have my senses put in order”. Where better than Africa, to have your senses rejuvenated and restored!
With its adventurous atmosphere, abundant wildlife, vibrant culture, and rich heritage, Africa is one of the most multi-sensory countries in the world. The African continent is home to 54 countries, which makes it home to a diverse range of dishes.
Traditional African cuisine vary from area to area, all have distinctive dishes, preparation techniques and ingredients that are used to create these delicious and unique cuisines. To celebrate Africa Day, we have compiled a list of some of the cuisine enjoyed by different nations on the continent.
Tripe Stew
Tripe, known as ‘mongodu’ or ‘ulusu’ in South Africa and as ‘matumbo’ in Kenya, is the edible lining from the stomach of various farm animals and eaten in many parts of the African continent. Usually prepared as a stew or a soup and eaten with a desired starch dish.
Chakalaka and Pap
Pap (maize porridge) is a staple food in most, if not all of the African countries. It is cooked in boiling water or milk, until it reaches a firm dough-like consistency & is usually eaten with ‘seshebo’, which is a meaty or savoury dish. Chakalaka is a South African vegetable spicy dish, made of onion, carrots, tomatoes, curry powder, and baked beans. It is easy to prepare and served at a get-together party.
Piri Piri Chicken
This dish is often considered the national dish of Mozambique. The chicken is prepared with hot peppers, birds eye chilly, lemon and garlic.
Egusi Soup
This is one of the most popular dishes in Nigeria and is prepared with goat, beef or fish and some vegetables, and thickened with ground melon seeds. It’s a melon soup and you can eat it with any starch like pounded yams and fufu
Jollof Rice
Popular in West and sub-Saharan Africa, this dish is typically made with long grain rice, tomatoes, onions, spices, vegetables, and various meat, all cooked in a single pot. Jollof rice is served with tomato stew and mackerel fish with friend plantain.
Chapati
A taste from Kenya, chapati (something like a roti) is serve with rice and an assortment of meat. Word is that Ugandans have a similar dish.
Nkate nkwane
Peanut butter soup, or Nkate nkwane is one of the most popular soups in Ghana. This soup is made up of peanuts, onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
Kukuma wiki
This very tasty and nutritious vegetable dish from Kenya, consists of vegetables like, kale, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Kukuma wiki is served with ugali (cooked white cornmeal), roasted meat or fish.
Kifto
Ethiphia love their Kifto, which is raw minced beef, lamb tibs and served with Injera (a type of sour bread)
Shisanyama or Braai Meat
South Africans love to braai, as it is a casual get together with family and friends. Meat is seasoned with spices and marinated well before the meat is added to the braai. The temperature of the fire is important when braaiing, as to much heat can result in your meat being burnt.
Mnqushu
Another South African staple is undefeated, Mnqushu (samp and beans) with pork trotters and spinach (marog)
Domoda
Also called ‘groundnut stew, this delicious dish from Senegal consists of majority peanuts, veal, lamb, beef, fish, tomato paste, onion, vegetables, and a lot of lemons.
There is no place quite like Africa - the untamed bush, the wildlife, the people and the scenery. A magical place to be. That is why we celebrate Africa Day.
South Africa is also home to one of the best culinary schools in Africa. We offer national and international qualifications to students and industry professionals. Join the best hands-on chef school in Pretoria.
Contact us by sending us an email toinfo@steynscullinaryschool.co.za or message us via WhatsApp at 072 645 5167 or by visiting our website today at www.steynsculinaryschool.co.za
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