West African dishes are known for their color, flavor, aroma and diversity. There are multiple countries in this region which share similar dishes. For example, the jollof rice is a Nigerian, Ghana dish known globally due to the frequent “social media battles” about which country has the best variant. Additionally, these cuisines have become widespread and you can enjoy them anywhere on the continent and globally. Here are some of the most popular West African dishes you should cook next.
Chicken Yassa
Chicken Yassa is a Senegalese dish prepared from marinated chicken. It’s slowly cooked until it’s tender. Its ingredients add flavor, making it juicy and appealing. They include black pepper, dijon mustard, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and salt. This lovely meal is accompanied by green beans, white rice or couscous.
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Fufu
Fufu is one of the most popular West African dishes. Several countries make it including Nigeria, Senegal, Siera Leone, Togo, Angola and more. Its key ingredients are pounded yam, plantains or cassava. The result is a smooth, dense and stretchy “dough”, eaten with hands. People serve it with stews like egusi soup, ogbono soup, or vegetable soup.
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Ghanaian Salad
There are two ways to make Ghanaian salad – vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The vegetarian version has baked beans, cucumber, lettuce, onions and tomatoes, and the non-vegetarian has canned sardines or corned beef. Those who want a quick, filling meal can always go with this.
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Garri
Garri is a staple in West Africa. It’s made from dried and processed cassava. The resulting powder is mixed with cold water which forms small balls. To have the best outcome, handle the process well. That said, its taste depends on where it’s prepared. The dish can be accompanied by a range of stews including soup and vegetables.
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Red Red
Red red or the Ghanaian bean stew made using palm oil. Its name actually originates from the use of red palm oil. Other ingredients used include fresh garlic, chilli, tomato paste and ginger. When your meal is ready, serve it with fried plantains and garnished with gari. The best part about it is you can eat it at any time, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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Ogbono Soup
Ogbono soup joins the list of popular West African dishes. It derives its name from the use of ogbono seeds or mango seeds. Some of the ingredients used in making this dish include palm oil, pepper, water and leafy vegetables. Its slimy texture comes from okra but can also use crab, shrimp, goat or chicken. Rice, fufu or pounded yam are common accompaniments for this soup.
Puff Puff
Puff puff is cooked in several African countries under different names and preparation methods. The West African version consists of flour, sugar, salt, butter, water, eggs, and vegetable oil. Ideally, you can eat it for breakfast but you can also have it at any time of the day.
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Jollof Rice
You can’t make a list of the most popular West African dishes and not mention jollof. Nigerians and Ghanaians constantly debate about the best makers of the dish. Ingredients include basmati rice, garlic cloves, white onion, tomato puree, scotch bonnet pepper and curry powder among others. People serve it with fried plantain, steamed vegetables, salads, and coleslaw.
These are some of the most popular West African dishes you should try cooking at home or ordering at a restaurant. It will give you an appreciation of African food and its diversity. Also, you’ll realize that the continent has a lot of similarities in its approach to food. Which West African cuisine have you tried?
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