Introduction
I never thought I’d be recommending snacks from Game of Thrones. But with the show coming to an end soon, what else do you have to watch on Sunday nights? Let’s just say it’s not as bad as you think—there are plenty of delicious recipes that can satisfy both your hunger and your craving for adventure.
As we prepare ourselves (and our stomachs) for this last season of the show, here are 20 scrumptious African recipes that will feed the cast (and you too!)
1. Bobotie
Bobotie is a traditional South African dish made with ground meat, spices and fruit. The name comes from the Afrikaans word “bobotjie,” which means “little bake.” It’s usually served with yellow rice or pap, which is a stewed cornmeal porridge.
The ingredients for this recipe include 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/2 cup chopped apple (or other fruit); 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; salt and pepper to taste.
2. Biltong
- Biltong is a dried meat that’s very popular in Africa. It’s made from beef, pork, or game and flavored with salt and spices.
- Biltong is usually sliced thin and served with a sauce like mint jelly or chutney.
3. Chakalaka
Chakalaka is a spicy relish made of vegetables, beans and spices. It’s a popular dish in South Africa and also known as chakalaka or chakalaka sauce. Chakalaka can be served with pap (a staple food made from maize) or rice.
4. Pap and Vleis
Pap is a traditional South African porridge made from maize meal. It’s usually eaten with butter, sugar and milk or cream. If you don’t have any in the house, you can use this recipe to make your own.
Vleis is a traditional South African dish made from meat (usually beef) and vegetables such as tomatoes and onions. A popular combination is pap and vleis — think of it like steak and potatoes!
5. Phuthi, a type of samp and beans
Phuthi, a traditional South African dish that’s made from beans and samp (cornmeal), is a great snack. It can be served as a side dish or main meal, depending on how hungry you are!
Phuthi is one of those dishes that crosses cultural boundaries easily because it has such an earthy flavor that appeals to everyone. You’ll want to try this one out if you want something different than the usual hummus dip or chips with salsa at your next party.
6. Peri-peri chicken
Peri-peri is a spicy sauce, originating from the Portuguese island of Cape Verde, that is often used in African cooking. The name “peri-peri” comes from the Portuguese word for pepper (pimenta).
The chicken wings are marinated in lemon juice, salt and pepper before being cooked on a grill or under a broiler until they’re golden brown. You’ll end up with crispy skin and tender meat inside–perfection!
7. Isigidimi (African salsa) with fried plantain strips
Isigidimi is a traditional South African relish made from tomatoes, onions and green peppers. It’s often served with pap or as a topping for meat–and it can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes. This recipe calls for canned tomatoes because they’re easy to find at most grocery stores!
8. Bobola, a soft doughnut with a sticky caramel sauce filling
Bobola is a traditional Polish dessert that can be found in Europe, North America and Australia. It’s a soft doughnut with a sticky caramel sauce filling.
The traditional recipe calls for yeast to be mixed with water and allowed to rise overnight before being shaped into balls with holes in the center, which are then fried in oil until golden brown on both sides. The finished product is drizzled with cooled melted butter mixed with sugar and cinnamon before being rolled in powdered sugar or icing sugar (powdered sugar).
9. Maltese kabobs with various marinades and spices on skewers
- Maltese kabobs with various marinades and spices on skewers
Maltese kabobs are a popular street food in Malta, where they’re known as kebab ta’ l-Erbgħa. This recipe was brought to the island by Turks who settled there centuries ago and has since become an integral part of local culture. The dish consists of pieces of meat cooked with vegetables on wooden skewers over an open flame (though you can also cook it in the oven). There are many variations of the recipe, but typically it includes onions, tomatoes, zucchini or eggplant and bell peppers–and if you want some extra flavor without adding any fat or calories try adding some spices like cumin seeds or cinnamon sticks!
10. A variety of African sweets such as malva pudding (a traditional South African dessert made from cooked tapioca) or mamagogo (deep fried dough balls made from grated cassava roots).
- A variety of African sweets such as malva pudding (a traditional South African dessert made from cooked tapioca) or mamagogo (deep fried dough balls made from grated cassava roots).
Other options include karoo syrup, mielie pap (maize porridge), and mampoer.
A taste of Africa is right at your fingertips!
African food is delicious, healthy and easy to make. It’s also great for entertaining and a great way to show off your culture!
African recipes have been passed down for generations and are full of rich flavors that will leave you wanting more.
If you’re looking for something new to try or just want something different than what’s on the grocery store shelves right now then this list of African snacks is right up your alley!
Conclusion
I hope this list has inspired you to try some new African dishes. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out these other articles from The Kitchn:
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