What do people in Africa eat

What is the food like in Africa? Vegetables, rice, beans and starches like plantains, green bananas, cocoyam, yams, yucca rule the cooking pot in Africa. African food recipes vary from village to village, town to town, city to city and the 54 African countries on the African continent have its own food influences. African people have a unique cooking techniques and practices that make its traditional and modern food rich in taste and flavor therefore it is impossible to group African food into one category.

Mango is popular food people in Africa eat.
Selling Mangoes in Yamoussoukro Ivory Coast Africa.

 
In Africa, you will find dishes influenced by people who lived there for millions as years as well as major influences from cultures that colonized Africa and newly established fast food chain restaurants. In addition, with a range of climates and growing conditions, the ingredients for African cuisine are diverse. It is impossible to group African food into one category. 

Food recipes of a community are often closely related to where they live as well as the increasing urbanization of African populations. Large well-known American retail and fast food companies see South Africa as a gateway into the growing African market. 

Seattle Coffee has been operating in South Africa since 1996, Cinnabon launched in South Africa in 2006 looking to open stores in Egypt, Libya, and Morocco. Krispy Kreme is opened in Johannesburg November 2015 looking to expand to Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. Dunkin Donuts has also announced plans to set up shop in South Africa in 2016. 
 
Generalizations about African food are not helpful in describing a subject as complex as diets, which depend on many economic, environmental, social and cultural factors. African food recipes are usually based on a carbohydrate staple served with soups, relishes and sauces, which may or may not be spicy, prepared from a wide variety of other ingredients. With local influences, colonization and a growing fast food market, there is no way to precisely describe African food except, the food of Africa reflects its history and future.

 

Ghanaian red-red stew

Ghana red-red bean tomato stew is made with black-eyed peas, palm oil and tomatoes. 
 
Prep Time: 10 minutes. 

Cook time: 25 minutes. 

Ghana Red Red Stew ingredients and directions.

Serves 4.

Nutrition facts: 270 calories, 8 grams fat.
 
Ingredients. 
2 tablespoons palm oil. 
1 onion, thinly sliced. 
1 clove garlic, finely chopped. 
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger. 
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. 
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes. 
1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained. 
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. 
1 tablespoon unsalted butter.
2 plantains, halved lengthwise and cut into chunks. 

Directions. 
Heat oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook about 10 minutes or until golden and tender, stirring frequently. Stir in garlic, ginger and cayenne and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes and peas and bring to a simmer. 

Cook 15 minutes or until peas are tender and flavors blended. Stir in salt. Melt butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium, add plantains and cook about 5 minutes or until browned on both sides, gently flipping halfway through cooking. Serve alongside black-eyed peas in a shallow bowl.

What do people in Africa eat three food facts. 

African food recipes vary from village to village, town to town, city to city and the 54 African countries on the African continent have its own food influences. 

African food recipes are usually based on a carbohydrate staple.

It is impossible to group African food into one category.

The African Gourmet Logo.

More economical easy lunch and dinner recipes to make right now so you never have to eat or prepare a boring meal again.

  1. Yedoro Stir Fried Ethiopian Chicken Dinner
  2. Caldo Verde Portuguese Kale Soup
  3. Air Fryer Black Eyed Pea Dumpling Stew

Popular Posts

The African Gourmet


In 2023, we mark 16 years of dedicated service in discovering, collecting, and sharing African history and heritage. Our mission is to promote a sense of pride and appreciation for this rich cultural legacy and important educational resource.



So, my adventurous friend, fasten your seatbelt and prepare for a wild and downright mind-blowing journey through Africa's 54 food nations. You're about to discover a whole new world of cultures, traditions, and practices that'll leave you craving more. Since 2007, The African Gourmet has highlighted Africa through its food and culture. Contact us culture1africangourmet@gmail.com

Chic African Culture

Indulge in our delectable food dishes that serve as a delightful and flavorful gateway to the rich diversity of the African continent.