Pan-African Noodle Collection | The African Gourmet

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African Noodles 101: Couscous and Beyond for Bold Flavor

Ever feel like your noodle adventures are stuck in a rut? You’ve slurped ramen and twirled spaghetti — but have you ever explored the bold, flavorful world of African noodles? From Morocco to West Africa, noodles star in spicy stews, hearty broths, and vibrant grain dishes like couscous.

Moroccan couscous with vegetables and tomato sauce — the heart of African noodles.

Forget Everything You Know About Noodles: Africa Awaits

African noodles go far beyond instant ramen or Italian pasta. They’re made from indigenous grains like millet, sorghum, and cassava, creating distinctive textures and earthy flavors. Their sauces — infused with harissa, berbere, and ras el hanout — reflect centuries of trade and cultural fusion across the continent.

Goat milk couscous porridge — a sweet take on African noodles.

Recipe Spotlight: Moroccan Couscous with Vegetables and Spiced Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cups couscous
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned
• 3 medium tomatoes, blended into purée
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ras el hanout
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare couscous: Pour 2 cups boiling water over couscous. Cover 5 minutes, fluff with a fork.
2. Cook vegetables: Heat oil, sauté onion 2 minutes, add carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper; cook 7–10 minutes.
3. Make sauce: Add tomato purée, paste, and spices; simmer 5–7 minutes until thick.
4. Combine: Add chickpeas, stir, and spoon over couscous. Garnish and serve hot.

Couscous — the African noodle that tells a story of trade and spice.

Explore More African Grain & Noodle Dishes

• Nigerian Fried Akara and Ogi
• Senegalese Chicken Vermicelli
• Air Fryer Black-Eyed Pea Dumpling Stew