Some of the best African dishes

By Samson Ogaye

Africa is not only a land of opportunities but also home to delectable dishes. Prepared using locally sourced ingredients, most of the foods are a representation of Africa culture. Here are the five best local African dishes. 

 Egbono Soup from Nigeria

 Egbono is a popular dish in Nigeria. The Egbono tree produces mango-like fruits rich in proteins and fats (Egbono seeds), which is the core ingredient for the dish. Once harvested, the seed is dried, ground, and used a thickener for soups. You will find variations of recipes for making Egbono soup. Widespread ingredients in all the recipes include green, meats, and Egbono seed.

Zanzibar Biryani and Pilau

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Zanzibaris are known for making the best Biryani and Pilau in Africa.  These meals have been a tradition in the country since the trade days. Biryani and Pilau main ingredient is rice, but you will find many variations of the dishes with some featuring vegetables, meat, and other spices like cinnamon, ginger, cumin, pepper, etc. Biryani and Pilau once prepared with the much-needed spices and ingredients produced a sweet aroma that is welcoming. 

Nyama na irio

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Nyama Na Irio is a traditional Kikuyu staple food. Made of mashed potatoes, beans, peas, corn, as well as onions, among other species, all the latter ingredients are marinated together to form a heap. It is then served with delicacies as meats, sukuma wiki (collard grains), chicken, etc. 

Kapenta with sadza, Zimbabwe

Kapenta is a rich source of proteins, not only for the Zimbabweans but also for other African countries with a water body.  Kapenta is called daaga in Tanganyika. Kenyans call it Omena. In Zambia, it is referred to as Mateemba, and Same age boys in Ghana.  Once harvested its left to dry and fried with tomatoes, onions, among other spices. You can as well cook it fresh from the lake where you will just have to wash it, prepare a stew and dip it to boil. Once ready, serve it with Ugali also known as Sadza.

Cachupa

Cachupa is one of the native African dishes you must try with your visit to Africa. It is made from locally sourced ingredients: Cassava, sweet potatoes, beans, slow-cooked corn, meat, goat, chicken, etc.  The great news is that you can make Cachupa with vegetables if you cannot afford meat or chicken. It will still have that local delectable taste as well; though using the former ingredients makes the entire food lip spamming.

Images: 9Jafoodie, PiquantPost, Migrationology, Afrifoodnetwork,

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