9 African Food Recipes You Need to Try at Home

And yes, there's a recipe for Fufu.

By Karly Wood September 2, 2022

Try some of these easy African food recipes for your next family dinner night

There are more than 50 countries in Africa, and each one has its own flavorful cuisine. Often hearty in nature, many African food recipes rely heavily on plants, seeds, meat and rice, which make them family friendly. From Fufu to meat pies, we’ve rounded up a handful of dishes that are perfect for introducing your kids to the African culture.

African Chicken Stew

a kid-friendly African food recipe — Canadian Cooking Adventures

Known as West African Chicken Stew or Nigerian Red Chicken Stew, this meal from Canadian Cooking is warm and filling. You can make it as spicy as you'd like, and serve it alongside rice or pounded yam.

Kefta Briouate

Spiced mincemeat is at the center of this Kefta Briouate from My Moroccan Food. This hand pie made with phyllo dough is traditionally fried (this recipe saves a few calories by baking) and then topped with icing sugar and ground cinnamon.

Baked Chicken Jollof Rice

A chicken dish that's a great African food recipe. — Recipes from a Pantry

Time for a new spin on your regular chicken and rice recipe! This traditional recipe uses Jollof rice, which is a blend of tomato puree and rice and adds savory chicken and veggies. Recipes from a Pantry gives you the easy details for this baked recipe that makes dinner a breeze.

Nigerian Meat Pie

A popular African food recipe for meat pies. — Sims Home Kitchen

If this dish reminds you of a British Cornish Pasty, you'd be right! Sims Home Kitchen breaks down the uber kid-friendly meal, made with basics like flour, butter, potatoes, and minced beef.

West African Fufu

Need a side dish for your soup? Try Fufu! The three-ingredient recipe from Chef Lola's Kitchen is easy to whip up and allows you to eat your meal without utensils.

West African Peanut Soup

While admittedly not an authentic soup, this West African-inspired dish from Cookie + Kate is just as tasty and perfect for vegetarians who wouldn't be able to enjoy the traditional meat version. Peanut butter, onions, and collard greens start this tasty soup, which comes together in less than 45 minutes and can be enjoyed immediately.

Moroccan Shrimp Tagine

A new take on shrimp and loaded with flavor, this Moroccan dish is one everyone will enjoy. Karen's Kitchen Stories' recipe uses jumbo shrimp, tomatoes, garlic and fennel and suggests a good crusty bread so you don't waste any of those delightful juices.

Nigerian Street Beef Skewers

Nigerian Suya is common street food, and now you can make it at home! Choose between beef, mutton, lamb, or chicken, then roll in a special suya spice made of peanuts, ground ginger, and chili. SubSahara Post has an easy and delicious recipe.

South African Milk Tart

Don't forget about dessert! This milk tart from Simple Living Creative Learning uses pantry basics and a store-bought tart shell to make this recipe easy.