Best African Cookbooks Bursting with Vibrant Recipes and Flavourful Dishes
African cuisine is one of the most underrated yet varied culinary regions, ranging from North African to West African to sub-Saharan African cooking styles, traditions, and ingredients. Not to mention the widespread influence of African-American cuisine across the world.
Food lovers will flock to your kitchen when they catch a whiff of the wonderful flavours that African food has to offer. In this guide, we will share some of our favourite African cookbooks to help you get started on your own African cooking journey. This list is just a starting point and does not encompass the full extent of African cuisine.
Africana
Treasured recipes and stories from across the continent
Uncover the secrets of iconic dishes from Nigeria to Madagascar, Morocco to South Africa with Africana, a culinary journey of discovery that celebrates cooking from across the African continent. Explore a variety of cuisines that feature bold flavours, cultural diversity and longstanding traditions. With over 100 recipes, food writer and cook Lerato shares her own stories of Africa and her own modern and inventive style. Experience the delightful flavours of Spice Island Coconut Fish Curry, Harissa Leg of Lamb with Hibiscus, Senegalese Yassa, Tunisian Tagine, South African Malva Pudding, and the perfect Jollof.
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Flavors of Africa
Discover Authentic Family Recipes from All Over the Continent
Over the years, Evi has gathered a variety of recipes from across Africa through relatives and family friends. In Flavors of Africa, she presents tried and true recipes that have been passed down through generations, with modern spins on beloved dishes and new and exciting flavours. African cooking is defined by its unique spice blends, which are now becoming a source of culinary inspiration both in the US and abroad. As noted by EATER, African food is one of the hottest trends of 2017 and Evi’s recipes provide an accessible introduction to these incredible flavours. From Nigerian Stew to Fish in Coconut Curry, Jollof Rice to Moroccan Spiced Lamb and Ethiopian Lentils, you can explore the distinct flavours from each region. With 75 recipes accompanied by 75 photographs, this book is a celebration of the diverse dishes and flavours of Africa.
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Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen
An Introduction to New African Cuisine — from Ghana with Love
Ghanaian cuisine is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and its unique blend of flavours. The recipes in this book are sure to tantalise your taste buds and allow you to explore the world of African cuisine from the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s perfect for those just starting out in cooking with African flavours, and the instructions are easy to follow. We’re especially intrigued by Nkruma (okra) tempura, which promises to be a flavourful and satisfying dish. The okra is lightly battered and deep-fried, giving it a unique texture, while the accompanying sauce adds a delicious blend of spices and herbs, creating a truly unforgettable taste. Whether you want to enjoy a comforting meal on a lazy Sunday afternoon or impress your friends with a delicious dinner party dish, the Ghanaian recipes in this book promise to hit the spot.
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In Bibi’s Kitchen
The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries That Touch the Indian Ocean
In Bibi’s Kitchen is an incredible volume that brings together 75 recipes and stories from grandmothers from eight African countries, showcasing the vibrant flavours of the continent and the history behind them. Through evocative photography and the writing of Somali chef Hawa Hassan and renowned food writer Julia Turshen, readers are welcomed into the kitchens of these grandmothers to learn about family, love, and tradition.
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Ethiopia
Recipes and traditions from the horn of Africa
Ethiopia is a country that stands alone, never having been colonised. Its cuisine is a rich blend of the religious influences of Judaism, Christianity and Islam — a combination that is unique to Africa. Popular dishes include Doro Wat, chicken slowly cooked with berbere spice, Yeassa Alichia, a curried fish stew, and Siga Tibs, flash-fried beef cubes, as well as a variety of vegetarian dishes such as Gomen, minced collard greens with ginger and garlic and Azifa, a green lentil salad.
Chef Yohanis invites readers to explore the essential dishes of his homeland, including the traditional Injera made from the staple grain teff and synonymous with an Ethiopian feast, along with captivating tales of local communities and customs. Accompanied by photos of the country’s breathtaking scenery and vibrant artisans, this book showcases why Ethiopian food is one of the world’s most delicious and enchanting cuisines.
Buy on Amazon
About Homemade Food
Homemade Food is an original series that explores the diverse and vibrant cuisines of the continent, from the spicy stews of West Africa to the aromatic curries of East Africa.
We’ll also be introducing you to some of the unique and exciting drinks that are popular across the continent, from refreshing sorghum beer to creamy shea butter milk. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler looking to learn more about African cuisine or simply curious about the flavours and ingredients that make African food so special, this series is for you.
So grab a seat and join us as we take a tasty tour of Africa!
