Welcome to the Celtnet Recipes West African Recipes Home Page

The image above shows the entire continent of Africa with West Africa picked out in red. West Africa is formed from sixteen states: 1: Benin; 2: Burkina Faso; 3: Côte d'Ivoire; 4: The Gambia; 5: Ghana; 6: Guinea; 7: Guinea-Bissau; 8: Liberia; 9: Mali; 10: Mauritania; 11: Niger; 12: Nigeria; 13: Senegal; 14: Sierra Leone; 15: Togo. Also included are the islands of Cape Verde, off the Senegalese coast (not shown on the map).

Welcome to the Celtnet Recipes section for recipes from West Africa. Here you will find all the recipes for each and every West African country gathered into one place. All the countries of the region of West Africa are represented here with a (growing) number of recipes representing each. There are many hundreds of recipes in this West African Recipes collection, whish represents the largest collection of native and traditional West African recipes gathered in one place on the internet.

Here each country in West Africa is listed with a collection of recipes from that country. Only a brief descripton of the country is given here. For a more detailed overview please use the links below to navigate to the full listing page for that country. Also, please note that only a maximum of 50 recipes is given for each country in this list. For the full recipes listing you need to navigate to the country's main page. However, this page also gives recipes that are common to all countries in North Africa.

Below are the links to each specific country in West Africa:

West Africa: Benin; Burkina Faso; Côte d'Ivoire; The Gambia; Ghana; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Liberia; Mali; Mauritania; Niger; Nigeria; Senegal; Sierra Leone and Togo. Also included are the islands of Cape Verde, off the Senegalese coast


These recipes also cover all historical periods from ancient stone-age recipes through the latest fusion recipes and recpresent a traditional taste of West African cuisine in all its variety. This recipe page (and all the other recipe pages on this site) are brought to you in association with the 'One Million People' campaign, detailed below. If you find this and the other recipes on this page informative and/or useful please consider giving a small donation. Thank you!

Your donations keep this site going and they keep me motivated to add more and more content to the site as well.

This list of West African recipes is brought to you by the One Million People Campaign please take a few minutes to make a donation to help Liberian/Sierra Leonian refugees rebuild their life below (all donations are made securely via PayPal):

Solution Graphics

You can also browse recipes from the following geographical regions of the African Continent:

North African Recipes West African Recipes Central African Recipes East African Recipes
Southern African Recipes

The Alphabetical lists of recipes from the countries of West Africa follows:

West Africa

    African Fish Curry Powder
     Origin: West Africa
    Fritters
     Origin: West Africa
    Sauce aux Crevettes
     (Shrimp Sauce)
     Origin: West Africa
    African Hot Sauce
     Origin: sub-Saharan Africa
    FuFu
     Origin: West Africa
    Sauce Verde
     Origin: West Africa
    African Stew Curry Powder
     Origin: West Africa
    Gali Akpono
     Origin: sub-Saharan Africa
    Semolina and Ground Rice FuFu
     Origin: West Africa
    Beans and Rice
     Origin: West Africa
    Ginger Beer
     Origin: West Africa
    Spicy Okra and Turnip Greens
     Origin: West Africa
    Benachin
     Origin: West Africa
    Grilled Tilapia
     Origin: African
    Spicy West African Yam Soup
     Origin: West Africa
    Benne-seed Wafers
     Origin: West Africa
    Hot Pepper and Anchovy Sauce
     Origin: West Africa
    Spinach and Peanut Butter Stew
     Origin: West Africa
    Black Eyed Pea and Benne Seed Dip
     Origin: West Africa
    Hot Pepper Sauce
     Origin: West Africa
    Succotash
     (Corn and Beans)
     Origin: West Africa
    Boiled Plantains
     Origin: West Africa
    Jollof/Djolof Rice
     Origin: West Africa
    Sweet Potato and Roast Cashew Soup
     Origin: West Africa
    Caakiri
     Origin: West Africa
    Lemony Chicken Okra Soup
     Origin: West Africa
    Um'bido
     Origin: sub-Saharan Africa
    Cabbage and Pineapple Salad
     Origin: West Africa
    Moy-moy
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Couscous
     Origin: West Africa
    Cassava Chips
     Origin: West Africa
    Ogi
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Curry Powder
     Origin: West Africa
    Chicken in Peanut-Tomato Sauce
     Origin: sub-Saharan Africa
    Okra and Millet Flour Pap
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Fish Rub
     Origin: West Africa
    Chicken Pepper Soup
     Origin: West Africa
    Oto
     (Mashed Yams with Eggs)
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Fried Chicken
     Origin: West Africa
    Chicken with Egusi
     Origin: West Africa
    Palaver 'Sauce'
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Koki
     Origin: West Africa
    Chilli Um'bido
     Origin: sub-Saharan Africa
    Palm-oil Chop
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Mango and Papaya Salsa
     Origin: West Africa
    Coconut Milk
     Origin: African
    Papaya Juice Drink
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Meat Kebabs
     Origin: West Africa
    Coconut Pie
     Origin: sub-Saharan Africa
    Pastels
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Meat Loaf
     Origin: West Africa
    Coconut Rice
     Origin: West Africa
    Peanut Soup
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Pot Roast
     Origin: West Africa
    Cow Skin
     Origin: West Africa
    Peanut Soup II
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Rice Pudding
     Origin: West Africa
    Crunchy Cabbage Salad
     Origin: West Africa
    Peanut Stuffing for Roast Chicken
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Roast Chicken
     Origin: West Africa
    Curried Cabbage
     Origin: West Africa
    Perch Benachin
     Origin: West Africa
    West African Roast Lamb
     Origin: West Africa
    Dundu Oniyeri
     Origin: West Africa
    Piri-Piri Sauce
     Origin: West Africa
    Yam Balls
     Origin: West Africa
    Dundun Oniyeri
     (Fried Yam)
     Origin: West Africa
    Piri-Piri Sauce II
     Origin: sub-Saharan Africa
    Yam FuFu
     Origin: West Africa
    Fish and Onions in Tomato Sauce
     Origin: West Africa
    Pumpkin and Tomato Soup
     Origin: West Africa
    Fried Sweet Potatoes
     Origin: sub-Saharan Africa
    Roast Pepper Chicken
     Origin: West Africa

Beninese Recipes

Benin, officially: République du Bénin; Republic of Benin was formerly known as Dahomey (until 1975) or Dahomania. Its capital is Porto Novo, but the seat of government is Cotonou. The name "Benin" has no proper connection to Kingdom of Benin (or Benin City). The name Dahomey was changed in 1975 to The People's Republic of Benin, named after the body of water on which the country lies, the Bight of Benin. This name was picked due to its neutrality, since the current political boundaries of Benin encompass over fifty distinct linguistic groups and nearly as many individual ethnic groups. There are several dozen ethnolinguistic groups in Benin, representing three of Africa's language families: Niger-Congo, Nilo-Saharan, and Afroasiatic. The latter is represented by Hausa living mostly as merchants in the north, while Nilo-Saharan is represented by the Dɛndi, descending from the Songhai Empire. The Dɛndi language predominates along the Niger River in the far north, and is used as a lingua franca in Muslim areas throughout the north, in Alibori, Borgou, and Donga provinces. The largest ethnic group are the Fon, with 1.7 million speakers of the Fon language (2001), followed by the various Yoruba groups (1.2 million), the Aja (600,000), the Bariba (460,000), the Ayizo (330,000), the Fulbe (310,000), and the Gun (240,000). Near the ports in the south can be found people of lighter skin who are descended from returned Brazilian slaves. There are also small numbers of Europeans, principally French, and Asians, mainly Lebanese and Indians. ndigenous religions are followed by a majority of the people. They include local animistic religions in the Atakora (Atakora and Donga provinces) and Vodun among the Yoruba and Tado peoples in the center and south of the country. The town of Ouidah on the central coast is the spiritual center of Beninese vodun.

    Ago Glain
     Origin: Benin
    Cheese in Tamarillo Sauce
     Origin: Benin
    Poisson au Gril
     (Beninese Grilled Fish)
     Origin: Benin
    Akassa
     Origin: Benin
    Crabe Béninoise
     (Beninese Crabs)
     Origin: Benin
    Ragoût Béninoise
     (Beninese Ragout)
     Origin: Benin
    Akkra Funfun
     Origin: Benin
    Dahomey Fish Stew
     Origin: Benin
    Riz au Gras
     ('Fat Rice')
     Origin: Benin
    Benin Red Sauce
     Origin: Benin
    Flan au citron
     (Lemon Flan)
     Origin: Benin
    Sauce Gumbo II
     (Gumbo Sauce II)
     Origin: Benin
    Beninese Beef Stew
     Origin: Benin
    Ingame
     Origin: Benin
    Sauce Légume
     Origin: Benin
    Beninese Bouille
     Origin: Benin
    Mouton aux Arachides
     (Lamb in Peanut Sauce)
     Origin: Benin
    Sauce d'Arachide
     (Peanut Sauce)
     Origin: Benin
    Beninese Jollof Rice
     Origin: Benin
    Moyo de Poulet Fume
     (Moyo of Smoked Chicken)
     Origin: Benin
    Sauce de Tomates Crues
     (Raw Tomato Sauce)
     Origin: Benin
    Beninese Peanut Sauce
     Origin: Benin
    Pâté Blanche
     (White Pâté)
     Origin: Benin
    Sesame Balls
     Origin: Benin
    Calalu
     Origin: Benin
    Pâté Rouge
     (Red Pâté)
     Origin: Benin
    Wagasi in Sauce
     Origin: Benin

Burkinabe Recipes

Burkina Faso (also known as Burkina) is one of the three landlocked countries in West Africa. The name itself can be translated "men of integrity," from the Moré language, and "Faso" means "father's house" in Dioula. Independence from France came in 1960. The 11,946,065 Burkinabè belong to two major West African cultural groups--the Voltaic and the Mandé. The Voltaic are far more numerous and include the Mossi, who make up about one-half of the population. Additionally, about 5,000 Europeans live in Burkina Faso. Approximately 50% of the population is Muslim; Christians account for about 30%, and followers of traditional African religions (typically animism of various forms) make up about 20%. Many Christians incorporate elements of animism into their religious practices.

    Banfora
     Origin: Burkina Faso
    Munyu Caf Couscous
     Origin: Burkina Faso
    
     Origin: Burkina Faso
    Burkinabe Spiced Lamb Balls
     Origin: Burkina Faso
    Savoury Beancakes
     Origin: Burkina Faso
    Maan Nezim Nzedo
     (Fish Stew with Vegetables)
     Origin: Burkina Faso
    Spiced Lamb Balls
     Origin: Burkina Faso

Ivorian Recipes

Côte d'Ivoire; officially: République de Côte d'Ivoire, Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Côte d'Ivoire is a republic with a strong executive power personified in the President. Its de jure capital is Yamoussoukro and the official language is French. The country is divided into 19 regions and 58 departments. Côte d'Ivoire's economy is largely market-based and relies heavily on agriculture, with smallholder cash crop production being dominant. 77% of the population are considered Ivorians. They represent several different people and language groups. An estimated 65 languages are spoken in the country. One of the most common is Dyula, which acts as a trade language as well as a language commonly spoken by the Muslim population. French, the official language, is taught in schools and serves as a lingua franca in urban areas (particularly Abidjan). The majority of Ivorians are largely Christian (primarily Roman Catholic) and animist. 4% of the population is of non-African ancestry. Many are French, Vietnamese and Spanish citizens, as well as Protestant missionaries from the United States and Canada.

    Aloco
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Halibut with Rice and Vegetables
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Sauce Claire and Plantain Fufu
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Aloko
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Kedjenou
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Sauce Claire and Plantain Fufu II
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Cucumber and Courgette Salad
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Kejenou
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Soupe d'avocat Abidjanaise
     (Avocado Soup in the Manner of Abidjan)
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Foutou
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Poulet à la N'Gatietro
     (Chicken in the Manner of N'Gatietro)
     Origin: Cote dIvoire
    Yams with Tomatoes
     Origin: Cote dIvoire

Gambian Recipes

The Gambia, officially: the Republic of The Gambia is the smallest country on the African mainland and is bordered on three sides by Sénégal. On 18 February 1965 The Gambia became independent from the British Empire and it became a republic in 1970. Banjul is its capital and Serrekunda the largest city. A wide variety of ethnic groups live in The Gambia with a minimum of intertribal friction, each preserving its own language and traditions. The Mandinka tribe is the largest, followed by the Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serahule. The approximately 3,500 non-African residents include Europeans and families of Lebanese origin (roughly 0.23% of the total population). Muslims constitute more than 90% of the population. Christians of different denominations account for most of the remainder. Gambians officially observe the holidays of both religions and practice religious tolerance.

    Chakery
     Origin: Gambia
    Gambian Pepper Soup
     Origin: Gambia
    Poulet Yassa
     (Chicken Yassa)
     Origin: Gambia
    Chicken and Beef Benachin
     Origin: Gambia
    Gambian Perch Benachin
     Origin: Gambia
    Serekunda Fish Benachin
     Origin: Gambia
    Churah Gerteh
     (Rice and Peanut Porridge)
     Origin: Gambia
    Kebbeh Kunda Benachin
     Origin: Gambia
    Sosfarin
     (Gambian Flour Soup)
     Origin: Gambia
    Daomoda
     Origin: Gambia
    Maffe
     Origin: Gambia
    Superkanja
     Origin: Gambia
    Domada
     Origin: Gambia
    Nyebbeh with Oli Gravy
     Origin: Gambia

Ghanaian Recipes

Ghana; officially: The Republic of Ghana whose name literally means 'The Warrior King'. It was inhabited in pre-colonial times by a number of ancient kingdoms, including the Ga Adangbes on the eastern coast, inland Empire of Ashanti and various Fante states along the coast and inland. Trade with European states flourished after contact with the Portuguese in the 15th century, and the British established a crown colony, Gold Coast, in 1874. The country achieved independence in 1957. The country's major ethnic groups are the Akan 49%, Moshi-Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%. European and other: 0.2% with the main religions: Christian 63%, Animism 21% and Muslim 16%. The main languages are English (official), along with various African languages (including Akan, Moshi-Dagomba, Ewe, Nzema, Dagaare, Gonja, Frafra, Hausa,Dangme and Ga).

    Abenkwan
     (Palm Oil Soup)
     Origin: Ghana
    Fante Kotokyim
     (Crab Meat Sauce)
     Origin: Ghana
    Nkatenkwan
     (Ghanaian Peanut Soup)
     Origin: Ghana
    Accra Banana Peanut Cake
     Origin: Ghana
    Fante Mbire Flowee
     (Beef and Mushroom Soup)
     Origin: Ghana
    Nkrakra
     (Beef and Vegetable Stew)
     Origin: Ghana
    Agushi Soup
     (Ghanaian Egusi Soup)
     Origin: Ghana
    Gari Biscuits
     Origin: Ghana
    Palaver Chicken
     Origin: Ghana
    Akotonshi
     (Ghanaian Stuffed Crabs)
     Origin: Ghana
    Gari Foto
     (Savoury Gari with Eggs)
     Origin: Ghana
    Pineapple Spice Drink
     Origin: Ghana
    Ashanti Chicken
     Origin: Ghana
    Ghanaian Fresh Fish Stew
     Origin: Ghana
    Red-Red
     Origin: Ghana
    Avocado and Crab
     Origin: Ghana
    Ghanaian Jollof Rice
     Origin: Ghana
    Shitor Din
     Origin: Ghana
    Avocado with Smoked Fish
     Origin: Ghana
    Ghanaian Jollof Rice II
     (Ghanaian Jollof Rice)
     Origin: Ghana
    Shrimp with Red Sauce
     Origin: Ghana
    Banku
     Origin: Ghana
    Ghanaian Papaya Bread
     Origin: Ghana
    Smoked Fish Stew
     Origin: Ghana
    Banku II
     Origin: Ghana
    Jollof Rice with Chicken, Beef, and Ham
     Origin: Ghana
    Steamed Black-eyed Bean Dumplings
     Origin: Ghana
    Braised Chicken with Chillies
     Origin: Ghana
    Kelewele
     (Hot Plantain Chips)
     Origin: Ghana
    Tatale
     (Plantain Cakes)
     Origin: Ghana
    Coconut Rice with Pork
     Origin: Ghana
    Kenkey
     Origin: Ghana
    Terrine of Black-eyed Beans
     Origin: Ghana
    Coconut Soup
     Origin: Ghana
    Kontomire Stew
     (Coco Yam Leaf Stew)
     Origin: Ghana
    Tomato and Okra with Sliced Eggs
     Origin: Ghana
    Cowpea Stew
     Origin: Ghana
    Kpakpo Shito
     (Fresh Shitor)
     Origin: Ghana
    Waakye
     Origin: Ghana
    Curried Rice with Beef
     Origin: Ghana
    Kubecake
     Origin: Ghana
    Dark Chilli Sambal
     Origin: Ghana
    Light Chicken Soup
     Origin: Ghana

Guinean Recipes

Guinea; officially: République de Guinée; Republic of Guinea. Guinea is sometimes called Guinea-Conakry per its capital, to differentiate it from the neighboring Guinea-Bissau (whose capital is Bissau). The country attained independence from France on 2nd October 1958. The main ethnic groups are: Peuhl 40%, Malinke 30%, Soussou 20% with smaller groups making up less than 10% of the population. The country is predominantly muslim (85%) with 8% Christian and 7% following indigenous beliefs. The main languages are Fula; Maninka; Susu; French; Arabic; Wolof; Insula; Kissi with French being the official language.

    African Guinea Fowl
     Origin: Guinea
    Guinean Fried Sweet Potatoes
     Origin: Guinea
    Maffi Hakko
     Origin: Guinea
    Bouille
     Origin: Guinea
    Guinean Peanut Sauce
     Origin: Guinea
    Poulet de Guinée
     (Guinean Chicken)
     Origin: Guinea
    Gombo Sauce
     Origin: Guinea
    Herbed Polenta
     Origin: Guinea
    Guinea Hen with Chanterelles and Polenta
     Origin: Guinea
    Kansiyé
     Origin: Guinea

Guinea-Bissau Recipes

Guinea-Bissau; officially: República da Guiné-Bissau; Republic of Guinea-Bissau is one of the smaller of the African countries and the only African country whose official language is Portugese. It was formerly the Portuguese colony of Portuguese Guinea and upon independence on September 24, 1973 (ratified on September 10, 1974) the name of its capital, Bissau, was added to the country's official name in order to prevent confusion between itself and the Republic of Guinea (above). The population of Guinea-Bissau is ethnically diverse and has many distinct languages, customs, and social structures. Nearly 99% of Guineans are black and can be divided into the following three categories: Fula and the Mandinka-speaking people, who comprise the largest portion of the population and are concentrated in the north and northeast; the Balanta and Papel people, who live in the southern coastal regions; and the Manjaco and Mancanha, who occupy the central and northern coastal areas. Only 14% of the population speaks the official language Portuguese. 44% of the population speaks Kriol, a Portuguese-based creole language, and the remainder speaks native African languages. White Portuguese and mestiços speak one of the African languages and Kriol as second languages. French is also learned in schools, as the country is surrounded by French-speaking countries and a full member of the Francophonie. The majority of the populace follows traditional animist beliefs, with 45% of the population being Muslim, principally the Fula and Mandinka peoples Less than 8% are Christian, most of whom are Roman Catholic.

    Baked Cassava with Cane Syrup
     Origin: Guinea-Bissau
    Fish Stew
     Origin: Guinea-Bissau
    Pea Soup and Meat
     Origin: Guinea-Bissau
    Bolinhos de Mancarra com Peixe
     (Fish Peanut Balls)
     Origin: Guinea-Bissau
    Macarra with Citi
     (Chicken with Peanuts and Palm Oil)
     Origin: Guinea-Bissau

Liberian Recipes

Liberia, officailly: the Republic of Liberia (whose name means 'The Land of the Free') was founded as an independent nation with support of the American government, for free-born and formerly enslaved Blacks and thus, is only one of two nations in Africa (along with Ethiopia) that didn't fall under European domination. Unfortunately, since 1989 the country has witnessed two civil wars, the First Liberian Civil War (1989–1996), and the Second Liberian Civil War (1999–2003), that have displaced hundreds of thousands of people and destroyed the country's economy. The country has been independent since 1847. The population of over 3 million comprises 16 indigenous ethnic groups and various foreign minorities. Indigenous peoples comprise about 95% of the population, the largest of which are the Kpelle in central and western Liberia. Americo-Liberians, who are descendants of freed slaves that arrived in Liberia as of 1821, make up an estimated 5% of the population, of whom half from US origin and half from the Caribbean. There also is a sizable number of Lebanese, Indians, and other West African nationals who make up a significant part of Liberia's business community.

    Banana Cream of Wheat Bread
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Braised Lamb
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Sweet Potato Cookies
     Origin: Liberia
    Bean Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Carrot Cake
     Origin: Liberia
    Meat and Potato Stew
     Origin: Liberia
    Beef Internal Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Cassava Bread
     Origin: Liberia
    Okra Rice and Red-oil Fish
     Origin: Liberia
    Bonnie Pepper Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Coconut Cake
     Origin: Liberia
    Palm Butter Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Cassava Leaf Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Eggplant Stew
     Origin: Liberia
    Papaya Pie
     Origin: Liberia
    Cassava Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Fruit Fool
     Origin: Liberia
    Peach Fool
     Origin: Liberia
    Coconut Candy
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Ginger and Pineapple Drink
     Origin: Liberia
    Pineapple Beer
     Origin: Liberia
    Dried Cassava Leaf Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Grannat Chop
     Origin: Liberia
    Pineapple Nut Bread
     Origin: Liberia
    Dry Rice
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Jollof Rice
     Origin: Liberia
    Plantain Cream of Wheat Bread
     Origin: Liberia
    Dry Rice and Fish
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Mango Fool
     Origin: Liberia
    Red Oil Greens
     Origin: Liberia
    Eggplant Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Pasta
     Origin: Liberia
    Rice Flour FuFu
     Origin: Liberia
    Fried Okra
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Potato Salad
     Origin: Liberia
    Seafood and Cassava Leaf Greens Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Goat Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Pound Cake
     Origin: Liberia
    Steamed Crawfish
     Origin: Liberia
    Greens with Green Pepper
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Prawn Bisque
     Origin: Liberia
    Sweet Potato Pone
     Origin: Liberia
    Kanyah II
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Pumpkin Soup
     Origin: Liberia
    Torpagee of Bitter Balls with Snails and Dried Fish
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Aubergine Fritters
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Rice Bread II
     Origin: Liberia
    Yeasted Liberian Cornbread
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Aubergine Stew
     Origin: Liberia
    Liberian Rice and Peas
     Origin: Liberia

This recipes above are only a selection (limited to 50) of the recipes available. For all the Liberian recipes on this site please visit the Main Liberian Recipes page.

Malian Recipes

Mali; officially: République du Mali; Republic of Mali is the other land-locked country in West Africa (along with Burkina-Faso, above). Formerly French Sudan, the country was named after the Mali Empire following independence from France on September 22, 1960. The main ethnic groups in this country are: Mande 50% (Bambara, Malinke, Soninke), Peul (Fula/Fulani) 17%, Voltaic 12%, Songhai 6%, Tuareg and Moor 10%, other 5%; with French as the official language. By far the majority of the populace are Muslim (>90%) [mostly Sunni] with 9% indigenous animist beliefs and 1% Christian. The name of the country derives from the Bambara word for hippopotamus (with the animal appearing on the 5 franc coin), the name of its capital city, Bamako comes from the Bambara word meaning 'place of crocodiles'.

    Couscous de Timbuktu
     Origin: Mali
    Maasa
     (Sweet Millet Fritters)
     Origin: Mali
    Spicy Fish and Okra Stew
     Origin: Mali
    Jollof Rice with Lamb
     Origin: Mali
    Malian Fish Stew
     Origin: Mali
    Tigadeguena
     (Chicken in Peanut Sauce)
     Origin: Mali
    Lemongrass Tea
     Origin: Mali
    Meni-meniyong
     (Sesame-honey Sweet)
     Origin: Mali

Mauritanian Recipes

Mauritania; (Arabic: موريتانيا Mūrītāniyā); officially: الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية; Al-Jumhūriyyah al-Islāmiyyah al-Mūrītāniyyah; République Islamique de Mauritanie [Islamic Republic of Mauritania] is a West African country named after the ancient Berber kingdom of Mauretania. The capital and largest city is Nouakchott, located on the Atlantic coast. The country achieved independence from France on November 28th, 1960. The populaton is 3 million of which 40% are mixed Arab/black; 30% are Arabic and 30% Black. The vast majority of the population are Muslim (99.84%) with most being Sunnis. The official languages are French and the Hassaniya dialect of Arabic. Other languages include Pulaar, Soninke and Wolof.

    Camel Chubbagin
     Origin: Mauritania
    Mauritanian Lamb Couscous
     Origin: Mauritania
    Chubbagin Lélé et Raabie
     Origin: Mauritania
    Pepper Steak with Coconut
     Origin: Mauritania

Nigerien Recipes

Niger; officially: République du Niger; Republic of Niger is the third of the land-locked countries of West Africa (along with Burkina Faso and Mali). The capital city is Niamey and independence was gained from France on August 3rd, 1960. The largest ethnic groups in Niger are the Hausa, who also constitute the major ethnic group in northern Nigeria,the Djerma-Songhai, who also are found in parts of Mali, the Anasara from the north and the west, and the Chinois, from the far east. Both groups, along with the Gourmantche, are sedentary farmers who live in the arable, southern tier of the country. The remainder of Nigeriens are nomadic or semi-nomadic livestock-raising peoples—Fulani, Tuareg, Kanuri, Arabs, and Toubou. As with neighbouring countries the vast majority of Niger's populace are Muslim. 

    Cecena
     Origin: Niger
    Ewa Dodo
     (Black-eyed peas with Plantains)
     Origin: Niger
    Mo and Dunguri
     (Rice and Black-eyed Peas)
     Origin: Niger
    Chin-Chin 3
     Origin: Niger
    Fari Masa
     Origin: Niger
    Sauce Gumbo
     Origin: Niger
    Date Sauce
     Origin: Niger
    Mango Salad
     Origin: Niger

Nigerian Recipes

Nigeria; officially: Ìjọba-Àpapọ̀ Orílẹ̀-èdè Naìjírìà; Republik Nijeriya; جمهورية نيجيريا; Republic nde Naigeria; Republik Federaal bu Niiseriya; Federal Republic of Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960 and became a republic on October 1, 1963. The capital then was the coastal city of Lagos, but since 1991, its capital has been the centrally-located city of Abuja. It is the most populous country in Afrca and re-achieved democracy in 1999 after a sixteen-year interruption; from 1966 until 1999 when Nigeria was ruled by military dictators who seized power in coups d'état and counter-coups during the Nigerian military juntas of 1966-1979 and 1983-1998. Current estimates put the population of Nigeria at over 131 million. Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups, with varying languages and customs, creating a country of rich ethnic diversity. The largest ethnic groups are the Fulani/Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, accounting for 68% of population, while the Edo, Ijaw (10%), Kanuri, Ibibio, Nupe and Tiv comprise 27%; other minorities make up the remaining 7 percent.[33] The middle belt of Nigeria is known for its diversity of ethnic groups, including the Pyem, Goemai, and Kofyar. The number of languages currently estimated and catalogued in Nigeria is 521. This number includes 510 living languages, two second languages without native speakers and 9 extinct languages. In some areas of Nigeria, ethnic groups speak more than one language. The official language of Nigeria, English, was chosen to facilitate the cultural and linguistic unity of the country though Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba are also recognised as regional languages.

    Aadun
     Origin: Nigeria
    Edikang Ikong Soup
     Origin: Nigeria
    Nigerian Meat Pie
     Origin: Nigeria
    Adalu
     (Bean and Sweetcorn Pottage)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Ewedu
     Origin: Nigeria
    Nigerian Pepper Soup Seasonings
     Origin: Nigeria
    Adun
     Origin: Nigeria
    Gbegiri
     (Bean Stew)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Nigerian Spiced Mixed Meat Pepper Soup
     Origin: Nigeria
    Akara II
     Origin: Nigeria
    Green Stew
     Origin: Nigeria
    Nigerian Spicy Scrambled Eggs
     Origin: Nigeria
    Akara Seke-pu
     (Bean and Melon Seed Fritters)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Guguru da Geda
     (Popcorn with Roasted Peanuts)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Obe Ata
     (Nigerian Pepper Soup)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Alapa
     (Palm-oil Stew)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Hot Eko
     (Hot Cornflour Gruel)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Obe Eja Tutu
     (Fresh Fish Stew)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Amala
     Origin: Nigeria
    Igbekere
     (Plantain Chips)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Ogbono Soup with Ugwu
     Origin: Nigeria
    Basic Jollof Rice
     Origin: Nigeria
    Ikokore
     Origin: Nigeria
    Otong Soup
     Origin: Nigeria
    Biafran Stew
     Origin: Nigeria
    Ila Alasepo
     (Okra and Spinach Soup)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Shoko
     (Nigerian Beef and Spinach)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Black-eyed Beans and Plantains in Palm Oil
     Origin: Nigeria
    Imoyo Eba
     Origin: Nigeria
    Suya
     Origin: Nigeria
    Boli
     Origin: Nigeria
    Korokoro
     (Cornmeal Sticks)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Tom Brown
     Origin: Nigeria
    Boli ati Epa
     (Baked Plantains with Peanuts)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Kuka Soup
     Origin: Nigeria
    Tsiren Dakakken Nama
     (Spicy Mince Meat Kebabs)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Chicken Imoyo II
     Origin: Nigeria
    Kuli-kuli
     (Groundnut Cakes)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Ukpo
     Origin: Nigeria
    Chicken and Beef Loaf
     Origin: Nigeria
    Medivnyk
     (Ukrainian Honey Bread)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Vegetable Meat Balls
     Origin: Nigeria
    Chin Chin II
     Origin: Nigeria
    Moyin-Moyin
     Origin: Nigeria
    Waina
     Origin: Nigeria
    Dodo Oni-yeri
     (Egg-coated Fried Plantain)
     Origin: Nigeria
    Nigerian Goat Stew
     Origin: Nigeria
    Yam Soup
     Origin: Nigeria
    Eba
     Origin: Nigeria
    Nigerian Groundnut Soup
     Origin: Nigeria

This recipes above are only a selection (limited to 50) of the recipes available. For all the Nigerian recipes on this site please visit the Main Nigerian Recipes page.

Senegalese Recipes

Senegal; (French: le Sénégal); officially: République du Sénégal; Republic of Senegal achieved independence from France on June 20th, 1960. Senegal has a wide variety of ethnic groups and, as in most West African countries, several languages are widely spoken. The Wolof are the largest single ethnic group in Senegal at 43%; the Peul and Toucouleur (also known as Halpulaar, Fulbe or Fula) (24%) are the second biggest group, followed by others that include the Serer (15%), Lebou (10%), Jola (4%), Mandinka (3%), Maures or Naarkajors, Soninke, Bassari and many smaller communities (9%). French is the official language, used regularly by a minority of Senegalese educated in a system styled upon the colonial-era schools of French origin (Koranic schools are even more popular, but Arabic is not widely spoken outside of this context of recitation). Most people also speak their own ethnic language while, especially in Dakar, where Wolof is the lingua franca. Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by approximately 95 percent of the country's population; the Christian community, at 4 percent of the population, includes Roman Catholics and diverse Protestant denominations. There is also a tiny minority (1%) who practice animism, particularly in the southeastern region of the country. Islamic communities are generally organized around one of several Islamic Sufi orders or brotherhoods, headed by a khalif (xaliifa in Wolof, from Arabic khalīfa), who is usually a direct descendant of the group’s founder. The two largest and most prominent Sufi orders in Senegal are the Tijaniyya, whose largest sub-groups are based in the cities of Tivaouane and Kaolack, and the Murīdiyya (Murid), based in the city of Touba.

    Avocat aux Crevettes Senegalaise
     (Senegalese Shrimp and Avocado)
     Origin: Senegal
    L'Assiette des Assiettes
     (The Dish of Dishes)
     Origin: Senegal
    Senegalese Lemon Soup
     Origin: Senegal
    Bouye Drink
     (Baobab Fruit Drink)
     Origin: Senegal
    Le Demitasse Dakar
     Origin: Senegal
    Senegalese Rice and Fish
     Origin: Senegal
    Ceebu Jën
     (Rice and Fish)
     Origin: Senegal
    Le Salade Côte Cap Vert
     Origin: Senegal
    Senegalese Vegetable Stew with Millet
     Origin: Senegal
    Chicken and Vegetable Curry
     Origin: Senegal
    Mafé
     Origin: Senegal
    Stefan's Cëebu Jen
     Origin: Senegal
    Chips Bananes Plantains
     (Plantain Crisps)
     Origin: Senegal
    Maffe aux Legumes Arachid
     (Beef or Lamb in Peanut Butter)
     Origin: Senegal
    Stew with Millet
     Origin: Senegal
    Crâme Glacée d'Arachide
     (Peanut Ice Cream)
     Origin: Senegal
    Mango, Chilli and Herb Marinade
     Origin: Senegal
    Theboudienne
     (Fish in the Manner of Dakar)
     Origin: Senegal
    Fish Pyramid with Green Sauce
     Origin: Senegal
    Mouton Yassa
     (Mutton Yassa)
     Origin: Senegal
    Thiacri Senegalaise
     Origin: Senegal
    Footi Sauce à la Nene Galle Diallo
     Origin: Senegal
    Mulet Farci à la Saint-Louisienne
     (Stuffed Mullet in the style of Saint-Louis)
     Origin: Senegal
    Thiou a la Viande
     (Senegalese Beef Stew)
     Origin: Senegal
    Glace de Banane á la Mamadou
     (Mamadou's Banana Glace)
     Origin: Senegal
    Ngalakh
     Origin: Senegal
    Yassa
     Origin: Senegal
    Goût de piments et de carotte
     (Chilli and Carrot Relish)
     Origin: Senegal
    Nyeleng
     (Beef and Peanut Gumbo)
     Origin: Senegal
    Yassa Au Poulet de la Casamance
     (Chicken Yassa in the Manner of Casamarance)
     Origin: Senegal
    Hot Coconut Plantains
     Origin: Senegal
    Poisson Yassa
     (Fish Yassa)
     Origin: Senegal
    Yassa Poulet
     (Chicken Yassa)
     Origin: Senegal
    Jus de Bissap
     Origin: Senegal
    Riz Senegalais
     (Senegalese Rice)
     Origin: Senegal
    Kima
     (Chopped Beef and Chilli Fry)
     Origin: Senegal
    Senegalese Guava Juice
     Origin: Senegal

Sierra Leonian Recipes

Sierra Leone; officially: the Republic of Sierra Leone whose name is aopted from the Portuguese name for the country: Serra Leoa (literally 'Lion Mountains') gained independence from Britain on April 27th, 1961. The capital Freetown was founded in 1787 by the Sierra Leone Company as a home for enslaved Africans who had fought for the British in the American Revolutionary War. In 1808, Freetown became a British Crown Colony, and in 1896, the interior of the country became a British Protectorate. From 1991 to 2002, Sierra Leone suffered greatly under the devastating effects of rebel activities, which were stopped by UN and British forces disarming 17,000 militia and rebels. Sierra Leone has been at peace since 2002. The population of Sierra Leone comprises about sixteen ethnic groups; each with its own language and costume, the two largest of these being the Mende, and Temne, each comprises 30% of the population. The Mende predominate in the Southern Province, and in Kailahun District in the Eastern Province; the Temne likewise predominate in the Northern Province. The third largest ethnic group is the Limba, representing about 9.5% of the population. Like the Temne, the Limba primarily live in the Northern Province. The fourth largest ethnic group is the Kono, comprises 7.8% of the population. The Kono are mostly found in the diamond-rich Kono District in the Eastern Province. The Krio (descendants of freed slaves from the West Indies, North America, and Britain landed in Freetown between 1787 and about 1855) make up 3% of the population but their language is widely spoken throughout the Country. Most Krios live in Freetown, the nation's capital. 60% of the Sierra Leonian population are Muslim; 30% are Christian whilst 10% adhere to their native religions and faiths.

    Baked Chicken in a Peanut Sauce
     Origin: Sierra Leone
    Kanyah
     Origin: Sierra Leone
    Red Palm Stew
     Origin: Sierra Leone
    Banana Pancakes
     Origin: Sierra Leone
    Plasas
     Origin: Sierra Leone
    Sierra Leonean Egusi Soup
     Origin: Sierra Leone
    Grannat Chop
     Origin: Sierra Leone
    Prawn Palava
     Origin: Sierra Leone
    Sierra Leonean Meat Stew
     Origin: Sierra Leone

Togolese Recipes

Togo; officially: République Togolaise; whose capital is Lomé Togolese Republic achieved independence from France on April 27th, 1960. Togo's culture reflects the influences of its thirty-seven ethnic groups, the largest and most influential of which are the Ewe, Mina, and Kabre. Though French is the official language, the many indigenous African languages spoken by Togolese include: Gbe languages such as Ewe, Mina, and Aja; Kabiyé; and others. Over half the Togolese people adhere to native, animist, belief systems despite the influences of Islam and Christianity.

    Akume with Ademe Sauce
     Origin: Togo
    Grilled Plantains
     Origin: Togo
    Togo Bananas
     Origin: Togo
    Chicken Groundnut Soup
     Origin: Togo
    Huitres Azi Dessi
     (Fried Oysters with Chilli, Smoked Prawns and Peanut Sauce)
     Origin: Togo
    Togolese Couscous in Peanut Sauce
     Origin: Togo

Cape Verdean Recipes

Cape Verde, officially: República de Cabo Verde; Republic of Cape Verde is an archipelago republic in the Macaronesia ecoregion of the North Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa. The previously uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century. The country is named after Cap Vert (meaning Green Cape) in Senegal, the westernmost point of continental Africa. The capital and largest city is Praia and Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal on July 5th 1975. Cape Verde was uninhabited when the Portuguese arrived in 1460 and made the islands part of the Portuguese empire. Due to its location off the coast of Africa, Cape Verde became an important watering station, then sugar cane plantation site, and later a major hub of the trans-atlantic slave trade, that would later form the contemporary African Diaspora.

Cape Verde is formed from the islands: Santo Antão, São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, Maio Santiago (on which the capital is sited), Fogo and Bravia. Most inhabitants of Cape Verde are a genetic blend of Sub-Saharian Africans and Europeans, the Africans having been slaves and hailing mostly from Senegal, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. Cape Verdeans' European ancestors include Portuguese settlers and exiles, Portuguese Jews who were victims of the Inquisition, and Spanish and Italian seamen who were granted land by the Portuguese Empire. Many foreigners from other parts of the world settled Cape Verde as their permanent country. Most of them were Dutch, French, British, Arabs and Jews (from Lebanon and Morocco), Chinese (especially from Macau), Americans, and Brazilians (including people of Portuguese and African descent) settlers. All of these have been absorbed into the general Cape Verdean population. Cape Verde's official language is Portuguese. It is the language of instruction and official acts. However, the Cape Verdean Creole is used colloquially and is the mother tongue of virtually all Cape Verdeans. Cape Verdean Creole or Kriolu is a dialect continuum of a Portuguese-based creole, which varies from island to island. The majority of the population adheres to Christianity, mostly Catholicism which constitutes some 90% of the population (in many areas Catholicism and the indigenous religion are syncretised). The remaining includes a sizeable Protestant community as well as a small number of Bahai and Buddhist and even smaller Muslim groups.

    Cachupa Rica
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Canja de Gahlinha
     (Cape Verdean Chicken Stew)
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Pudim de Queijo
     (Cheese Pudding)
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Cachupa Rica II
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Cape Verdean Coconut Candy
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Supida de Xerem
     (Ground Corn with Vegetables and Meat)
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Cachupinha
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Carne Gizado
     (Stewed Meat and Vegetables)
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Xerém Tradicional
     (Traditional Xerem)
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Caldo de Peixe
     (Fish Soup)
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Jagacinda
     (Cape Verde Beans and Rice)
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Xerem de Festa
     (A Feast Dish)
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Caldo de Peixe II
     (Cape Verdean Fish Stew II)
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Papaya Candy
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Canja
     Origin: Cape Verde
    Polvo a Modo ze de Lino
     (Octopus Stew)
     Origin: Cape Verde


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