20 Delicious African Dinner Recipes to Cook Tonight

Looking for African dinner recipes to try? From soups and stews to fragrant one-pot meals, here are 20 delicious African dinner recipes you can make at home.

This collection spans West, Central, East, Southern and North Africa, offering vegetarian, vegan, seafood and meat-based options. Cook your way across the continent with these tasty dinner ideas.

African Dinner Recipes For Everyone

African cuisine is incredibly diverse, reflecting the food traditions of 54 countries. Within this list you’ll find options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike.

Some of these recipes are from my childhood in Cameroon, while others represent beloved dishes from across Africa. Try a few and celebrate the continent’s vibrant culinary traditions.

1. West African Peanut Stew

Also known as Mafe or Maafe, this creamy, nutty stew is made with ground peanuts or natural peanut butter. It comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with rice. Use chicken, beef, or swap in mushrooms for a vegan version.

African Peanut Stew – Mafe

A rich and comforting West African stew with peanut butter, vegetables and your choice of protein. Ready in about 30 minutes and ideal for weeknight dinners.

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2. East African Pilau

Pilau is a fragrant East African spiced rice, often served at celebrations. It’s best paired with a fresh tomato and onion salad (Kachumbari) for an authentic experience.

Pilau

A fragrant one-pot rice cooked in a spiced broth. Pilau fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and is a party favorite in East Africa.

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3. Poulet DG (Chicken CEO)

Poulet DG—literally “Chicken CEO”—is a Central African classic that pairs succulent chicken with sweet fried plantains and colorful vegetables. It’s rich, celebratory and perfect for special meals.

Poulet DG

A flavorful one-pot dish of chicken, plantains and vegetables simmered in a tomato-based sauce—fit for a feast.

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4. Poulet Yassa (Chicken Yassa)

Hailing from Senegal, Chicken Yassa features marinated chicken cooked with caramelized onions and bright citrus notes. Serve with rice for a comforting, flavorful dinner.

Poulet Yassa (Chicken Yassa)

Tender chicken simmered with tangy, caramelized onions—a West African favorite that pairs beautifully with rice.

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5. Harira (Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup)

Harira is a warming Moroccan soup with lentils, chickpeas and aromatic spices. It’s vegetarian and naturally gluten-free—delicious with warm bread.

6. Jollof Rice With Chicken

Jollof rice is a beloved West African staple—rice cooked in a seasoned tomato sauce. Variations include beef, chicken, shrimp or vegan versions. This chicken Jollof is a family favorite and makes a full, satisfying meal.

Jollof Rice With Chicken

Savory, tomato-rich rice with tender chicken—an essential West African party dish that’s great for gatherings.

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7. Thieboudienne (Senegalese Rice and Fish Dish)

Thieboudienne, also called ceebu jen, is Senegal’s iconic one-pot dish of fish, rice, tomato sauce and vegetables—ideal for seafood lovers and communal dining.

Thieboudienne

A spectacular Senegalese rice and fish dish cooked with tomatoes and vegetables in one pot.

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8. Peri Peri Chicken

Popular in Mozambique and Angola, Peri Peri (Piri Piri) chicken is marinated in a fiery chili sauce and grilled for a bold, spicy finish. Serve with rice, bread or salad.

Peri Peri Chicken

A spicy grilled chicken dish with a smoky, chili-forward marinade—bold and satisfying.

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9. Bobotie (South African Curried Meat With a Creamy Topping)

Bobotie is a comforting South African casserole of curried minced meat topped with a milk-and-egg custard, baked until golden. Hearty and flavorful.

Bobotie

Curried minced meat topped with a creamy egg-milk mixture and baked—rich, comforting and delicious.

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10. Chicken Tomato Stew

Tomato-based stews are common across West Africa. This rich chicken tomato stew is hearty and versatile—excellent with rice, bread, plantains or tubers.

African Chicken Stew

A deeply flavored tomato stew featuring tender chicken—perfect for festive days or cozy dinners.

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11. Cape Malay Chicken Curry

Cape Malay Curry from South Africa balances sweet and savory flavors—serve it over rice, noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

12. Chakalaka (South African Vegetable Relish)

Chakalaka is a spicy, vegetable-based relish often served at South African braais (barbecues). It makes a great side for many dishes and is vegan-friendly.

Chakalaka

A tangy, spiced vegetable relish that complements grilled meats, bread and stews.

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13. Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Traditional Moroccan chicken tagine combines preserved lemon, olives and warm spices. Serve over couscous or rice for a fragrant North African dinner.

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Chicken braised with spices, olives and preserved lemons—an aromatic, dinner-worthy dish.

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14. Moroccan Couscous With 7 Vegetables

Moroccan couscous with seven vegetables is a comforting, communal dish. Couscous pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetables and proteins.

15. Shakshuka (Vegetarian)

Shakshuka features eggs poached in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. Serve with crusty bread for a simple, satisfying meal any time of day.

Shakshuka

Eggs gently poached in a simmering mixture of tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic—simple and delicious.

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16. Ful Medames (Egyptian Fava Beans) – Vegan

Ful Medames is a hearty Egyptian stew of fava beans seasoned with olive oil, garlic, cumin and herbs. Enjoy with warm pita or flatbread.

Ful Medames

Creamy fava beans flavored with cumin, lemon and garlic—simple, nutritious and satisfying.

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17. Sukuma Wiki (Kenyan Braised Collard Greens)

Sukuma Wiki is a simple East African dish of braised collard greens. It can be made plain or spiced up with protein, and is traditionally served with ugali (maize porridge).

18. Congolese Moambe Chicken

Moambe (Poulet Moambe) is a Central African dish often considered a national favorite in the Congos. Chicken is cooked in a flavorful sauce made with palm oil and peanut or palm-based flavors—serve over rice or a starchy side.

19. Egusi Soup

Egusi soup, common in Nigeria, uses ground melon or pumpkin seeds to create a nutty, savory stew often combined with leafy greens and assorted proteins. Enjoy with fufu or garri.

Egusi Soup – Nigerian Egusi Soup

A richly flavored soup made with ground seeds, palm oil and meats—traditionally served with fufu or garri.

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20. Fufu

Fufu is a staple starchy side in West and Central Africa, with a dough-like texture that accompanies many soups and stews. Varieties include pounded yam, cassava fufu, and corn fufu.

How to Make Water Fufu from Scratch – Cassava Fufu

A guide to making cassava-based water fufu, a versatile side for soups like egusi and okra.

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Bonus ideas: try cassava leaves or sweet potato greens from Sierra Leone or Liberia. These leafy, flavorful dishes add more variety to your African dinner repertoire.

If you make any of these recipes, please leave a star rating on the source page—your feedback helps others and is much appreciated. Thank you!

20 African Dinner Recipes To Try

From soups to stews and one-pot meals, these recipes showcase the variety and flavor of African dinner cuisine.

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Ingredients

• West African Peanut Stew
• East African Pilau
• Poulet DG
• Poulet Yassa
• Harira
• Jollof Rice With Chicken
• Thieboudienne
• Peri Peri Chicken
• Bobotie
• Chicken Tomato Stew
• Cape Malay Curry
• Chakalaka
• Moroccan Chicken Tagine
• Moroccan Couscous With 7 Vegetables
• Shakshuka
• Ful Medames
• Sukuma Wiki
• Moambe Chicken
• Egusi Soup
• Fufu

Instructions

1. Choose a recipe that fits your taste and available ingredients.
2. Gather the ingredients and any special spices or staples the dish requires.
3. Follow the linked recipe for preparation and cooking instructions, then serve and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 401 kcal

Additional Info

Course: Recipes

Cuisine: African