36 delicious staple recipes from around the world
Omo Tuo, meaning 'mashed rice' in the Akan language, are soft, sticky rice balls traditionally served with rich and savory groundnut soup (Nkatenkwan). This comforting meal is a staple in Ghanaian cuisine, particularly popular among the Hausa and Akan people.
Fufu is a staple West African dish made by pounding starchy ingredients into a smooth, dough-like consistency. This version combines ripe plantains and cassava, creating a slightly sweet and dense accompaniment perfect for soaking up rich stews and sauces.
Soft, layered, and slightly chewy unleavened flatbreads, a popular accompaniment to many Kenyan meals. They are made with flour, water, oil, and salt, then pan-fried to a golden brown.
A hearty and flavorful Kenyan beef stew, slow-cooked to tender perfection and served with ugali, a traditional maize flour staple. This dish is a cornerstone of Kenyan cuisine, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Mukimo is a traditional Kenyan dish made from mashed potatoes, maize, and greens, often served as a staple accompaniment to meat or stews. This version emphasizes a generous portion of leafy greens for added nutrition and flavor.
A quintessential Kenyan staple, Ugali na Sukuma Wiki is a hearty and satisfying meal. It features a dense, firm maize porridge (ugali) served alongside vibrantly sautéed collard greens (sukuma wiki). This dish is a cornerstone of daily sustenance across East Africa.
A nutritious and filling porridge made from sorghum and beans, often enhanced with cracked wheat for a creamy texture. This dish is a staple in Lesotho, providing sustained energy and essential nutrients.
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring pan-fried mushrooms seasoned with traditional spices, served alongside soft maize meal porridge (pap). This dish highlights the use of readily available ingredients and is a comforting staple.
A staple dish in Lesotho, this recipe features a thick maize meal porridge (pap) served with a savory beef stew, showcasing the heartiness of Basotho cuisine.
Vary Mena, meaning 'red rice,' is a flavorful and visually appealing rice dish cooked with tomato paste, onions, garlic, and often a touch of ginger and turmeric, giving it its characteristic reddish-orange hue. It's a staple that can be served as a side dish or a light main course.
A simple yet satisfying one-pot dish combining rice and beans, often flavored with onions, tomatoes, and a touch of chili, serving as a staple meal.
A staple Malawian dish of nsima (a thick maize porridge) served with a flavorful relish made from tender pumpkin leaves, often enhanced with groundnuts or tomatoes.
