traditional Recipes
501 delicious traditional recipes from around the world
Mechoui (Whole Roasted Lamb)
A spectacular Moroccan Mechoui, featuring a whole lamb slow-roasted to tender perfection, falling off the bone. Traditionally served at celebrations and feasts.
Miyan Kuka (Baobab Leaf Soup)
A traditional Northern Nigerian delicacy, Miyan Kuka is a hearty soup made from dried baobab leaves, known for its unique earthy flavor and characteristic 'draw' or slimy consistency. It's often served with Tuwo Shinkafa (a pounded yam or rice swallow).
Molokhia (Egyptian Jute Leaf Soup)
A beloved Egyptian comfort food, this slippery green soup is made from finely minced molokhia (jute leaves), simmered in a rich chicken or rabbit broth, and infused with a fragrant garlic and coriander 'ta'leya'. It's traditionally served over fluffy Egyptian rice with tender pieces of the poached meat.
Molokhia with Rabbit
A classic and comforting Egyptian green soup made with tender rabbit, fresh molokhia leaves, and a fragrant garlic-coriander 'taklia' (a seasoned oil mixture). This traditional combination is hearty and deeply flavorful.
Mombar (Egyptian Stuffed Intestines)
Mombar is a traditional Egyptian delicacy, especially popular during Eid al-Adha. It features beef intestines stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, ground beef, and aromatic spices, then typically boiled and pan-fried or grilled to a delightful crisp.
Moroccan Tride (Torn Bread Stew)
A deeply comforting and traditional Moroccan stew featuring tender chicken and earthy lentils simmered in a rich, spiced broth, served over torn, absorbent tride sheets (or thin crepes). The bread soaks up the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
Morogo (African Wild Spinach)
A traditional and nutritious South African dish made from indigenous wild spinach (morogo). This simple preparation highlights the earthy flavors of the greens, often served as a healthy side dish.
Msemen
Msemen is a traditional Moroccan square flatbread known for its incredibly flaky, layered texture. It's often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, served warm with honey and butter.
Nigerian Ogbono Soup
A rich and savory Nigerian 'draw soup' made from ground wild mango seeds (ogbono), known for its thick, mucilaginous texture. It's a hearty and comforting dish often served with starchy 'swallows'.
Nigerian Pepper Soup
A deeply flavorful and aromatic Nigerian spicy broth, traditionally made with tender meat or fish. It's renowned for its medicinal qualities and is a comforting dish, especially when feeling unwell or during colder weather.
Nigerian Starch (Eba Igbekele)
A smooth, stretchy, and translucent cassava starch swallow, a beloved specialty from the Niger Delta region, traditionally served with rich soups like Banga or White Soup.
Nyama Choma
Kenyan roasted meat - goat or beef simply seasoned and slow-roasted over coals. This iconic dish, often referred to as the 'national barbecue', is traditionally served with ugali (a stiff maize porridge) and kachumbari (a fresh tomato and onion salsa).
Ofada Rice with Ayamase Sauce
A classic Nigerian dish featuring distinctively earthy Ofada rice, known for its unique aroma and texture, served with a vibrant and fiery Ayamase sauce made from green bell peppers and scotch bonnet peppers.
Ofe Akwu (Nigerian White Soup)
Ofe Akwu, also known as Nigerian White Soup, is a rich and creamy soup made from the extract of palm fruit. Unlike its red oil counterpart, this soup has a distinct white hue and a delicate flavor profile, making it a beloved delicacy, especially in the Delta State region.
Ofe Nsala (White Soup)
Ofe Nsala, also known as White Soup, is a traditional Igbo delicacy from Nigeria. It is a light, aromatic, and flavorful soup characterized by its absence of palm oil, which gives it a distinct white or pale appearance. This soup is often prepared for nursing mothers and is believed to aid in recovery and milk production.
Oha Soup
A rich and flavorful Igbo specialty from Nigeria, Oha Soup is a celebratory dish often prepared for special occasions. It features tender assorted meats and fish, thickened with cocoyam, and infused with the unique aroma of fresh oha leaves.
Ouma se Koekies (Grandmother's Butter Cookies)
A classic South African butter cookie, often called 'Ouma se Koekies' (Grandmother's Cookies). These are simple, comforting, and delightfully buttery, perfect for tea time or a sweet treat.
Oxtail Potjie
A deeply flavorful and tender oxtail stew, slow-cooked in a traditional potjie pot over coals, resulting in a rich, gelatinous, and incredibly satisfying dish.
Pampoenkoekies (South African Pumpkin Fritters)
Deliciously sweet and warmly spiced pumpkin fritters, a beloved South African comfort food. These golden-brown delights are perfect for a treat any time of day.
Pannekoek
Authentic South African pannekoek (plural: pannekoeke) are thin, crepe-like pancakes, traditionally served rolled with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar. They are a beloved treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Pastilla (Moroccan Pigeon Pie)
A traditional Moroccan sweet and savory pie, featuring tender shredded pigeon (or chicken) and a rich almond-egg filling encased in delicate, flaky warqa (or phyllo) pastry, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Traditionally made with pigeon, chicken is a common substitute. This dish is a centerpiece for celebrations.
Pastilla au Pigeon
A regal Moroccan pigeon pie, the original b'stilla, featuring tender, spiced pigeon meat encased in layers of delicate warqa pastry, sweetened with almonds and cinnamon, and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. A true culinary masterpiece.
Pastilla au Poulet (Moroccan Chicken Pie)
An easier, yet still delicious, version of the classic Moroccan chicken pie, Pastilla. This sweet and savory dish features tender, spiced chicken, a delicate egg mixture, and a crunchy almond topping, all encased in flaky phyllo dough.
Potbrood (Cast Iron Pot Bread)
A rustic and delicious bread baked in a cast iron pot over braai (barbecue) coals, resulting in a wonderfully crusty exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. This traditional method imbues the bread with a unique smoky flavor.