5 unique potato recipes you must try
What's the story
Potatoes are a staple in most kitchens, but how about giving them a twist? These five African-inspired potato recipes are just what you need to add a new flavor to your meals. From spicy stews to savory pastries, these dishes showcase the versatility of potatoes in African cuisine. Each recipe brings out unique flavors and cooking techniques, making them a must-try for any adventurous cook.
Stew delight
Spicy sweet potato stew
This hearty stew combines sweet potatoes with a medley of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The result is a warm dish that balances sweetness and spice perfectly. To prepare it, saute onions and garlic until fragrant, add diced sweet potatoes along with the spices, and simmer until tender. This stew goes well with rice or flatbread.
Porridge twist
West African yam porridge
Yam porridge is a comforting dish popular in many West African countries. It involves cooking yams until soft and mashing them into a creamy consistency. The porridge is usually flavored with ingredients like palm oil, peppers, and onions for an added depth of flavor. This dish can be enjoyed as a breakfast option or a light lunch.
Bhaji bites
East African potato bhaji
Potato bhaji is a simple yet flavorful dish made by frying thinly sliced potatoes with mustard seeds, turmeric, and green chilies. This quick recipe highlights the natural taste of potatoes while adding an aromatic touch from the spices used during cooking. Serve it as an accompaniment to rice or enjoy it on its own as a snack.
Harra Heat
North African batata harra
Batata harra translates to spicy potatoes in Arabic, and that's exactly what this North African dish is all about. Cubed potatoes are roasted with garlic cloves and chili flakes until crispy on the outside but soft inside—a perfect balance achieved through careful roasting techniques employed here. Drizzle lemon juice over them before serving; it adds brightness against the heat present within each bite taken.
Samoosa snack
South African potato samoosas
Potato samoosas are delicious pastry pockets filled with spiced mashed potatoes mixed together using peas, onions, and spices like cumin seeds, coriander powder, and garam masala. These flavors blend beautifully, creating a savory filling encased within crispy golden-brown pastry shells. Deep-fried to perfection, these are best served hot with mint chutney or tamarind sauce for dipping.