For vegans: You must try these recipes
What's the story
African plant-focused recipes are an eco-friendly way of cooking, using local plant-based ingredients that are nutritious and eco-friendly. These recipes focus on grains, vegetables, and legumes native to the continent, promoting biodiversity and reducing dependence on the outside world. Using these ingredients in everyday cooking, you can lead a more sustainable life while indulging in diverse flavors and textures. Here are a few plant-based recipes that celebrate African culinary heritage.
Breakfast delight
Millet porridge with baobab
Milled porridge is a staple breakfast dish in several African countries. It is prepared by boiling millet grains with water or plant-based milk until it becomes creamy. However, adding baobab powder further boosts the porridge's nutritional value with vitamin C and antioxidants. The porridge can also be sweetened with honey or dates for natural sweetness. As a drought-resistant crop, millet is perfect for sustainable agriculture in arid regions.
Flavorful main course
Jollof rice with vegetables
Jollof rice is a classic West African dish that's usually prepared with tomatoes, onions, and spices. For a plant-based twist, add a mix of veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and peas. Cooked in one pot, this dish cuts energy usage to the minimum while maximizing taste with its rich blend of spices like thyme and bay leaves. Using locally sourced veggies helps regional farmers and reduces carbon footprint.
Nutritious side dish
Cassava leaf stew
Cassava leaf stew is a staple in Central Africa, where cassava plants flourish. The leaves are slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and groundnuts to form a nutrient-dense side dish. It's rich in iron and protein from the nuts. Cassava plants are resistant to harsh climates, making them an ideal candidate for sustainable farming practices across Africa's varied landscapes.
Snack time treats
Sweet potato fritters
Sweet potato fritters make for a delicious snack, using ingredients such as sweet potatoes combined with flour and spices before frying them to a golden brown. Sweet potatoes grow well in different soil types without requiring much fertilizer or pesticides. This helps contribute positively towards environmental sustainability efforts, by cutting down the use of chemicals on farms across Africa's rural areas.
Fresh & healthy option
Amaranth greens salad
Amaranth greens, widely enjoyed in Africa for their nutritional wealth (vitamins A, C, K, and a whole array of minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc) When tossed with fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, this salad not only offers a refreshing taste but also packs essential nutrients. It's a choice that bolsters healthy diet choices while supporting local agriculture and promoting global biodiversity conservation efforts.