11 Must-Try African Vegan Dishes

Yes, you can be an African vegan! It is a known fact that most African dishes are meat and fish based, so, you might think it is impossible to be a vegetarian in Africa, but it is possible and sweetly so! Let’s take a journey together through the heart of Africa with this guide to 11 must-try African vegan dishes. Each dish is not only beautiful to behold, it s delicious and highly nutritious. Are you a seasoned African vegan or simply someone looking to explore the wonders of plant-based cuisine, you sure will find these dishes inspiring and satisfying. Let’s go!

Peanut Soup with Sesame Crusted Tofu

Ingredients:

- High protein tofu

- Corn starch

- Soy sauce

- Seasoning

- Sesame oil

- Shallot, onion, garlic, bell pepper

- Tomato Paste

- Coconut milk

- Peanut butter

- Kale 

- Lime juice

Preparation:

1. Cube and coat tofu in cornstarch, soy sauce, and seasoning; pan-fry until browned.
2. Sauté shallot, onion, garlic, and bell pepper in sesame oil; add curry paste.
3. Mix in coconut milk, soy sauce, and peanut butter; bring to a boil.
4. Add kale and lime juice; cook until wilted.
5. Serve with tofu.

Health Benefits:

- High in protein from tofu.

- Rich in vitamins from kale and bell peppers.

- Healthy fats from peanut butter and coconut milk.

Check Recipe Here

Coconut Turmeric Chickpea Rice

Ingredients:

- Rice, coconut milk, water

- Turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper

- Chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin

- Lemon juice, salt, parsley

Preparation:

1. Cook rice with coconut milk, water, and spices.
2. Sauté chickpeas with spices until crispy.
3. Combine rice and chickpeas; garnish with parsley and lemon juice.

Health Benefits:

- Turmeric offers anti-inflammatory properties.

- Chickpeas provide plant-based protein and fiber.

- Coconut milk for healthy medium-chain triglycerides.

Check Recipe Here

Oven Baked Vegan Jollof

Ingredients:

- Rice, blended tomatoes, bell peppers, onions

- Ginger, paprika, white pepper, bay leaf, salt, seasoning cubes

Preparation:

1. Mix rice with blended ingredients and spices.
2. Cover with foil and bake until cooked.

Health Benefits:

- Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and bell peppers.

- Spices like ginger support digestion and immunity.

Check Recipe Here

Grilled Sweet Ripe Plantain

Ingredients:

- Ripe plantains

- Coconut oil or butter

Preparation:

1. Slice plantains and brush with oil.
2. Grill until caramelized and tender.

Health Benefits:

- Plantains are a good source of vitamins A and C.

- They provide dietary fiber for digestive health.

Vegan Waakye Stew

Ingredients:

- Beans, rice, tomato stew

- Onions, garlic, spices

Preparation:

1. Cook beans and rice together.
2. Prepare tomato stew with spices and mix with cooked beans and rice.

Health Benefits:

- Beans are an excellent source of protein and iron.

- Tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant.

Check Recipe Here

Spicy Lentil Soup with Kale

Ingredients:

- Lentils, kale or spinach

- Onion, carrot, celery, red chilli paste

- Vegetable stock or water, lemon, parsley

Preparation:

1. Sauté vegetables, add chilli paste and lentils.
2. Pour in stock, simmer until lentils are tender.
3. Add kale or spinach, serve with lemon and parsley.

Health Benefits:

- Lentils are rich in protein and fiber.

- Kale is loaded with vitamins K, A, and C.

Check Recipe Here 

Black Beans and Plantain Stew

Ingredients:

- Black beans, ripe plantains

- Onions, spices, oil

Preparation:

1. Cook black beans until tender.
2. Fry onions and spices, add plantains and simmer.

Health Benefits:

- Black beans offer protein and fiber.

- Plantains contain vitamin C and potassium.

Check Recipe Here

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

- Sweet potatoes, oil

- Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika

Preparation:

1. Cut sweet potatoes into fries, season, and bake until crispy.

Health Benefits:

- Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene and fiber.

Check Recipe Here 

Vegan Okra Soup

Ingredients:

- Okra, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes

- Aromatics, spices, tofu

Preparation:

1. Grate okra and boil. 
2. Sauté onions and mushrooms.
3. Add tomatoes and spices, simmer, then combine with okra.

Health Benefits:

- Okra is a great source of vitamins C and K.

- Mushrooms provide selenium and B vitamins.

Check Recipe Here

Ginger Tamarind Drink

Ingredients:

- Ginger, tamarind pods

- Sugar, water, mint leaves

Preparation:

1. Soak tamarind and extract juice.
2. Steep ginger with mint, mix with tamarind juice, add sugar and water.

Health Benefits:

- Ginger aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

- Tamarind is rich in antioxidants and helps with weight management.

Check Recipe Here

Rounding Off 

These recipes not only offer a variety of flavors and textures but also provide essential nutrients that support a vegan lifestyle. Get all your African vegan groceries needs met by My Sasun African Market. We deliver to all states of the US and Canada and you can also stop by our stores at Celina and Houston to shop for your vegan kitchen. See you next time!