Textual Chef · recipe index

West African recipes

106 entries. Each page is the complete recipe (ingredients, quantities, and method) reproduced at working size.

Agege Bread and Omelet Soft, stretchy Agege bread paired with a savory, vegetable-packed fried egg omelet. A popular and satisfying West African breakfast combo. 20 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Akamu A traditional smooth West African porridge made from fermented corn paste, offering a slightly tangy flavor profile. It is commonly enjoyed warm for breakfast alongside milk and su 10 minMediumWest AfricanVegetarian Akara Crispy on the outside and airy on the inside, these traditional black-eyed pea fritters are seasoned with onion and chili. 35 minMediumWest AfricanVegan Akara (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters) Nigerian breakfast fritters made from peeled black-eyed peas blended into a light batter with onion and pepper, then fried until golden and crispy. Plan ahead: soak the peas overni 45 minMediumWest AfricanVegan Alloco (Fried Plantain with Pepper Dip) A beloved Ivorian street food of thick-cut ripe plantain slices fried golden and caramelized, served alongside a bright, spicy tomato and onion dipping sauce. The sweetness of the 35 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Ata Din Din (Fried Pepper Sauce) A classic Yoruba base sauce of blended bell peppers, tomatoes, and scotch bonnet slowly fried in palm oil until thick, concentrated, and richly caramelized. Use it as a stew base, 55 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Attieke with Fried Fish Steamed fermented cassava grains paired with crispy fried tilapia and a bright, spicy onion and tomato salad. 40 minMediumWest AfricanPescatarian Attieke with Grilled Fish An Ivorian classic pairing of attieke - fermented cassava couscous - with whole grilled fish marinated in spiced tomato and onion sauce. Find attieke at African grocery stores or o 55 minMediumWest AfricanPescatarian Avocado Egg Salad A fresh Ghanaian style salad featuring rich avocado, chopped hard-boiled eggs, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy roasted peanuts toss-dressed in lime juice. 15 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Baked Plantains Sweet ripe plantains tossed with warm spices and baked until soft and caramelized. 35 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Banana Fritters Golden and crispy on the outside with a soft, sweet interior spiced with nutmeg and ginger. These fried banana bites make a satisfying quick snack or dessert. 25 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Banga Stew (Palm Nut Soup) A rich and aromatic Nigerian Delta stew built on canned palm fruit cream with catfish, dried crayfish, and a blend of aromatic spices unique to the region. Plan ahead: allow 20 min 80 minHardWest AfricanPescatarian Banku A Ghanaian corn and cassava dumpling with a smooth, creamy texture. Traditionally served with fish soup or pepper stew for a complete, satisfying meal. 50 minMediumWest African Beef Stew with Rice A hearty West African style stew featuring tender beef simmered in a spiced tomato pepper sauce and served over fluffy white rice. 75 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Beef Suya Thinly sliced beef skewers coated in a spicy, nutty yaji seasoning and grilled over high heat. Served fresh with crisp red onion slices. 30 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Boflot Golden West African yeast fritters with a crisp exterior, fluffy interior, and subtle nutmeg spice. 30 minMediumWest AfricanVegan Boiled Plantain Tender plantain boiled in salted water until fork tender. A classic, comforting staple side dish in West African cooking. 30 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Boiled Yam Simple and hearty boiled white yam slices with a soft, tender texture. A classic staple served plain or alongside savory sauces. 30 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Carrot and Orange Salad A crisp and refreshing West African salad featuring sweet shredded carrots and juicy orange segments tossed in a citrus dressing. 15 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Cassava Fries Crispy on the outside and starchy on the inside, these thick cassava fries are parboiled then deep-fried until golden. 45 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Cassava Leaves Stew A nutritious West African stew with tender cassava leaves, meat, and aromatic spices. A humble, hearty dish that's deeply flavorful and traditional. 70 minMediumWest African Chicken Yassa A classic West African dish featuring tender chicken marinated in fresh lemon juice, mustard, and garlic, then simmered with a mound of caramelized onions. 65 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Chin Chin (Fried Sweet Dough Bites) Crunchy West African fried dough snacks flavored with nutmeg and coconut, cut into small pieces and deep-fried until golden. A beloved party treat and snack sold across Nigeria and 55 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Coconut Rice (Nigerian Style) Fragrant long-grain rice simmered in rich coconut milk with bay leaves and scotch bonnet, a beloved West African side dish that pairs beautifully with stews and grilled proteins. 35 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Coconut Rice Pudding A creamy dessert made with simmered jasmine rice, rich coconut milk, and warm spices. 40 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Dodo and Eggs A classic West African breakfast of sweet fried plantains (dodo) served alongside fluffy scrambled eggs seasoned with onion and scotch bonnet pepper. Comforting, quick, and satisfy 30 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Efo Riro A rich, savory Nigerian spinach stew cooked with pepper blend, palm oil, locust beans, and tender beef. 55 minMediumWest AfricanLow Carb Efo Riro (Spinach Stew) A deeply savory Yoruba spinach stew cooked with palm oil, assorted meats, smoked fish, and ground crayfish - bold and hearty, typically eaten with pounded yam, amala, or white rice 65 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Egusi Soup A rich, hearty West African soup made with ground melon seeds (egusi) simmered with tomatoes, palm oil, leafy greens, and assorted proteins. Deeply savory and satisfying, it is typ 90 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Epiti A traditional Ghanaian steamed corn and plantain cake flavored with ginger, onions, and chili. It offers a tender texture and a savory-sweet profile. 60 minMediumWest AfricanVegetarian Ewedu A traditional Nigerian jute leaf soup featuring a uniquely silky texture and savory, earthy flavor profile. Typically enjoyed with gbegiri and stew alongside swallow dishes. 25 minEasyWest AfricanPescatarian Fermented Corn Pap A smooth West African breakfast porridge made from fermented corn paste. It is served hot with sugar and milk. 15 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Fish Roll A savory West African pastry stuffed with spiced flaked mackerel and baked until golden brown. Perfect as a satisfying hand-held snack or savory appetizer. 45 minMediumWest AfricanPescatarian Fonio Pilaf with Vegetables A light, fluffy pilaf made from fonio - an ancient West African grain - tossed with sauteed onion, bell pepper, and tomato, and seasoned with warm spices. Fonio cooks in minutes an 30 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Fried Plantain and Egg Sauce Sweet fried ripe plantains served with a savory scrambled egg and tomato sauce. A classic West African morning staple that is fast and satisfying. 25 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Fried Rice Balls Golden, crispy fried rice balls filled with savory ingredients and served with a dipping sauce. A trending West African street food that's fun, satisfying, and endlessly customizab 50 minMediumWest African Fried Yam Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, this classic West African staple features salted white yam fried to golden perfection. 30 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Fufu and Light Soup A comforting West African staple featuring pounded cassava and green plantain served alongside a spicy tomato goat broth. 85 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Garden Egg Stew A rich West African stew of garden eggs (small African eggplants) simmered in a spiced tomato and pepper base with palm oil and seasonings. Serve over rice or with fufu for a satis 55 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Garri and Beans A classic West African dish featuring tender stewed beans seasoned with palm oil and aromatics, topped with crunchy cassava garri flakes. 70 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Garri Soaking A classic West African refreshing snack made by soaking cassava flakes in cold water with milk, sugar, and roasted peanuts. 5 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Ginger Beer A fiery homemade West African style ginger beverage infused with tart lemon, sweet pineapple juice, and subtle cloves. 30 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Ginger Beer (West African Style) A bold, fiery non-alcoholic ginger drink blended with pineapple and cloves, popular across West Africa as a refreshing tonic. This version uses a blender for maximum ginger punch w 20 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Groundnut and Spinach Salad A vibrant West African-inspired salad of fresh baby spinach, roasted groundnuts (peanuts), mango, and red onion tossed in a tangy ginger-lime dressing. Ready in minutes with no coo 15 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Groundnut Soup A rich, creamy peanut-based soup loaded with vegetables, meat, and warm spices. A comforting West African classic that's hearty and deeply satisfying. 65 minEasyWest African Hausa Koko A traditional West African spicy millet porridge infused with ginger, cloves, and chili. Served warm with a light touch of sweetener for a hearty morning meal. 22 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Jollof Rice A beloved West African one-pot rice dish simmered in a richly spiced tomato and pepper sauce. This Nigerian-style version builds deep smoky flavor with a crispy rice bottom called 70 minMediumWest African Kelewele (Spiced Fried Plantains) A beloved Ghanaian street food of ripe plantains seasoned with ginger, cayenne, and spices, then fried until caramelized and crispy on the outside with a sweet, tender center. 30 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Kilishi A traditional West African spiced beef jerky made by drying thin meat strips and coating them in a savory peanut paste before a final roast. 160 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Koko and Koose A West African breakfast pairing warm spiced millet porridge with golden, crispy black-eyed pea fritters. 45 minMediumWest AfricanVegetarian Kokonte A traditional West African swallow made from dried cassava flour, cooked into a smooth, dark brown starchy dough. It pairs perfectly with rich soups and stews. 20 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Kosai with Pap (Millet Porridge) A West African breakfast pairing of kosai - crispy fried black-eyed pea fritters - served alongside pap, a warm and smooth cornmeal porridge. Together they make a satisfying and no 45 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Kuli Kuli Crispy and savory peanut snacks spiced with ginger, cayenne, and garlic. Ground roasted peanuts are pressed to extract oil before being shaped and fried to a crunchy finish. 35 minMediumWest AfricanVegan Kunun Zaki A traditional West African spiced millet beverage with a naturally sweet and tangy finish. Served chilled for a refreshing, restorative drink. 30 minMediumWest AfricanVegan Maafe (Peanut Stew) The classic Senegalese and Malian groundnut stew: bone-in chicken braised in a deep, savory peanut sauce built with tomato paste, onion, garlic, and warm spices. Thick, rich, and d 85 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Mango and Cucumber Salad A refreshing West African salad combining sweet ripe mango and crisp cucumber tossed in a zesty lime dressing. Finished with a touch of spicy chili and crunchy roasted peanuts. 15 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Masa Traditional fermented rice cakes featuring a crisp exterior and a fluffy, slightly tangy interior. Cooked on the stovetop using a specialized multi-cavity pan. 40 minMediumWest AfricanVegetarian Mashed Plantain A tender, savory mash of boiled yellow plantains tossed with fragrant spices and warm red palm oil. 35 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Moin Moin A savory steamed bean pudding made from blended black-eyed peas, aromatic peppers, and seasonings. It yields a smooth, velvety texture that works as a side or main dish. 65 minMediumWest AfricanVegetarian Moin Moin (Steamed Bean Pudding) A savory Nigerian steamed pudding made from blended black-eyed peas with peppers and onion, poured into cups and gently steamed until set. Plan ahead: soak the peas overnight for e 75 minMediumWest AfricanVegetarian Nigerian Christmas Salad A festive West African layered salad featuring shredded cabbage, carrots, potatoes, sweet corn, baked beans, and hard-boiled eggs tossed with creamy salad cream. 40 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Nigerian Spicy Fried Chicken Crispy, golden fried chicken with a bold blend of warm spices and a signature pepper kick. A viral sensation with a perfectly seasoned coating and juicy interior. 45 minMediumWest African Ogbono Soup (Wild Mango Seed Stew) A rich, mucilaginous West African stew made with ground ogbono seeds that give it a distinctive slippery texture, loaded with spinach, palm oil, and seasoned meat. Find ogbono seed 70 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Okra Soup A silky, savory West African soup with tender okra, meat, and aromatic spices. The okra creates a naturally creamy texture without added cream. 55 minEasyWest African Pepper Soup with Goat A bold, aromatic West African soup built on slow-simmered goat meat and a signature blend of uziza leaves, scent leaves, and earthy pepper soup spices. It is intensely peppery, dee 115 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Peppered Gizzard Tender simmered chicken gizzards tossed in a fiery, aromatic pepper sauce with sauteed onions. 60 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Peppered Snail A savory West African appetizer made with tender cooked snails tossed in a fiery scotch bonnet and pepper sauce. 55 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Plantain and Bean Porridge (Ewa Riro) A hearty West African one-pot dish of soft-cooked black-eyed peas simmered with ripe plantains, tomatoes, palm oil, and crayfish seasoning for a smoky, deeply savory meal. 45 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Plantain Cake A moist cake spiked with ginger and nutmeg, highlighting the deep sweetness of ripe plantains. 65 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Plantain Chips Crispy and savory fried green plantain slices seasoned with sea salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. 25 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Plantain Salad Warm sweet fried plantains are tossed with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and fresh peppers in a zesty citrus dressing. 25 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Pounded Yam A smooth, stretchy West African staple dish made from boiled white yam pounded into a pillowy dough. 35 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Poundo Yam and Egusi Soup A rich and savory West African melon seed soup paired with smooth, stretchy pounded yam dough. It features tender beef and leafy spinach cooked in a spicy pepper base. 65 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Puff Puff A popular West African street food snack consisting of deep fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. 75 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Puff Puff (Fried Dough Balls) Soft, pillowy West African fried dough balls made with yeasted batter and a hint of nutmeg. These sweet, airy puffs are a popular street food and party snack across Nigeria and Gha 35 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Red Red A comforting Ghanaian bean stew cooked in rich palm oil and served alongside sweet fried plantains. 50 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Rice and Beans A fragrant, savory West African styled rice and beans dish cooked with aromatics, tomato, and spices. 40 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Rice Water A soothing traditional beverage made by gently boiling white rice with citrus peel, then straining and lightly sweetening. 25 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Seafood Pepper Stew A vibrant, aromatic stew loaded with shrimp, fish, and vegetables in a bold pepper sauce. A trending West African dish with a perfect balance of heat and flavor. 50 minMediumWest African Shito (Black Pepper Sauce) Ghana's beloved all-purpose chili condiment made by slowly frying dried shrimp, tomatoes, onion, and an abundance of black and chili peppers in oil until deeply caramelized and she 65 minMediumWest AfricanLow Carb Smoked Fish Stew A hearty West African stew made with smoked fish, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful, this traditional dish is making a culinary comeback. 60 minMediumWest African Soaked Garri A classic West African refreshment made from cassava granules soaked in cold water, sweetened with milk and sugar, and topped with crunchy roasted peanuts. 5 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Spiced Fish Cakes Savory pan-fried fish cakes with a crispy exterior and flaky interior, seasoned with bold West African spices. Trending for their versatility and irresistible flavor. 40 minMediumWest African Spiced Ginger Drink A fiery and refreshing beverage infused with sweet pineapple juice, tart lime, and fresh mint. 15 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Spiced Grilled Tilapia Tender fish fillets coated in an aromatic West African inspired spice rub and grilled to smoky perfection. 25 minEasyWest AfricanHigh Protein Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Stew A rich West African-inspired stew of tender sweet potatoes simmered in a spiced tomato-peanut broth with kale and chickpeas. Hearty and satisfying with just the right amount of hea 50 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Suya (Spiced Beef Skewers) West African street food classic of thinly sliced beef coated in a bold spice rub of ground peanuts, ginger, and paprika, then grilled over high heat until charred at the edges. 45 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Suya Meat Kebabs Tender grilled beef skewers coated in a fragrant, spicy peanut seasoning blend. A vibrant West African street food dish cooked over high heat and served with fresh onions. 30 minEasyWest AfricanHigh Protein Sweet Corn and Peanut Salad A crisp West African salad combining sweet corn kernels with crunchy roasted peanuts, fresh cucumber, and spicy chili in a bright citrus dressing. 15 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Sweet Potato Mash A rich, creamy sweet potato mash infused with fresh ginger, smooth peanut butter, and subtle spices. 35 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Tamarind Sobolo Cooler A refreshing West African chilled drink that combines tart tamarind with hibiscus sobolo (bissap), ginger, and a touch of citrus, blended and served over ice. 15 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Thieboudienne Traditional Senegalese fish and rice dish simmered in a spiced tomato broth with hearty winter vegetables. 90 minMediumWest AfricanPescatarian Thieboudienne (Senegalese Fish and Rice) Senegal's national dish of tomato-braised fish and vegetables slow-cooked with broken rice that absorbs all the savory juices. Plan ahead: allow 30 minutes for stuffing and marinat 110 minHardWest AfricanPescatarian Tubani A savory West African steamed pudding made from whipped black-eyed pea flour, served warm with sliced onions and chili oil. 65 minMediumWest AfricanVegan Tuo Zaafi A traditional Northern Ghanaian dish consisting of smooth millet dough served alongside a savory beef stew and slimy ayoyo leaf soup. 65 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Fiber Waakye A classic Ghanaian rice and bean dish simmered with dried sorghum stalk leaves, imparting a signature reddish-brown hue and earthy flavor. 60 minMediumWest AfricanVegan Waakye (Rice and Beans) A Ghanaian staple of rice and black-eyed peas cooked together with dried sorghum leaves or baking soda, which give the dish its distinctive reddish-brown color and earthy depth. 65 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Wara A traditional West African fresh cheese made from curdled milk, pressed into shape, and fried until golden brown on the outside. 40 minMediumWest AfricanVegetarian West African Peanut Stew A bold, deeply savory vegan stew of sweet potatoes and chickpeas simmered in a tomato and peanut butter broth with ginger, garlic, and warm spices. Serve over rice for a complete a 45 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Yam and Egg Sauce A comforting West African staple featuring tender boiled white yam served alongside a flavorful tomato and scrambled egg sauce. 40 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Yam Fries Crispy white yam batons deep fried to golden perfection and tossed with garlic cayenne spice. 27 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Yam Porridge A warm, comforting West African porridge made with tender yam cubes, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Creamy, filling, and deeply satisfying. 50 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Yamarita Crispy egg-coated fried yam slices boiled until tender then dipped in seasoned flour and whisked egg before pan frying. Served hot with a spicy sauce or pepper sauce. 40 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian Yassa Poulet (Lemon Onion Chicken) A Senegalese classic of chicken marinated in lemon juice and Dijon mustard, then braised with a mountain of caramelized onions until deeply savory and tangy. Plan ahead: marinate t 80 minMediumWest AfricanHigh Protein Zobo (Hibiscus Drink) A vibrant crimson West African hibiscus drink infused with ginger, cloves, and pineapple for a tangy, refreshing flavor. Served chilled, it is a staple at Nigerian celebrations and 30 minEasyWest AfricanVegan Zobo Drink A tart and spiced West African beverage made from steeped hibiscus flowers, ginger, and fruit juices. 30 minEasyWest AfricanVegetarian

Cook free, in peace

Textual Chef is 4,512 plain-text recipes, free to read and free to cook from. No account, no paywall, no ads, no life stories. Open any of them in the app and each quantity sits inside the step that uses it, so you read once and cook.

Every recipe is curated or public-domain sourced, written to one template and checked before it publishes. Nothing here is a scraped blog post.

Open the appNo download needed. It opens in your browser. The kitchen tools (planner, shopping list, pantry, import) are $5.33 a month billed annually; the first 30 days are free.