Most Spicy African Delicacies
Published by Efe on 9th May 2022
Africa is a continent with a rich and diverse culture. One of the things that make African cuisine so unique is the use of spices. These spices add flavour and heat to dishes, making them some of the spiciest foods in the world. In this blog post, we will explore some of Africa's most spicy delicacies. We will also discuss where they originated from, their health benefits, and how they are made.
African delicacies are usually very spicy. This is because the continent has a warm climate, which causes the spices to be more potent. The most commonly used spices in African cuisine are chilli peppers, ginger, garlic, and cumin. These spices are used in dishes such as stews, curries, stir-fries, and soups. the countries that have the spiciest delicacies are usually found in the eastern and southern parts of the continent.
Some of the most popular spicy African dishes include West African chicken stew, Jollof rice, Curry goat, Chakalaka, Banku and okra stew, Kebabs, Egusi soup, and Pepper soup, among others that will be discussed in this blog post. So, without further ado, let's get started!
Kuka
Kuka is a popular African soup made with a variety of vegetables and spices, including chilli peppers. Kuka is a staple in many African cultures and is often eaten for breakfast or lunch. It is also said to have many health benefits, including the ability to boost the immune system.
How to make Kuka
Ingredients:
- Groundnut oil
- Cumin seeds
- Salt
- Chilli powder
- Ginger paste
- Garlic paste
- Onion, chopped
- Green chillies, chopped
- Tomatoes, chopped
Instructions:
In a large pot or saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and salt, and fry for a few seconds until the cumin is fragrant. Add the chilli powder, ginger paste, garlic paste, onion, green chillies, and tomatoes. Fry for a few more minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Add water to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot with bread or rice.
Ata din din
A dish for those who like their food extra spicy. This dish originates from Nigeria. Ata din din is made with pepper soup spices, chilli peppers, and beef or chicken. It is said to be so spicy that it will make your eyes water. it is packed with nutritional benefits that help to improve your overall health.
How to make Ata din din
Ingredients:
-Chili peppers
-Beef or chicken
-Water
Instructions:
Add the beef or chicken to a pot of boiling water. Add the pepper soup spices and chilli peppers. Cook until the meat is tender. Serve with rice or fufu.
West African chicken stew
This dish is a spicy chicken stew that is popular in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. It is packed with health benefits like reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. The stew is made by cooking chicken in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce.
How to make West African chicken stew
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Red bell peppers
- Knorr Chicken cubes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chilli pepper
- Cumin
- Ginger
Instructions:
Start by heating some oil in a large pot. Then, add the chicken and cook until it is browned. Next, add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for a few minutes until the onions are softened. Then, add the tomatoes, bell peppers, chilli pepper, and cumin. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice or couscous.
Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is a West African dish that is popular in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Gambia. It is a one-pot dish that is made by cooking rice in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. It aids digestion, boosts immunity, and is high in antioxidants.
How to make Jollof rice
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Tomatoes
- Knorr chicken cubes
- Salt
- Basic seasoning (curry, thyme, and chicken seasoning)
- Red bell peppers
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chilli pepper
- Chicken
Instructions:
Wash the rice three to four times and place it aside. Boil and fry the chicken and put it aside. Slice some of the onions and blend the others with the peppers and tomatoes to make a thick puree. heat the puree on fir to remove excess water. Start the cooking by heating some oil in a large pot.
Then, add the sliced onions and puree and let it cook for five minutes. Next, add the chicken stock, seasoning, knorr cubes, garlic, and ginger, and then add water to the level you think will cook the rice. Cook for a few minutes until it starts boiling. Add salt and taste it is enough.
Then, add the washed rice and then cook on low heat for at least 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. Regularly check the rice at intervals to regulate the heat and to check if the rice is properly cooked. Serve with chicken or beef.
Curry goat
Curry goat is a popular dish in Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, and other Caribbean countries. It is made by cooking goat meat in a spicy curry sauce. Curry goat is packed with protein and vitamins that are essential for good health and it also aids in digestion.
How to make curry goat
Ingredients:
- Goat meat
- Curry powder
- All-purpose seasoning
- Thyme
- Green onion
- Scotch bonnet pepper
- Garlic
- Onion
Instructions:
Cut the goat meat into cubes and season it with curry powder, all-purpose seasoning, thyme, green onion, scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, and onion. Let it marinate for at least two hours.
Heat some oil in a large pot and then add the goat meat. Cook until the goat meat is browned. Then, add water and let it simmer for about an hour or until the goat meat is cooked through.
Serve with rice or boiled yam.
Chakalaka
Chakalaka is a popular South African dish that is made by cooking vegetables in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce. It is high in fibre and antioxidants and it aids digestion. Chakalaka is usually served with bread, rice, pap, or stews.
How to make chakalaka
Ingredients:
- Canned tomatoes
- Onion
- Green pepper
- Carrots
- Beans
- Chilli pepper
Instructions:
Dice the onion and green pepper and slice the carrots. heat some oil in a large pot and then add the onions, green peppers, and carrots. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Then, add the canned tomatoes, beans, and chilli pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chakalaka is heated through.
Serve with bread, rice, pap, or stews. Enjoy!
Banku and Okra stew
Banku and okra stew is a popular dish in Ghana. It is made by cooking Banku (a type of fermented corn dough) in a spicy tomato and pepper sauce with okra. Banku and okra stew is high in protein and fibre and aid digestion.
How to make Banku and okra stew
Ingredients:
- Banku
- Okra
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Green pepper
- Palm oil
- Seasoning
Instructions:
Slice the onion and green pepper and dice the tomatoes. heat some palm oil in a large pot and then add the onions, green peppers, and tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Then, add the okra, and then the seasoning. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the stew is heated through.
Serve with banku, rice, fufu, or boiled yam.
Kebabs
Kebabs are a popular dish in many African countries. They are made by skewering meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) and vegetables (usually peppers and onions) and then grilling them. Kebabs are high in protein and low in fat.
How to make kebabs
Ingredients:
- Chicken, beef, or lamb
- Peppers
- Onions
- Skewers
Instructions:
Cut the meat and vegetables into cubes. Marinate the meat with your choice of spices and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the meat and vegetables onto the skewers. Grill the kebabs for about 15 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
Serve with rice, salad, or bread.
Egusi soup
Egusi soup is a popular dish in Nigeria. It is made by cooking egusi (a type of melon seed) in a spicy broth with vegetables and meat. Egusi soup is high in protein and vitamins and minerals.
How to make egusi soup
Ingredients:
- Egusi
- Vegetables (leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers)
- Meat (chicken, beef, or goat)
- Palm oil
- Seasoning
Instructions:
Dice the vegetables and meat into cubes. Heat some palm oil in a large pot and then add the egusi. Cook until the egusi is browned.
Then, add the vegetables and meat, and then the seasoning. Stir well, add water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the soup is heated through.
Serve with fufu, rice, or boiled yam. See here for more egusi soup recipes.
Pili-pili chicken
Pili-pili chicken is a popular dish in Kenya. It is made by marinating chicken in pili-pili (a type of chilli pepper) sauce and then grilling it. Pili-pili chicken is high in protein and vitamins and minerals.
How to make pili-pili chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Pili-pili sauce
Instructions:
Marinate the chicken in the pili-pili sauce for at least 30 minutes. Grill the chicken for about 15 minutes or until it is cooked through. Serve with rice, salad, or bread.
Pepper soup
Pepper soup is a popular dish in many African countries. It is made by cooking peppers and other spices in water or broth to make a soup. Pepper soup can be made with or without meat.
How to make pepper soup
Ingredients:
- Peppers
- Other spices (onion, garlic, ginger, etc.)
- Water or broth
- Goat meat (optional)
Instructions:
Dice the onion and peppers and mince the garlic and ginger. heat some oil in a large pot and then add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the peppers and water or broth. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
If you are using goat meat, add it now and let it cook for a few more minutes. Season to taste and serve hot. It can be eaten with rice, yam, or eaten alone.
Chili con carne
Chili con carne is a popular dish in many African countries. It is made by cooking beans and beef in a spicy tomato sauce. Chili con carne is high in protein and fibre and low in fat.
How to make chilli con Carne
Ingredients:
- Beans
- Beef
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Green pepper
- Palm oil
- Seasoning (salt, pepper, chilli powder, cumin)
Instructions:
Dice the onion and green pepper and dice the tomatoes. Heat some palm oil in a large pot and then add the onion and green pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then, add the beef and cook until it is browned.
Add the beans, tomatoes and seasoning, stir well, and then add water to cover everything. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the beef is cooked through. Serve with rice or bread. You can also top it with cheese or sour cream if you like.
Warthog or bushpig with peanut sauce
Warthog or bushpig with peanut sauce is a popular dish in many African countries. It is made by cooking warthog or bushpig meat in a peanut sauce. Warthog or bushpig with peanut sauce is high in protein and vitamins and minerals.
How to make warthog or bushpig with peanut sauce
Ingredients:
- Warthog or bushpig meat
- Peanut butter
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chili pepper
Instructions:
Mince the garlic and onion and dice the tomatoes. Cook the meat in a pot with some oil until it is browned. Add the garlic, onion, tomatoes, chilli pepper, and peanut butter. Stir well and add water to cover everything. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
Serve with rice, fufu, or bread. You can also add some greens like spinach or kale to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking if you like.
BBQ Chicken
BBQ chicken is a popular dish in many African countries. It is made by grilling chicken that has been marinated in a BBQ sauce. BBQ chicken is high in protein and vitamins and minerals.
How to make BBQ chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- BBQ sauce
Instructions:
Marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes. Grill the chicken for about 15 minutes or until it is cooked through. Serve with rice, salad, or bread. You can also add some veggies like onion, green pepper, or tomato to the grill if you like. 
Allergies
If you have a peanut allergy, do not eat warthog or bushpig with peanut sauce. If you have a shellfish allergy, do not eat pili-pili chicken. If you have a gluten allergy, do not eat chilli con Carne.
Overall, if you have pepper allergies, do not eat anything on this list. If you have any other allergies, please consult your doctor before eating any of these dishes.
Where to buy the ingredients to make these spicy African delicacies
You can buy the ingredients to make these dishes at any African market or online. If you are in the UK, Check out our website. We have a variety of ingredients you can use to cook almost any African or Caribbean dish.
Conclusion
African food is not for the faint-hearted. It is packed with spices and flavours that will tantalize your taste buds. So, if you are looking for a culinary adventure, then these three dishes are a great place to start.
Also Read
Know the Differences Between Nigerian and Ghanaian Jollof Rice
How Do You Make African Jollof Rice?
How Do You Make Chicken Stock With Cubes?
What Is The Benefit Of Goat Meat?
What Is The Benefit Of Goat Meat?