25 African Recipes to Try This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and food. Lots of food. And if you’re looking for something new this year. From Jollof rice to plantains, there are many delicious dishes this year. This list of 25 African recipes will surely please everyone at your holiday party. Whether looking for a new twist on an old favorite or trying something completely new, you will not be disappointed.

Top 25 African Recipes To Try This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a great time to try new African recipes, and what better way to do that than with African recipes?

There are so many delicious African dishes to choose from, and we’ve compiled a list of our top 25 favorites.

1. Curry Style Jollof Rice

This dish is made with rice that is cooked in a tomato and onion sauce and then spiced with ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, and other seasonings. Chicken, seafood, or vegetables can be added to the dish, often served with a side of plantains or stewed greens.

Curry-style jollof rice is a flavorful and easy way to add an African twist to your holiday meal. Give it a try this year and see how your family and friends react!

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Curry Style Jollof Rice

Curry Style Jollof Rice is a delicious twist on the traditional West African jollof rice, combining the rich, creamy flavor of coconut milk with a blend of aromatic spices like curry, turmeric, cumin, and ginger. This festive dish, perfect for the holiday season, is not only bursting with flavor but also adds a vibrant pop of color with fresh vegetables like bell peppers and spring onions. It’s the perfect dish to impress your family and friends!

Check out this recipe

ALSO READ: 13 Afrocentric Wedding Cake Ideas

2. West African Jollof Rice With Cayenne

West African jollof rice is a holiday staple in many African countries. The dish is typically made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers. Cayenne pepper is often used to give it a bit of heat. Jollof rice is usually served with chicken or fish.

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West African Jollof Rice

This West African Jollof Rice is a flavorful one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, spices, and vegetables. A staple at West African parties, this delicious dish can be customized with or without chicken for a vegetarian option.

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3. Spicy Peri Peri Prawns with Homemade Piri-Piri Sauce

Peri peri sauce is a deliciously spicy African sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, and lemon. This prawn recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavor of peri peri without the heat.

The homemade piri-piri sauce perfectly balances spice and sweetness, and it goes perfectly with the succulent prawns. If you’re looking for an African-inspired dish to add to your holiday menu, this is it!

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Spicy Peri Peri Prawns with Homemade Piri-Piri Sauce

This recipe for spicy peri peri prawns is packed with flavor and is perfect for seafood lovers. The prawns are marinated in a delicious peri peri sauce made from roasted red bell peppers, garlic, and bird's eye chilies, giving them an extra kick of heat. These prawns are ideal for serving with rice or enjoyed on their own!

Check out this recipe

4. Atakilt Wat

African recipes are full of flavor and perfect for the holiday season. One of our favorites is Atakilt Wat, a hearty vegetable dish from Ethiopia.

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Ethiopian Cabbage (Atakilt Wat)

Experience the vibrant flavors of Ethiopia with this quick and simple Ethiopian Cabbage dish, Atakilt Wat. This delicious blend of cabbage, carrots, and potatoes is spiced with traditional Berbere seasoning, creating a perfect weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes!

Check out this recipe

ALSO READ: Kenyan Matumbo And 6 Other Surprising African Tripe Recipes That Are Finger Licking Delicious

5. Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Couscous

This Moroccan spiced vegetable couscous is the perfect dish to try this holiday season! It is packed with flavor from the spices, and the vegetables add a great depth of flavor and nutrition. This dish is sure to please everyone at your holiday table.

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Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Couscous

This vibrant Moroccan Couscous blends sweet vegetables, warm spices, and chickpeas for a delightful combination of savory, mildly spicy, and tangy flavors. It’s quick, easy, and perfect as a side or main dish.

Check out this recipe

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6. Harissa Chicken Recipe

This Harissa Chicken Recipe is a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful dish that is perfect for any holiday table. The chicken is marinated in a harissa paste, which is a blend of chili peppers, garlic, and other spices. This gives the chicken a beautiful crimson color and an incredible depth of flavor. The chicken is then roasted in the oven until it is juicy and tender. Serve this Harissa Chicken with some steamed rice and a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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Grilled Harissa Chicken Thighs with Honey and Lemon

This Tunisian-inspired dish features boneless chicken thighs marinated in a bold blend of harissa, honey, and spices, delivering smoky, zesty, and mildly spicy flavors. Paired with grilled lemons and tomatoes, it's a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for the grill.

This flavorful grilled harissa chicken combines smoky, spicy, and sweet notes with a tangy finish from grilled lemons. It's a perfect dish for summer BBQs or weeknight meals, ready in under an hour. The harissa marinade penetrates the chicken for a deliciously deep flavor, balanced by a touch of honey.

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7. West African Grilled Chicken Salad

This West African Grilled Chicken Salad is a healthy and flavorful dish that is perfect for the holiday season. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of ginger, garlic, cumin, and chili pepper, and then grilled to perfection.

The salad is made with a variety of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and avocados. The chicken and vegetables are then tossed in a light dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. This salad is sure to please even the most picky eaters!

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West African Grilled Chicken Salad

This delicious and hearty West African Grilled Chicken Salad is perfect for a quick and simple meal. The chicken, marinated in Essiespice Mekko Dry Rub, brings bold West African flavors that make this salad a standout. It’s healthy, filling, and easy to make—perfect for a busy errand day.

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ALSO READ: 9 Shakshuka Recipe Finger-Licking Variations For Summer Holiday

8.  Tumeric Fried Rice

When it comes to fried rice, there are a million and one ways to make it. But this tumeric-infused version is definitely one worth trying. The vibrant yellow color of the tumeric instantly makes this dish feel more festive, while the fragrant spice adds an extra layer of flavor. Andbest of all, it’s actually incredibly easy to make.

So if you’re looking for a new fried rice recipe to try this holiday season, give this tumeric-infused version a go. You won’t be disappointed!

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Turmeric Fried Rice (Vegan) Recipe

This vegan turmeric fried rice recipe is quick, easy, and inspired by Sudanese cooking with its flavorful use of cumin and other spices. It's a vibrant, healthy dish packed with vegetables and deliciously seasoned, making it perfect for a wholesome family meal. You can customize it with your favorite veggies and enjoy it any time!

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9.  Moroccan Lentil-Stuffed Eggplant

Eggplant is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. This Moroccan-inspired recipe stuffs eggplant with a hearty lentil filling, making for a wonderfully satisfying and healthy holiday meal.

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Moroccan Lentil-Stuffed Eggplant

Stuffed baked eggplants filled with Moroccan-spiced lentils. A hearty and flavorful dish, packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients. This gluten-free and vegan-friendly recipe makes a perfect side dish or main entrée.

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10.  Hazelnut(Assida) Hazelnut Cream

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Hazelnut Assida(Hazelnut Cream)

A creamy, smooth Tunisian dessert made from hazelnuts, perfect for family gatherings during Ramadan or special occasions like the Prophet’s birthday.

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11. Kid-friendly African Jerk Chicken

Looking for a hearty and healthy meal that the whole family can enjoy? This kid-friendly African jerk chicken is the perfect dish to try this holiday season! Packed with protein and loaded with flavor, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied.

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Kid-friendly African Jerk Chicken

This delicious and mildly spiced African jerk chicken recipe is perfect for the whole family, especially for kids. With a fragrant mix of spices and a touch of sweetness, it's a great introduction to African flavors.

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12.  Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables

If you’re looking for a healthier option this holiday season, African recipes are a great option. This grilled chicken kabob recipe is not only healthy, but easy to make and full of flavor. Chicken kabobs are always a hit at parties.

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African Grilled Chicken Kabobs With Vegetables

These grilled chicken kabobs are marinated with a blend of everyday spices to create tender, succulent chicken breast pieces, paired perfectly with vibrant vegetables. A simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect for any meal.

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ALSO READ: 6 Mouth Watering Nigerian MoiMoi Recipe Variations

13. North African Lamb Stew

This North African lamb stew is the perfect dish to try if you’re looking for something new and exciting this holiday season. The lamb is cooked in a fragrant mixture of spices, including cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, which gives it a wonderfully rich flavor.

The stew also includes chickpeas, tomatoes, and onions, making it a hearty and filling meal. Serve it over some steamed rice or couscous for a complete meal.

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North African Lamb And Chickpea Stew

This rich and flavorful lamb stew is infused with North African spices and paired with toasted cauliflower rice. A hearty and nutritious dish that fits perfectly into a Mediterranean diet, it's packed with protein, fiber, and savory goodness.

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14. African Recipes – Moroccan Chicken

If you want to try something a little different this holiday season, why not try making Moroccan chicken? This dish is full of flavorful spices like cumin and cinnamon, and the chicken is cooked until it’s nice and tender. Serve it over a bed of couscous or rice, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to please your family and friends.

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Moroccan Chicken

This flavorful Moroccan chicken features tender chicken thighs simmered in a spiced, aromatic sauce with olives and lemon. It's an easy, hearty dinner perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

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15. South African Style Rice Salad-African Recipes

This South African style rice salad is perfect for a holiday potluck or as a side dish at your Christmas dinner. It’s packed with flavor from the spices, herbs, and vegetables, and it’s sure to be a hit with your guests!

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South African Style Rice

This refreshing and colorful South African-inspired rice salad is packed with vibrant vegetables, sweet raisins, and a creamy yogurt-mayo dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a picnic favorite!

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16. Digaag Duban (Somali Style Baked Chicken)

Somali style baked chicken is a delicious and easy to make dish. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of spices and then baked until it is golden brown and cooked through. This dish is perfect for any holiday or special occasion.

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Digaag Duban (Somali Style Baked Chicken)

Digaag Duban, also known as Somali Baked Chicken, is a flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken drumsticks baked to perfection. Infused with a blend of spices and saffron, this dish is a perfect appetizer or side dish, popular in East African and Somali cuisine.

Check out this recipe

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17. Tuwo Shinkafa – Rice Meal Swallow

Rice is a staple in many African cultures, and tuwo shinkafa is a popular dish made with rice. This dish is traditionally made by boiling rice and then pounding it into a paste. Once the rice is pounded into a paste, it is shaped into balls and then fried. Tuwo shinkafa can be served with a variety of different sauces or stews, and it is a popular dish to eat during the holidays.

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Tuwo Shinkafa – Delicious Rice Swallow

Tuwon Shinkafa, also known as Rice Swallow, is a popular Nigerian dish made from soft, mushy rice that is stirred into a smooth, dough-like consistency. Traditionally served with soups like Miyan Taushe (pumpkin soup) or Miyan Kuka (baobab leaf soup), it’s a staple in Hausa cuisine, offering a comforting, starchy base for rich and flavorful stews.

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18. Oven Grilled Goat Meat- Simple African Recipes

Whether you’re looking to add some global flavor to your holiday table, or simply want to try something new this year, African cuisine is a great option. And while African food can sometimes be Associated with complicated recipes and hard-to-find ingredients, there are plenty of simple and delicious African dishes that are perfect for the holidays.

One of our favorite easy African recipes is oven grilled goat meat. The result is a succulent and flavorful piece of meat that makes a great addition to any holiday feast.

If you’re looking for an easy African recipe to try this holiday season, look no further than oven grilled goat meat. This dish is simple to make, yet full of flavor – making it a perfect addition to any Christmas or New Year’s celebration.

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Oven Grilled Goat Meat- Simple Recipe

This easy oven-grilled goat meat recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. The meat is marinated with a mix of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Serve with rice, nshima (pap), or your favorite side dish for a hearty, satisfying meal.

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19. Fonio Grits and Shrimp(Savory Acha Pottage)

Fonio grits and shrimp is a delicious, savory African dish that is perfect for the holiday season. This dish is made with fonio, a type of African millet, and is served with shrimp, vegetables, and a flavorful gravy. Fonio grits and shrimp is a hearty and satisfying meal that will please even the most discerning guests.

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Fonio Grits and Shrimp (Savory Acha Pottage)

If you enjoy classic grits, this savory dish made with fonio and shrimp brings a nutritious twist with a rich seafood flavor. It's perfect for a hearty main course and packed with West African flair.

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ALSO READ: 10 Ogbono Soup Recipes That Will Get You Drooling Over African Soup

20. Curried Lamb And Onion Sosaties

Lamb and onion sosaties are a popular South African dish that is often served during the holidays. The dish is made by marinating lamb chops in a curry sauce and then grilling them. The onions are usually grilled with the lamb, but can also be cooked separately.

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Curried Lamb And Onion Sosaties

A South African braai favorite, these lamb sosaties are marinated in aromatic Malay curry spices, grilled to perfection, and served with unique accompaniments like banana purée, bruléed baby onions, labneh, and crispy onions. A truly elevated take on a classic dish!

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21. African Recipes-Cornbread Dressing

There’s just something about cornbread dressing that makes it a holiday staple in many African American households. And while there are many variations of this dish, the common denominator is always deliciousness.

If you’re looking to try your hand at making cornbread dressing this holiday season, we’ve got a great recipe for you. This dish is packed with flavor, thanks to the addition of sausage, celery, onions, and herbs. And it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of the holidays African style!

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Southern Cornbread Dressing

A Southern holiday staple, this comforting and savory cornbread dressing combines cubed bread, sausage, vegetables, and a blend of herbs. Moist and flavorful, it's the perfect side dish for any special occasion.

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22. Moroccan-Spiced Caponata

This Moroccan-spiced caponata is a delicious and easy way to add some African flavor to your holiday table. The sweet and sour flavors of the dish are perfectly balanced, and the addition of spices like cumin and paprika give it an extra special kick. Serve this dish alongside some grilled meats or vegetables, or use it as a tasty topping for party crackers or bread.

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Moroccan-Spiced Caponata

A flavorful North African-inspired twist on classic caponata, this Moroccan-Spiced Caponata is a delightful way to enjoy summer vegetables. The combination of eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, and spices creates a savory dish perfect for serving over grilled bread or as a versatile topping for various meals.

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23. African Recipes- Viazi Karai

If you haven’t had the chance to try Viazi Karai, now is the perfect opportunity. This African dish is made with potatoes that are deep fried and then served in a spicy tomato sauce. It’s the perfect addition to any holiday meal and is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

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Easy Garlic Viazi Karai With a Sweet Chilli Sauce

This flavorful garlic-infused Viazi Karai recipe combines perfectly crispy fried potatoes with a tangy, spicy homemade sweet chili sauce. A great snack or side dish to share, this easy recipe will be a hit with family and friends!

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ALSO READ: 13 Popular African Foods You Cannot Miss In Each Region

24. South African Fruit Cake

Looking for something a little different to make for your holiday dessert this year? Why not try a South African fruit cake! This unique and flavorful cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and is sure to be a hit with your guests.

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South African Fruit Cake

This traditional South African fruit cake is packed with dried fruits and nuts, making it a rich and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. The combination of cherries, cranberries, raisins, and sultanas adds a delightful burst of sweetness, while the pecan nuts bring a wonderful crunch.

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25. Malva Pudding

Malva pudding is a very popular dessert in South Africa. It is a spongy, sweet cake that is often served with a custard or ice cream. The name “malva” comes from the Latin word for mallow, which is a type of flower. The pudding is made with mallow flowers, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.

Malva pudding is rich and sweet, but not too heavy. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re looking for something different to make for dessert this holiday season, give malva pudding a try!

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South African Malva Pudding

Malva Pudding is a beloved South African dessert that is sweet, buttery, and moist, making it perfect for indulging. With its combination of apricot jam and a rich butter sauce, this pudding is irresistible, especially served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

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Conclusion

The holiday season is a great time to try new recipes, and African recipes are some of the best. If you’re looking for something different to make this year, check out these 25 African recipes. From traditional dishes like Jollof rice and chicken Stew to newer creations like African-style shrimp and grits, there’s something for everyone on this list. So get cooking and enjoy a taste of Africa this holiday season!