If you are from Africa or have ever visited an African nation, you would probably agree that the continent is home to a wide variety of delectable cuisines. When we mention African cuisine, we are talking about the enormous range of foods and cooking methods that are used all across the continent of Africa. African cuisine is noted for its strong flavours, hearty stews, grilled meats, and a wide range of vegetarian dishes made using ingredients that can be found locally, such as cassava, yams, plantains, and beans.
The most popular dishes from Africa include jollof rice (West Africa), tajine (North Africa), bobotie (South Africa), egusi soup and fufu (West Africa), ugali and injera ((East Africa). When discussing African cuisines, there are a lot of things to say. But this piece focuses on something equally important but less spoken about: African dessert. What do you know about African desserts?
Top 5 Irresistible African Desserts
Africans typically consume a variety of traditional desserts after a meal. When the urge is particularly strong, one could not wait until after a meal before indulging. We’ll talk about a handful of the most well-liked African desserts in this article. Let’s begin.
Banana Fritters | African dessert
For those who do not know, legend has it that the first banana fritters were from West Africa. Just so you know, the Latin word frictura, which means “fried or to fry,” is the root of the English word fritter. So, it’s simple to refer to any component that has been battered and fried as a fritter. You are welcome! Now, let’s look at how to make banana fritters. Slices or chunks of ripe bananas are used to make this delectable snack, which is deep-fried until golden brown. The batter can be made with any combination of flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. At any time of the day, banana fritters make a tasty dessert or sweet snack. They are typically served with a honey drizzle or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Bean Cake (West Africa)
If you are familiar with them, bean cakes come in a variety of shapes. Any recipe that calls for pureed beans—typically navy or black beans—and other components like flour, eggs, and seasonings results in a bean cake. Bean cakes are favoured as a popular gluten-free, vegetarian substitute for traditional meat-based cakes because of their high protein content and savoury, rich flavour. One popular form of bean cake is called akara. Black-eyed beans are combined with spices to make akara, which is popular among West African countries. In nations like Nigeria, it is a staple cuisine that is frequently eaten for breakfast, as a snack, or as a light meal. Akara is renowned for its exquisite and distinctive flavour as well as for being incredibly nutritious and high in protein. Sometimes akara is used to eat bread, and other times it is served oatmeal.
Malva Pudding (South Africa)
If you are South African or have been to South Africa before, then you should know about malva pudding. Malva pudding is a traditional South African dessert made with soft sponge cake and served warm with warm caramel sauce. The cake has a particular flavour that is both sweet and acidic and is sometimes sweetened with apricot jam. Typically, it is eaten as a dessert and frequently includes ice cream or cream. The major ingredients used in making malva pudding are flour, sugar, milk, apricot jam, and balsamic vinegar. When next you are in South Africa, don’t leave until you eat their malva pudding.
Quatayef (Middle East Africa)
We cannot say that this particular dessert is peculiar to African countries alone because it is quite popular among many Arab or Middle Eastern countries. A pancake-like batter is used to make qatayef, which is then fried or baked after being filled with sweet cheese or almonds. Usually, it is offered during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. The crispy shell and soft, sweet centre of qatayef are sometimes drizzled with syrup to increase sweetness. It is a well-liked dessert in nations like Jordan, Egypt, and Syria. The batter itself and the entire dessert are collectively referred to as qatayef. Typically, it is created with flour, baking powder, water, yeast, and occasionally sugar. Quatayef is a very sweet dumpling that you must not hesitate to eat whenever the opportunity arises.
Baghrir (North Africa)
Baghrir is a typical Moroccan dessert that resembles pancakes. It is produced with a batter consisting of semolina flour, yeast, sugar, and water. Baghrir, sometimes called Moroccan crepe, is distinguished by the numerous tiny holes that appear on its top when it is cooked. Baghrir pancakes are a common breakfast or snack item in Morocco and are generally served with honey or syrup. Explore Uncommon Sugar Substitutes For Your Diet.
These African desserts are hard to resist; they leave you wanting more
There are many other desserts peculiar to African nations that are not mentioned here. But you can always be assured to enjoy them whenever you have the opportunity to eat any of them. Just like African foods, African desserts will always make you want more.
You are fab!
Cheers!
Micheal
