Take your taste buds on a trip with these tasty vegan African recipes!
By Lora O’Brien
The truth is, ‘African food’ is pretty much impossible to define. The continent is so, so vast and rich with hundreds – if not thousands – of different cultures. It’s also bursting with a wide variety of veggies, fruits and spices. Centuries of trade and the blight of colonialism have brought many different influences to the cuisine here, and today, globalisation plays some role in food trends, too. But one thing that all Africans could probably agree on is that meat normally plays a pretty big role in the meals of just about each country in Africa.
Luckily, that is changing. As the world wakes up to the benefits of a plant based diet, there are more and more African chefs, bloggers, Instagrammers and foodies sharing vegan African recipes that are revised versions of their favourite dishes.
That’s not to say there aren’t a whole lot of drool worthy native vegan delights from Africa, too! Some of my favourites include the salsa-like salad called kachumbari from Kenya; sweetly spicy tagines from North Africa, and the tangy crepes that are used to scoop up different stews from East Africa.
However, unlike Japanese or Italian food, African cuisine hasn’t yet really become ‘a thing’ in the Western world, so you may have to search for some of the ingredients to make these recipes below.
What you need to make African food
Here are a few tips to get you started making vegan African recipes:
- You’ll need spices like Ethiopian berbere, North African harissa and maybe some Dukkha – all of which you can easily buy online.
- Other ingredients like fresh okra, collard greens and plantains may be found in specialised grocery stores in bigger cities, but if you can’t find them, don’t sweat it – kale and Swiss chard can sub in for most greens.
- Cassava flour is required for quite a few recipes, and just FYI, it’s also called yucca or manioc. If you can’t find it, it usually be replaced with arrowroot or tapioca flour.
Ready to take your taste buds on a wild trip? Let’s get cooking!
Vegan African Recipes From All Over The Continent
1. West African Mango Overnight Oats
What better way to start the day than with a slightly sweet, but thoroughly nutritious, bowl of fruity oats? They’re soaked in vegan milk to make them creamy and soft, before being topped with a creamy mango sauce and garnished with some crunchy almonds.
Get the recipe here.
2. Vegan Cornbread
Forget your morning bowl of cereal. Why not indulge in a little cornbread instead? Traditionally titled mealie in Africa, this recipe is a cross between a bread and a cake, with a little sweetness. Cut off a few slices in the morning and top them with a little vegan butter for a super yummy treat anytime of the day.
Get the recipe here.
3. Nutmeg Plantain Pancakes
This is a pretty unique recipe that fuses the flavours of Sierra Leone with…Morocco! The Moroccan touch is from the light spongy semolina pancakes, called beghrir, which is apparently a very popular breakfast food in that country. The batter for these pancakes creates hundreds of holes, which are ideal for soaking up the topping of nutmeg and plantains from Sierra Leone.
Get the recipe here.
4. East African Breakfast Wraps
The omelette in this recipe has been given a vegan makeover using tofu, which has been blended up with chickpea flour, spices and are then laced with lots of veggie goodness. The end result? A soft and light omelette, and zero eggs were used! Impressed? Wait until you taste it! The omelette is then wrapped in a chapati, but you could use tortilla wraps if that’s all you’ve got on hand.
Get the recipe here.
5. Misr Wat (Ethiopian Spiced Red Lentils)
This recipe is hot, filling and super simple to throw together. This is a red lentil stew that is simmered with tomatoes and then flavoured with berbere chili. Add a dollop of vegan yogurt or sour cream to cool the palette against the spice, and tuck in!
Get the recipe here.
6. Ethiopian Collard Greens
This Ethiopian recipe, traditionally known as Ye’abasha Gomen, is a dish of braised greens and kale that has been seasoned with aromatic flavours such as cardamom and coriander. This dish goes sooo well with a lentil stew (like the one above). It’s also a really great way to pack more greens into your diet in a fun and delicious way!
Get the recipe here.
7. Chermoula-Spiced Karantita Salad
Karantita is an Algerian cross between a pancake and a flatbread, and is made using chickpea flour, olive oil and water. It’s really simple to make, and makes a great mid-week dish. Pair it with a fresh and crunchy pomegranate salad and the infusion of textures will truly blow your mind – and taste buds!
Get the recipe here.
8. Curried Chickpea – Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
You can’t really go wrong with a stuffed potato, am I right? It always hits the spot, and this curried chickpea topping is going to really bring this dish to life. The chickpeas are simmered in an aromatic curry and coconut sauce and then topped onto the baked potatoes. Who needs meat when you’ve got a dish this filling?
Get the recipe here.
9. Atakilt Wat (Ethiopian Spiced Cabbage, Carrot & Potatoes)
This vegan African recipe is a popular side dish for any Ethiopian meal. Made from cabbage, carrots and potatoes that have been spiced with fragrant berbere seasoning, it’s packed with flavour. Serve this alongside some simmered lentils and Ethiopian flatbread for a quick and totally satisfying dinner.
Get the recipe here.
10. Spiced Cauliflower and Almond Soup
This elegant Moroccan soup sounds luxurious but is pretty easy to make! There are only around 5 easy-to-find ingredients, and it’s bound to impress any dinner guests. Serve it up before a tagine for a hearty, plant based meal.
Get the recipe here.
11. Callaloo Soup
This dish originated in West Africa, and was brought to the Caribbean in the 17th century, where it’s still a firm favourite. Callaloo soup may vary from place to place, but there’s really no right or wrong way to make it. The key ingredient is either callaloo of dasheen leaves. Although this soup would traditionally have meat in it, this vegan version focuses on veggies to bulk it out. Oh, and if you have no idea what callaloo is or where to find it, try kale or Swiss Chard instead. They’re pretty close subs!
Get the recipe here.
12. Vegan Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is a classic West African dish, and I can see why! Filled up with tomatoes, onion and an array of spices, this is a dish that will bring a lease of life to any meal you decide to make. In fact, it’s so delicious, no one would blame you for eating this as a main itself!
Get the recipe here.
13. Akara-Nigerian Black-Eyed Pea Fritters
These tempting Nigerian black-eyed pea fritters are a popular treat you’ll often find street vendors selling. They’re usually served alongside a local chilli sauce named Red Kosayi. They’re crispy on the outside, and once you bite inside you’ll find they’re soft and subtly spiced.
Get the recipe here.
14. Roast Jerk Plantains
These roasted jerk plantains may just take over your love of fries! They’re healthier as they’re baked and not fried, and they’re sweet, a little spicy, with a slightly exotic vibe to them. They’re topped with slices of onion and bell pepper. Whether you choose to have these as a vegan meal or a side, they’re super addictive!
Get the recipe here.
15. Coconut & Turmeric Roast Potatoes
Who doesn’t love roast potatoes? This vegan African recipe comes with a twist though: coconut flour! It gives these roast potatoes the most delicious coating, whilst the turmeric adds a golden hue and a kick of antioxidants. These potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside; true perfection!
Get the recipe here.
16. Chilli-Garlic Tofu Noodle Bowls
This may be a slightly Asian flavoured recipe, but it features a seriously African veggie: okra. Originally from Africa, okra is an edible green seed pod, and has been crisped up in this dish to add a gorgeous crunch. All you need to do is slice them into thin strips, toss them into a little cornflour and then plunge them into hot oil and dry for around 2-3 minutes. Once they’re crispy and golden, they’re ready to add to a dish, and they go superbly in this tofu bowl.
Get the recipe here.
17. Ratatouille (Nigerian Interpretation)
Ratatouille may be a dish that originated in France, but this recipe has some serious Nigerian infusions! The end result? A wonderful vegan African recipe, packed with sweet potatoes and plantains, nicely coated in a rich tomato sauce. It’s warm, it’s filling and it’s damn delicious!
Get the recipe here.
18. Sweet Potato, Kale and Peanut Stew
This recipe just makes me drool, because it’s got three of my favourite ingredients in it. The sweet potato lends a sweet creaminess to this dish, while the peanuts add a nutty flavour. But if you prefer your vegan African recipes with a kick, never fear: there’s plenty of savoury heat in this dish, too!
Get the recipe here.
19. Suya Spiced Vegetable Kebabs
Suya is a popular street food found in Nigeria, and is similar to that of a shish kebab. Chunks of meat are skewered and spiced before being grilled over charcoal. Kebabs are pretty easy to make vegan friendly; simply throw out the meat and replace them with chunky veggies such as red onion, bell peppers and mushrooms but chunks of potato would also work so well with these babies.
Get the recipe here.
20. Roast Veggie Moroccan Tagine
This recipe has all the components to make a wonderful meal; roasted veggies, rich tomato sauce with a spicy harissa gravy – yum! This will bring a little North African love right to your very own dinner table. And who doesn’t love cooking a good tagine? It’s one of my favourite stews! Serve with or without some couscous.
Get the recipe here.
21. Vegan Chicken and Dumplings
It’s a favourite throughout many countries on the continent, but who would have thought you could make chicken and dumplings vegan? It’s all down to some nice, hearty seitan! Delicious! (but not great for the gluten intolerant, mind you).
Get the recipe here.
22. The Notorious Gatsby – Veganised!
A Gatsby is a much loved, very sloppy South African sandwich. It’s traditionally a foot-long and stuffed with all kinds of fillings such as onions, cheese and a meat of choice, and then sliced into four portions. Well, the Gatsby has been made vegan friendly in this vegan African recipe. It boasts all kinds of tastes and textures, from the crunchy gherkins and soft soy mince to the deliciously gooey caramelised onions. Oh, and the vital Gatsby ingredient? Spicy fries!
Get the recipe here.
23. Vegan African Peanut Stew with Eggplant & Okra
Peanut soup is a staple in African cuisine, and this stew is like tucking into a rich, warming bowl of peanut butter, with added veggies and harissa spice. The colour alone is stunning; but thanks to the peanut butter it is wonderfully creamy and hearty at the same time. You’ll want to dunk a chunk of bread to mop up all that glorious sauce!
Get the recipe here.
24. Baked Stuffed Plantains with Black Beans
Plantain, a member of the banana family, is incredibly popular in African cuisine. They’re not only full of minerals and nutrients, but they pack plenty of fibre, too. The plantains are baked and then stuffed with a black bean mixture. The blend of sweet plantain and savoury beans works together wonderfully!
Get the recipe here.
25. Yam & ‘Egg’
This dish is incredibly popular in many Nigerian households. In fact, this is one of the most iconic vegan African recipes! The yams are topped with a delicious scramble, which is super easy to make vegan friendly with the help of tofu and a little turmeric to give it that authentic yellow hue. I mean, c’mon, this looks scarily like real eggs, right?!
Get the recipe here.
26. Vegan Bobotie
Bobotie (ba-boh-tea) is the national dish of South Africa, and is comfort food at its finest. A mixture of curried meat and fruit is topped with an egg-based topping. This version switches out the meat and used mushrooms for that meaty texture, and it has a creamy, egg-free vegan sauce topping it all off. It’s one of the creamiest, richest and most soothing of all the vegan African recipes!
Get the recipe here.
27. South African Bunny Chow with Chickpeas
Bunny chow, often just called bunny in South Africa, is a popular fast food option. A loaf of bread is hollowed out and then filled with curry. The mini ciabatta rolls work as a makeshift bowl and mop up all of that delicious curry sauce. It’s all just finger lickin’ good! And did I mention this is one of the best vegan African recipes to serve up at parties?
Get the recipe here.
28. Raw Veggie Stew With Cauliflower Couscous
Not only is this stew recipe vegan, it’s also raw, making it super healthy! The veggies may not be cooked, but there’s no lack of North African spice in this tasty and filling dish.
Get the recipe here.
29. Ethiopian Black Eyed Peas with Coconut Milk
This high protein dish is pretty easy to make, and comes with a seriously fragrant habanero chili. Don’t leave it out if you think it may burn your mouth, though! This one’s not too hot, because it’s seeded, and it adds a fruity, tropical flavor
Get the recipe here.
30. Zambian Ifishashi and Nshima
Nshima is an essential element of traditional Zambian and other southern African cuisines. It’s basically a dough made with maize flour, and is commonly also referred to as Fufu. It can be consumed slightly sweet with milk in the form of a porridge, for breakfast. For other meals, like these green veggie fritters topped with peanuts, it is served as an accompaniment, and is eaten with the fingers. Ready to try something totally different?
Get the recipe here.
31. Quick Ethiopian Injera
Injera is a sourdough crepe that’s common in Ethiopia, Yemen and Somalia. It’s served like a plate, dotted with dollops of stews, spiced lentils and salad. A big platter is for all sitting at the table, and then you take your own little rolled up injera in your hand and scoop whichever veggie dish you want up with it. It’s a lovely way to share a meal with friends. The variety of foods and flavours offered up on these crepes means this dish is pretty much vegan heaven! In case you haven’t guessed, this is one of my favourite vegan African recipes of all time.
Get the recipe here.
32. Vegan Foul Medames
This dish is popular not only in North East Africa, but around Arabia, too. It’s basically just a recipe for some of the tastiest fava beans you’ll ever have. It’s full of flavour thanks to the mirage of ground cumin, fresh herbs and zest lemon garlic sauce with hot peppers!
Get the recipe here.
33. Egg-free (Vegan) Koeksisters
Koeksisters are a popular South African doughnut. They feature a sweet, sticky syrup. These deep fried treats are crispy on the outside and deliciously fluffy on the inside. One of the best vegan African recipes for dipping into a nice cup of coffee!
Get the recipe here.
Main image credit here.
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WOW. I looked at several fantastic African recipes. I have never eaten any of the dishes presented here. I have a strong Caribbean background and cook many different Caribbean dishes. I am very familiar with most of the ingredients used in African cuisine, they are just prepared and cooked a different way. I’m looking forward to trying a couple of these delicious dishes! !! 👍😊
It’s shocking to me that there’s not more of an emphasis on African cuisine around the world. Sure, it’s a huge continent…but that just means there’s so, so much on offer! Hope you enjoy some great meals!
This is so….hmmm….yummmm… mouth watering …
I now know what more I am going to be looking forward to.
Enjoy! 🙂
I hadn’t tried any African food besides Morrocan tagine 5 months ago, and now I’ve tried Habesha (injera, shiro, lentil curry, sour cabbage), Ghanaian red red, Jollof rice and Nigerian fufu. I want to try at least 1 dish from every country in Africa, but I’m vegan and there are many meat, fish and egg dishes. Needless to say, this is a great list for me and I’m so excited to get cooking 😀
Hi Aimee! So glad you found the article useful! Happy cooking! 🙂
Excellent. Thanks for sharing. I liked stuffed plantain and beans. I am gonna adopt plenty of these recipes. Thanks to Laura for sharing!
I’m so thankful for these recipes. I recently got married to an African man, and he cooks all the time. I’m a super cook, but his dishes are vegan/vegetarian friendly. I thank you so much.
I’m sorry, I meant that his dishes are not vegan/vegetarian friendly, but these recipes make it easier.
So glad you found them useful, Laura!
Thank you thank you for compiling these recipes and for posting them. I hope one day they can be created to be a hook. I’m a west African who now embraces a plant based diet, i am extremely happy and grateful to have stumble upon your website.
Again thank you
Good for you!! 🙂 Glad you found us!