Coconut cookbook: Delicious dishes for every occasion
What's the story
From savory stews to sweet desserts, coconut is an important ingredient in many African dishes, providing unique flavors and textures. Coconut features prominently in the culinary traditions across the continent. Here are some of the top coconut dishes every food enthusiast must try, showcasing the diverse and delicious ways coconut is used in African cuisine.
Rice dish
Coconut rice delight
Coconut rice is another popular dish across several African countries. The dish mixes rice with coconut milk, resulting in a creamy, aromatic side dish or main course. The coconut milk's subtle sweetness elevates the rice's flavor, making it a perfect match for many meals. Usually topped with fresh herbs or vegetables, this dish is a prime example of how simple ingredients can make magic.
Stew dish
Mafe: A peanut and coconut stew
Mafe is a rich stew from West Africa that uses peanuts and coconut as its main ingredients. The two come together to form a creamy, nutty, comforting, and satisfying dish. Usually paired with rice or couscous, Mafe can be made healthier and tastier with the addition of different vegetables.
Snack dish
Kelewele: Spicy plantain snack
Kelewele is a popular street food snack of Ghana, prepared by frying plantains spiced with ginger, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. Although not made with coconut directly in its preparation process itself, when served along with grated fresh coconuts, it lends an additional layer of flavor, making it taste even better.
Dessert dish
Bolo Polana: Mozambican cake treat
Though Bolo Polana comes from Mozambique, this cake includes mashed potatoes and grated coconuts into the batter. The result is mind-blowingly moist, unlike anything you have eaten before. With notes of lemon zest adding freshness and almonds adding to crunchiness, Bolo Polana has something special to offer if you like trying different textures in your sweets' repertoire.