One culinary area that showcases the continent’s abundance is the variety of dishes made using vegetables and fruits that grow naturally. Here is a list of some of our favourite African vegetarian dishes that you could try at home.

Slaai

Avocados, spinach, and quinoa are the main ingredients of this Swazi vegetarian meal slaai. This dish boasts freshness and delectable flavours, accompanied by an irresistible aroma. This dish is a salad and can be served as a light meal on its own.

Slaai is an easy dish to prepare at home as all of the ingredients are easily available. For optimal taste, allow the avocados to marinate for approximately 20 minutes to fully absorb the flavours of the ginger and lemon. The quinoa will require 20 minutes of cooking time. During this time, let the avocado rest and prepare the other ingredients and any accompanying dishes.

Koki

Koki is a delectable Cameroonian vegetable dish made from ground black-eyed peas and spinach. This dish is perfect either as a standalone meal or as a complement to boiled plantains. This steamed treat and is sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Koki is a beloved dish in Cameroon, widely available in restaurants, bars, and even on the streets where it’s commonly sold by food vendors.

Irio

Irio is a delightful dish originating from the Kikuyu tribe of Tanzania and central Kenya. This dish is a comforting and healthy creation that features mashed potatoes, corn, peas and greens such as watercress or spinach. Irio is a great side dish that could be eaten as a substitute to plain mashed potatoes.

Mchicha

Mchicha is a beloved Tanzanian delicacy, enjoyed by many. It is prized as a luscious and velvety vegetarian dish that features leafy greens like amaranth or spinach, blended with grated coconut, coconut milk, peanut butter, tomatoes, and onions.

Mchicha is served as a soup making it an ideal complement to rice, ugali or your favourite starch.

Aloo Masala

This satisfying dish features tender potatoes with spices. It is a staple in Mauritius.

Inspired by Indian cuisine, Aloo Masala is prepared by using basic ingredients such as onions, curry leaves, dal, cumin and mustard seeds, ginger, chilies, turmeric, and curry masala. This dish is simply irresistible as a side or as a filling for samosas.

Loubia

Loubia, is a renowned Moroccan vegetarian dish, featuring tender white beans stewed to perfection.

In North African households including Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya, this dish is a beloved favourite. The beans are simmered in a zesty tomato-based sauce, perfect for warming up during chilly weather. This dish is the epitome of comfort food and can be served as a delectable appetiser, adorned with a sprinkle of fresh coriander or parsley. It also makes for a delightful side dish or can be savoured on its own.

Chakalaka

Chakalaka is a popular South African dish that includes baked beans, carrots, capsicum, and onions. For those seeking more flavour, certain recipes incorporate a hint of spiciness by using chilli peppers. This recipe is straightforward, yet it delivers a delicious, spicy kick that can enhance any meal. The combination of spices and garlic really enhances the taste of this dish. Chakalaka is typically eaten as a salad and can be enjoyed either on its own or as a side dish with pap or rice.