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As an aspiring Chef or a food enthusiast looking to explore African cuisines?
The first thing you need is a guide; your guide could be a pro chef or a visual African cookbook that perfectly displays all you need to know to get started even without a chef present; there are African cookbooks for beginners written by chefs with years of experience in the field.
There has been an exciting wave of interest in African cuisine lately. It’s no surprise that more and more beginners are curious about the continent’s vibrant recipes and rich culinary traditions. Ofcourse, Africa is rich in delicious mouth-watering delicacies.
But where does one start? Well, fret not because I’ve got you covered! Here, I will help you find the perfect cookbook to embark on your culinary journey. I understand the importance of finding the right resource to guide beginners like you through the diverse recipes and techniques that make African cuisine so special.
So from my personal research, here are the best African cookbooks specifically for beginners.
Top Recommendations on the Best African Cookbooks for Beginners
- The Ghana Cookbook by Fran Osseo-Asare and Barbara Baëta
- The Africa Cookbook: Tastes of a Continent by Jessica B. Harris
- The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa by Marcus Samuelsson
- Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen: Traditional Ghanaian Recipes Remixed for the Modern Kitchen by Zoe Adjonyoh
- Hibiscus: Discover Fresh Flavors from West Africa by Lope Ariyo
- Eat, Habibi, Eat!: Fresh Recipes for Modern Egyptian by Shahir Massoud
The Ghana Cookbook by Fran Osseo-Asare and Barbara Baëta
The book is a culinary treasure specializing in Ghana’s rich and diverse cuisine. It is known for its emphasis on bold flavours and vibrant dishes that truly represent the essence of Ghanaian cooking.
The Ghana Cookbook is particularly notable for its beginner-friendly and visually appealing structure. The authors have crafted the book with clear and concise instructions, making it accessible if you are new to Ghanaian cuisine.
The recipes are presented in a user-friendly manner, guiding you through each step and ensuring that as a novice you can successfully recreate the dishes at home.
The book also includes a comprehensive collection of popular Ghanaian dishes, showing the diversity of the country’s culinary landscape. From the iconic jollof rice, a flavourful and delicious rice dish cooked with tomatoes and spices, to kelewele, a spicy and sweet plantain snack, and banku, a fermented corn and cassava dough served with various stews.
About the Author: Both Fran Osseo-Asare and Barbara Baëta possess extensive expertise in Ghanaian cuisine, ensuring that the recipes featured in the book are authentic and true to the country’s culinary traditions.
Fran Osseo-Asare, a Ghanaian-American food writer and cooking instructor. She brings a deep understanding of the recipe and techniques of Ghanaian cooking to “The Ghana Cookbook.”
Barbara Baëta, on the other hand, is a Ghanaian culinary expert who has worked as a caterer, cooking instructor, and restaurateur. Her vast knowledge of Ghanaian food culture and traditions greatly contributes to the book’s authenticity.
The Africa Cookbook: Tastes of a Continent by Jessica B. Harris
Ready to explore traditional African recipes from various regions across the continent? This is a must-have African cookbook. Its unique approach to the different African cuisine makes it more interesting.
It outlines a wide range of recipes in the continent, providing a taste of the culinary traditions of different African regions. From West African jollof rice to East African injera and South African bobotie, the book offers a rich tapestry of flavours and dishes that capture the essence of African cooking.
One thing that makes it stand out is its comprehensive pantry guide. Harris took the time to introduce the essential ingredients used in African cooking, including spices, grains, and herbs. This guide is a helpful reference, helping you stock your kitchen with the necessary items to recreate African dishes.
Additionally, it offers tips and guidance on navigating African markets, should you want to visit and see things for yourself which can be an exciting and enriching experience if you try.
About the Author: Jessica B. Harris, the author, is a renowned culinary historian and authority on African diaspora cuisine. Her expertise in African cuisine makes “The African Cookbook” a reliable and trustworthy resource, especially for beginners who are eager to dive into the world of African cooking. With her extensive knowledge and passion for the subject, Harris provides readers with authentic recipes and valuable cultural insights.
The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa by Marcus Samuelsson
Unlock a new world of flavour with Samuelsson; this book is known for its accessibility and beginner-friendly approach to explaining each cuisine, he understands that not everyone may be familiar with African cooking techniques or ingredients, so he takes time to guide you through each recipe with clear and concise instructions.
Alongside the recipes, Samuelsson shares personal stories and anecdotes that bring the food to life, making the culinary journey an immersive and engaging experience one you would love to read through. The inclusion of stunning photography adds an extra layer of visual appeal; sure, you would love the bold colours and textures of the dishes.
From the spices and recipes of North African dishes to that of West African cuisine and the nuanced tastes of East African delicacies, the book provides a well-rounded understanding of Africa’s culinary heritage.
About the Author: Marcus Samuelsson and his captivating culinary journey through African cuisine in his book “The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa.” He is a world-renowned chef and restaurateur born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden.
His unique background and passion for food have led him to explore the rich culinary traditions of Africa, resulting in this remarkable book.
Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen: Traditional Ghanaian Recipes Remixed for the Modern Kitchen by Zoe Adjonyoh
This is another detailed and easy to recreate Ghanian cookbook of all time. The book is designed to be approachable and inviting, perfect if you’re new to Ghanaian cuisine. With the step-by-step instructions and clear explanations, you can easily follow along and recreate the dishes confidently, even as a novice.
In “Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen,” traditional Ghanaian recipes are given a modern twist, reflecting the evolving nature of cuisine in the globalized world. She skillfully incorporates her own creative touches while staying true to the essence of Ghanaian flavours and ingredients.
There is a range of dishes, from street food favourites like kelewele and jollof rice to hearty stews and delicious desserts, all with a contemporary flair that will intrigue and delight you with adventurous cooking.
About the Author: Zoe Adjonyoh, the author, is a Ghanaian-British chef and food writer who has a passion for cooking. With her book, she aims to make Ghanaian cuisine accessible to a wider audience, showcasing Ghana’s delightful flavours and ingredients in a fresh and contemporary light.
Hibiscus: Discover Fresh Flavors from West Africa by Lope Ariyo
“Hibiscus” takes you on a delicious journey through the recipes of West African dishes, offering comprehensive coverage of dishes from various countries in the region. From Nigeria to Senegal, Ghana to Cameroon, Ariyo presents a broad introduction to the rich and diverse cuisines found in West Africa.
The recipes are designed to be accessible and achievable for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced chef, Ariyo’s friendly and knowledgeable tone encourages you to dive into the world of West African cuisine confidently.
The book provides a strong foundation for those new to West African cuisine while also offering inspiration and new ideas for those already familiar with the cuisine.
You’ll find a delightful array of recipes that represent the essence of West African cooking. From delicious stews and soups to vibrant salads and snacks, it embodies the freshness of West African flavours.
About the Author: Lope Ariyo and her captivating culinary exploration of West African dishes in “Hibiscus: Discover Fresh Flavors from West Africa.” Lope Ariyo, a Nigerian-born chef and food writer, has dedicated herself to showcasing the diverse and vibrant culinary traditions of West Africa.
Recipes and Traditions from the Horn of Africa” by Yohanis Gebreyesus
If you are looking to explore more deeply into African dishes? You can try Recipes and Traditions from the Horn of Africa, it’s an African cookbook like a class. Compiled the recipes and cultural heritage of Ethiopia’s African continent.
Something exciting about this book is its emphasis on preserving the rich cultural heritage surrounding Ethiopian cuisine. In addition to providing a collection of traditional recipes, It dived into Ethiopia’s cultural context, rituals, and customs.
This inclusion of cultural traditions adds depth and richness to the book, offering a more interesting experience and a deeper appreciation for Ethiopian food beyond its flavours alone.
About the Author: Yohanis Gebreyesus, the author, is an Ethiopian-born chef who possesses exceptional expertise in African cuisine. His deep understanding of Ethiopian culinary traditions, flavours, and ingredients inspired him to write an African cookbook as a guide for chefs.
Gebreyesus establishes himself as a reliable guide for chefs, particularly beginners, who are eager to explore different recipes; his knowledge and passion make “Ethiopia” an authoritative resource, ensuring that the recipes presented are true to Ethiopian culinary traditions.
Conclusion
To help you get started on your culinary journey, I’ve compiled a list of the top 6 African cookbooks specifically written for beginners. These books will guide you through the diverse recipes and techniques that make African cuisine so special.
So, whether you’re craving Nigeria jollof or Ghana jollof rice, injera from Ethiopia, or the bold dishes of West African cuisine, these cookbooks will be your guide on this exciting culinary adventure. Happy cooking and exploring the rich flavours of Africa!
