Natural African Red Foods You Would Love

Deborah Olayiwola
Deborah Olayiwola
Deborah is a content marketing specialist, with a passion for the food niche, she writes engaging content that celebrates the joy of food and its power to bring people together. Having worked on different projects. Her curiosity and creativity shines through in her writing.
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Red foods are significant in African cuisine because they are often associated with cultural and symbolic meanings. For example, red foods are believed to represent vitality, passion, and strength.

Additionally, many red foods are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, making them an important part of a healthy diet. This article will explore 10 red African foods, red veggies commonly used in African cooking, and their nutritional value. This is to explore the African root.

What are 10 Red Foods?

Red Red: Red Red is a Ghanaian dish with black-eyed peas, palm oil, and plantains. It is often served with fish but can also be vegetarian. The dish got its name from the red tint that the fried plantains and red palm oil give it. It got its vivid red color from the tomato stew.

ghana red red

Chakalaka: Chakalaka is a spicy vegetable relish traditionally served with bread, pap, samp, stews, or curries. It may have originated in the townships of Johannesburg or the gold mines surrounding Johannesburg.

Many variations of chakalaka exist, depending on region and family tradition. Some versions include beans, cabbage, and butternut.

CHAKALAKA & PAP

Shakshuka: Shakshuka is a traditional Algerian dish with shredded flatbread, lamb or beef, and a spicy tomato-based sauce. Typically, the meal is served in a huge communal bowl, and diners dip pieces of bread into the sauce with their hands.

Ojja (Shakshuka)

Doro wat: Doro wat is a spicy Ethiopian chicken stew made with berbere spice, onions, garlic, and ginger. It is often served with injera, a sourdough flatbread. The dish is a staple of Ethiopian cooking and is served at festive events like weddings and festivals.

African Recipe DORO WAT
Image credit: Ministry of Curry

Berbere: Berbere is a spice blend that is used in Ethiopian cooking. Chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, and other spices are frequently used in it. Ethiopian foods like tibs (grilled beef) and doro wat are flavored with berbere.

Tomato stew: Tomato stew is a Nigerian dish with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. It is often served with rice, yams, or plantains. The dish is a staple of Nigerian cuisine and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

Tomato
Image Credit: Facebook

Matbucha: Matbucha is a Moroccan salad made with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. It is often served as a side dish or appetizer. The dish is popular in Moroccan and Israeli cuisine.

Matbucha
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Shitto Sauce: Shitto sauce is a spicy Ghanaian sauce made with dried shrimp, chili peppers, onions, and spices. It is often used as a condiment for rice, stews, and soups. The sauce is a staple of Ghanaian cuisine known for its bold flavor.

Shitto Sauce
Shitto Sauce

What veggies are red?

Some of the most commonly used red vegetables in African cuisine include:

Red amaranth leaves – Red amaranth leaves are a popular leafy green in Southern African cuisine. They are often used in stews and soups and are known for their slightly bitter taste.

Tatashe: Tatashe is a type of red pepper that is commonly used in Nigerian cuisine. It is often used to add flavor and color to stews and soups.

Tatashe Pepper
Tatashe
Image Credit: Facebook

Red onions: Red onions are essential in many African stews and soups. They are known for their sweet and mild flavor and are often used to add color and texture to dishes.

Red spinach: Red spinach is a leafy green commonly used in West African cuisine. It is often used in stews and soups and is known for its slightly bitter taste.

Red hot chili peppers: Red hot chili peppers are commonly used in African cuisine to add heat and flavor to dishes. They are often used in stews, soups, and sauces.

red chili peppers

Nutritional Value and Role of Red Veggies in African Diets

They are a good source of vitamins A and C, crucial for the immune system, skin, and eye health. Red vegetables also include a good amount of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and lowers the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. 

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Deborah Olayiwola
Deborah Olayiwola
Deborah is a content marketing specialist, with a passion for the food niche, she writes engaging content that celebrates the joy of food and its power to bring people together. Having worked on different projects. Her curiosity and creativity shines through in her writing.
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