20 South African Gumbo Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Whether you're a fan of traditional African cuisine or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, a South African gumbo should definitely be on your list of must-try dishes. This rich and flavorful stew is a perfect representation of the fusion of cultures and flavors that make up the beautiful country of South Africa. With influences from indigenous African, European, and Asian cuisines, this gumbo recipe is a true celebration of diversity and culinary creativity. So, put on your apron and get ready to embark on a delicious journey through the flavors of South Africa with this mouth-watering gumbo recipe.
West African Vegetable & Peanut Stew over Couscous
Main Ingredients: Couscous, Garlic, Ginger, Onion, Scallion, Italian
This flavorful dish incorporates the rich and nutty flavors of West African cuisine with the light and fluffy texture of couscous. The combination of vegetables and peanuts creates a hearty and satisfying stew that is perfect for a cold winter night. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.
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West African Chicken and Peanut Stew with Chiles,...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Diced Red Onion, Ginger Root, Jalapeno
For those who love a little heat in their meals, this chicken and peanut stew is the perfect choice. The addition of spicy chiles adds a kick of flavor and heat to the rich and creamy peanut sauce. Serve over rice for a complete and filling meal.
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Vegetarian West African Peanut Soup
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Vegetable Broth, Red Onion, Fresh Ginger
For a vegetarian twist on a traditional West African dish, try this peanut soup. Loaded with vegetables and spices, this soup is bursting with flavor and texture. The addition of peanut butter creates a creamy and comforting soup that is perfect for a chilly day.
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West African chicken mafé (chicken stew in peanut...
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, Boneless Skinless
Also known as chicken maafe or groundnut stew, this dish is a staple in West African cuisine. The combination of chicken and peanut sauce creates a rich and hearty stew that is perfect for a family dinner. Serve over rice or with flatbread for a complete meal.
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West African Drop Donuts
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Water, Sugar, Active Dry Yeast
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and these West African drop donuts are the perfect ending to any meal. Made with flour, sugar, and spices, these donuts are fried to perfection and can be dipped in honey or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.
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West African Chicken Stew
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Ground Ginger, Pepper, Peanut
This classic West African dish is a crowd-pleaser with its flavorful combination of chicken, vegetables, and spices. The addition of peanut butter creates a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or flatbread. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
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West African Beef Kabobs (Suya)
Main Ingredients: Sirloin Steak, Small Onion, Peanut Butter, Tomato
These succulent beef kabobs are a popular street food in West Africa. The meat is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and peanuts, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve with vegetables and rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Water, Okra, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose
This traditional New Orleans dish has its roots in West African cuisine. This hearty and flavorful gumbo is made with chicken, andouille sausage, and vegetables, and is thickened with a roux. Serve over rice for a delicious and filling meal.
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West African Peanut Stew
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Minced Ginger
Simple yet delicious, this West African peanut stew is a staple in many households. Made with chicken, vegetables, and peanut butter, this stew is full of flavor and can be customized to your liking by adding spices or hot sauce. Serve over rice or with flatbread for a complete meal.
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West African Brisket
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Extra Virgin Olive
This slow-cooked brisket is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The addition of peanut butter and spices creates a unique and delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with the rich and tender meat. Serve with vegetables and rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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West African Peanut Chickpeas
Main Ingredients: Chickpeas, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Peanut Butter
For a vegetarian twist on a classic West African dish, try these peanut chickpeas. The combination of chickpeas and peanut butter creates a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a meatless Monday meal. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo (aka Gumbo Ya Ya)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Flour, Chicken, Black Pepper, Salt, All
This hearty and flavorful gumbo is a staple in West African cuisine. Made with chicken, andouille sausage, and a variety of vegetables, this dish is perfect for a game day or family gathering. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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West African Jollof Rice
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Garlic, Onion, Tomato Paste, Habanero
This traditional West African dish is a staple in many households. Made with rice, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, this dish is full of flavor and can be customized to your liking by adding meat or vegetables. Serve as a side dish or add protein for a complete meal.
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West African Peanut Soup
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Onion, Minced Garlic, Ginger Root
This creamy and comforting soup is a favorite in West African cuisine. Made with peanuts, spices, and vegetables, this soup is bursting with flavor and texture. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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West African-Style Brisket
Main Ingredients: Brisket, Kosher Salt, Coarse Black Pepper, Extra Virgin
This tender and flavorful brisket is slow-cooked to perfection with spices and peanut butter. The result is a unique and delicious dish that is perfect for a Sunday dinner or special occasion. Serve with vegetables and rice for a complete meal.
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West African Vegetable Stew
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Yellow Onion, Sweet Potato, Green Bell
This hearty and flavorful vegetable stew is a great option for vegetarians or for those looking for a meatless meal. Loaded with vegetables and spices, this stew is full of flavor and can be customized to your liking. Serve over rice or with flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Okra, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour
This traditional New Orleans dish has its roots in West African cuisine. Made with meat, seafood, and vegetables, this gumbo is bursting with flavor and can be customized to your liking by adding spices or hot sauce. Serve over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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West African Meat Pie
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Potatoes, Salt, Curry Powder, Thyme, Bouillon
These savory and delicious meat pies are a popular snack in West Africa. Made with ground beef and a variety of spices, these pies are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of chili sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
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Spicy West African Fried Rice
Main Ingredients: Peanut Oil, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Large Carrot
This flavorful fried rice is a staple in West African cuisine. The addition of spices and hot sauce creates a dish with a kick of heat and a burst of flavor. Add meat or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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West African Nut Stew
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Skinless Boneless Chicken
This hearty and delicious stew is made with a variety of nuts and vegetables, creating a unique and flavorful dish. The addition of spices and coconut milk adds depth and richness to the stew. Serve over rice or with flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Ingredients
Just like any gumbo recipe, the South African version requires a few key ingredients to create that signature flavor profile. The star ingredient of this dish is, of course, the gumbo leaf, also known as the wild African pepper. This aromatic leaf provides a unique and spicy flavor that sets this gumbo apart from its American counterpart. Other traditional ingredients include okra, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of meats such as beef, chicken, and shrimp. However, feel free to add your own twist to this recipe by incorporating your favorite meats and vegetables.
The Cooking Process
To start, heat a large pot over medium heat and add in your choice of meat along with some oil. Once the meat is browned, add in the chopped onions and sauté until they are translucent. Next, add in the tomatoes and gumbo leaves, followed by a cup of chicken or beef broth. Let this mixture simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Next, add in the remaining ingredients - okra and any additional meats or vegetables - and let the gumbo cook for another 20 minutes. As the gumbo simmers, the okra will release a natural thickening agent, giving the stew its signature texture. For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add in some African spices such as peri-peri or berbere. Once the gumbo is cooked to perfection, serve it hot with a side of rice or some crusty bread.
The Final Touches
To truly elevate this dish and add a touch of authenticity, serve your South African gumbo in a potjie, a traditional cast-iron pot used in South Africa for cooking stews. This will not only add to the presentation of the dish but also infuse it with a subtle smoky flavor.
Now that you have all the tips and tricks to make a delicious South African gumbo, it's time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. This humble stew is not only a delicious meal but also a representation of the rich culture and history of South Africa. So, next time you're looking for a new and exotic dish to try, remember this recipe and let the flavors of South Africa take you on a gastronomic adventure.
West African Vegetable & Peanut Stew over Couscous