We all love the bold, rich flavors of African cuisine, but sometimes after a long day, spending hours in the kitchen isn’t an option. Luckily, there are plenty of quick and easy African recipes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Even better, you can easily find all the ingredients you need by ordering from an African grocery online UK store, or using an African grocery delivery near me service.
Here are five quick and simple African recipes that will bring the taste of home to your table without the hassle.
1. Jollof Rice (Quick Version)
Jollof rice is a beloved West African dish, but making it the traditional way can take some time. Here’s a quick version that delivers the same great flavor in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of parboiled rice
- 1 can of tomato paste
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon of ground pepper
- 2 cubes of Maggi seasoning
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
Method:
- Heat the oil in a pot and sauté the onions and bell pepper for about 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, ground pepper, and Maggi cubes. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add the parboiled rice and stir to combine. Add 4 cups of water and let it cook for 20 minutes on medium heat.
- Once the rice is fully cooked, fluff it with a fork and serve.
You can easily find parboiled rice, tomato paste, and Maggi seasoning from an African grocery online store or use an African grocery delivery near London option for quick delivery.
2. Fried Plantains (Dodo)
Fried plantains, known as dodo in Nigeria, are a sweet and savory side dish that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe plantains
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Method:
- Peel the plantains and slice them diagonally into thin pieces.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the plantains until golden brown on each side (about 3 minutes per side).
- Drain on a paper towel and sprinkle with salt.
Plantains can be easily ordered from an African food store near me or through an African grocery online UK service.
3. Egusi Soup (Quick Version)
Egusi soup is a Nigerian classic, and with this quick version, you can enjoy it on a busy night.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of ground egusi (melon seeds)
- 2 tablespoons of palm oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon of ground crayfish
- Spinach or ugu leaves (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cube of Maggi seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Heat palm oil in a pot and sauté the onions for 2 minutes.
- Add the ground egusi and fry for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add water or stock and cook for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in the spinach or ugu leaves, Maggi cube, and crayfish. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Serve with fufu, pounded yam, or rice.
You can get egusi, palm oil, and Maggi seasoning delivered quickly using an African grocery store near me service or by shopping at a Nigerian grocery online store.
4. Spicy Suya Skewers
Suya is a popular street food in Nigeria, and these spicy beef skewers are quick to make and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
- 500g beef (cut into thin strips)
- 2 tablespoons of suya spice (available online)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Wooden skewers
Method:
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Coat the beef strips with suya spice, vegetable oil, and salt.
- Thread the beef onto the skewers.
- Grill the skewers on medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- Serve with onions, tomatoes, and lettuce.
Suya spice is available from any African grocery delivery near me service or an African grocery online store, making this a quick, flavorful dish for a busy evening.
5. Beans Porridge (Ewa Riro)
Beans porridge, or Ewa Riro, is a comforting Nigerian dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes if you use canned beans for convenience.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of black-eyed peas or brown beans
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1/4 cup of palm oil
- 1 tablespoon of ground crayfish
- 1 Maggi seasoning cube
- Ground pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Method:
- Heat palm oil in a pot and sauté the onions until translucent.
- Add the ground crayfish, ground pepper, and Maggi cube. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the canned beans, a little water, and salt to taste.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with fried plantains or bread.
All the ingredients for this hearty meal, from palm oil to crayfish, are available at an African grocery online UK store or a local African food store near me.
Shop for African Ingredients with Ease These quick and easy African recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, and with the convenience of online shopping, you can easily stock your kitchen with the necessary ingredients. Whether you’re searching for egusi, plantains, or suya spice, many stores offering African grocery delivery near London or across the UK can help you get everything you need. Simply search for “African grocery store near me” or shop from a Nigerian grocery online store, and you’ll have authentic African ingredients delivered to your door in no time.
With these quick meals, you can enjoy the flavors of Africa without spending hours in the kitchen. Happy cooking!