Afro-Caribbean And African-Inspired Recipes To Kickstart The New Year

Collage of dishes from the African Diaspora – image sources below.

The New Year is here, and what better way to kickstart it than with a feast that celebrates the bold flavors and rich traditions of Afro-Caribbean and African cuisine? It is said that good food is fuel for the soul. Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or just love a good feast, these Afro-Caribbean and African-inspired recipes are sure to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.

From the sizzling spices of the Caribbean to the rich flavors of West Africa, here are some easy-to-prepare meals that are perfect for setting a vibrant tone for the year.

Jamaican Rice and Peas

This side dish is a Caribbean staple and is often served alongside hearty main dishes. The greatest curries, stews, and more get paired with this famous dish. The meal is inspired by an Akan dish called Waakye, which uses baking soda and sorghum leaves. However, the Jamaican version is different because it uses beans instead of peas, thyme, and pepper. Typical ingredients for this easy-to-make Island dish include coconut milk, onion, scallions, garlic, bay leaves, and spices.

How to make:

• Place the beans in a colander and rinse, discarding the soaking water.
• Add the beans to a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender.
• Stir everything else, coconut milk, thyme, scallion, Scotch bonnet pepper, and seasonings into the pot with the beans. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is tender and all the liquid has evaporated.
• Remove from heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Season to taste, then serve. 

Photo source: Instagram / jamaicavybzfood

Caribbean Banana

Baked and fried bananas are popular in the Caribbean. This dessert is made using natural food (banana). The sweetness comes from the banana itself and then intensified with some natural sweetener and spices. It has a hint of tanginess from the rum and lemon, paired very well with ice cream. Ingredients needed are butter, bananas, orange juice, Curacao Liqueur (optional), Rind of 1 orange, grated and brown sugar.

How to make:

• Preheat oven to 450F. Butter a rimmed baking pan large enough to accommodate the bananas.
• Split the bananas in half lengthwise, and place them in the pan. Mix the orange juice, curacao liqueur (if using), orange rind, and brown sugar. Pour it over the bananas. Cut 2 Tbsp butter into small cubes and place them on top of the bananas.
• Bake for 7 minutes, baste, and then bake for an additional 7 minutes. Serve warm.

Jollof Rice: West Africa’s Party Essential

No African celebration is complete without the legendary Jollof Rice. This meal is popular in countries like Nigeria and Ghana. The ingredients include rice, tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, scotch bonnet, bell peppers aka tatashe, salt, bay leaf, and vegetable oil. There are many different ways to cook Jollof Rice.

How to make:

• Combine tomato, red bell pepper, habanero pepper, chili, garlic, ginger, and water in a blender for the sauce. Blend until smooth and set aside.
• Heat your oil on medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and fry just until they turn golden brown Now, add the tomato paste, blended tomato mixture, and fry the sauce. Make sure you stir consistently so that the tomato mixture does not burn.
• Add your chicken broth, black pepper or white pepper, seasoning to taste, and salt, and if you cover the lid, increase the heat to medium-high and boil. Typically, this takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add your well-rinsed rice to the pot and give it a good stir so it’s evenly distributed. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook covered on medium to low heat for 15-30 minutes.
• Move it off the heat, open the lid, and let it vent the steam for a few minutes. Serve hot!

Photo source: Instagram / kikifoodies

Bobotie

This hearty, comforting South African dish is made of curried minced meat topped with milk and egg custard and baked to perfection.

How to make:

• Begin by frying onions in a pan until golden brown. 
• Add ground beef, garlic, curry powder, turmeric, and other spices to the pan, and cook until the meat is browned. 
• Mix in chutney, apricot jam, vinegar, and a slice of bread soaked in milk. 
• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with beaten eggs. 
• Bake until the topping is golden and set. 
• Serve Bobotie with yellow rice or couscous for a hearty and aromatic meal.

Photo source: Instagram / thermomix_za

Senegalese Yassa Chicken

Enjoy the flavors of West Africa with this Senegalese Poulet Yassa made from chicken pieces, marinated overnight with lots of onions, some mustard, and a bit of lemon juice. It’s one of Senegal’s most recognized comfort foods. This easy-to-make dish can also be prepared using other meats like lamb, beef, or fish in place of chicken.

How to make:

• Leave the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 hours. If you can go overnight, that will be just fine. The longer, the better.
• Get the oil heated up and brown the chicken on both sides. You want the skin to be nicely browned and crispy.
• Cook down the Onions for about 5 to 10 minutes depending on how caramelized you want the onions to be.
• Add the browned chicken to the cooked-down onions together with the leftover marinade and chicken stock. Cook further till done.

You can pair it with white rice or couscous to soak up the sauce.

Photo source: Instagram / sabaliqatar

Spicy Caribbean Sweet Potatoes

Bring a taste of the islands to your table this year with these incredible Caribbean-inspired sweet potato recipes. The ingredients you need include potatoes, butter, chopped shallots, allspice, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, garlic, salt and ground black pepper.

How to make:

• Preheat the oven to 425 F. Lightly oil a large roasting pan or foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
• In a large bowl, whisk together oil, honey, lime juice, garlic, and spices.
• Add sweet potatoes and toss to coat.
• Pour potatoes into a roasting pan or baking sheet, and spread out into a single layer.
• Roast potatoes, stirring occasionally, for about 40 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized.

Curry prawns

If you are in the mood for an exotic dish, you should try these Jamaican-inspired curry prawns made with coconut milk, tomatoes, chili, and plenty of spices for a flavor-packed dinner. This easy recipe bursting with bold Caribbean flavor and tender shrimp can be put together in 30 minutes.

How to cook:

• Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced yellow onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and chopped garlic. Stir for 5 minutes until the peppers are slightly softened.
• Next, add in the garlic and curry powder; cook for a minute more. 
• Add in the coconut milk and thyme; along with some salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 2 minutes.
• Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 3-5 minutes until shrimp are just opaque (smaller shrimp take less time to cook, larger ones take longer).
• Serve with rice, and enjoy.

Photo source: Instagram / chefmoses_

Ghanaian Kelewele (Spicy Fried Plantains)

Spice up your plantain game in 2025 with Kelewele, a favorite snack in the West African country of Ghana. While onions, ginger, cayenne pepper, and salt form the heart of this spicy dish, you can unleash your creativity by incorporating aromatic spices like anise, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom pod, and nutmeg for a unique flavor.

Photo source: Instagram / gloriasshito

How to make:

• While the oil is heating, purée onion in a blender until smooth. Stir in ginger and cloves.
• Place plantains in a bowl and pour onion mixture over top. Add chile pepper and salt; mix until plantains are coated.
• Cut the plantains into chunks after peeling.
• Blend your onion, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper to a paste, using as little water as possible.
• Pour the gingery marinade over the plantain pieces and mix to coat well. Season with a generous amount of salt and chili pepper; mix until plantains are coated.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan. Fry the marinated plantain pieces in the oil until golden brown.
• Remove from the oil and allow to drain on a plate covered with paper towels to soak up any excess oil and serve immediately.

Kelewele is best served with peanuts, Rice, Stewed Beans, or as a dessert.