On a continent so large there is no wonder that range of foods from one end to the other would be so big. African pastries are no exception to this. The various types available change from one end of the continent to the other and come in a wide variety of sweet and savory options.
One of the most common breakfast pastries in East Africa is known as mandazi. This is made by taking a very basic dough, usually sweet in flavor, and frying it an a pan of oil. The concept is very similar to a doughnut and is generally served with jam, honey, and any other sweet condiments that you can think of, that it can be dipped into.
A very common type of pastry found all over the continent is known as a samosa. While these are found in many parts of the world, you may notice that the different varieties you can find there have a very distinctly African flavor. They are made by taking a square piece of pastry and filling the center with whatever you wish to have in it, then folding it into a triangle shape, and cooking it in oil until crispy. The variety of different spices that are used to flavor them are what gives this treat a very African taste.
For South African desserts there is nothing like the sweet temptation of the Koeksisters. This is a traditional pastry that is made using a sweet dough and deep frying it until the outside becomes crispy. This is then covered with sweet syrupy coating and served warm. These are a great treat for people with a major sweet tooth.
For many countries in the northern area of the continent, savory treats are very common and enjoyed by most people. They're commonly made up of filo pastry dough and filled with an assortment of different options from different types of meat and cheeses, to vegetables. These are filled with many different types of spices as well and then fried in oil and usually served while they are still hot.
For countries in western Africa, meat pies are one of the most common options that are available all over, being sold by many different shops and restaurants. They're usually made up of beef or chicken, and less commonly with goat, and filled with the different spices found in the region. This meat mixture is usually surrounded by a soft pastry crust and baked until it turns golden brown. They're served hot or cold.
Since the continent is so large and diverse you will rarely be able to find the same options from one country to the next. Every where you go, they will create their own specialties and have their own favorites for you to try. Whether it is sweet or savory, you will rarely be disappointed.
One of the great joys of traveling is getting the opportunity to try the many different types pf cuisine that each country has to offer. With the large variety of African pastries available you will not run out of new things to try. Since each option varies from the next the experience of trying each one will be completely different.
One of the most common breakfast pastries in East Africa is known as mandazi. This is made by taking a very basic dough, usually sweet in flavor, and frying it an a pan of oil. The concept is very similar to a doughnut and is generally served with jam, honey, and any other sweet condiments that you can think of, that it can be dipped into.
A very common type of pastry found all over the continent is known as a samosa. While these are found in many parts of the world, you may notice that the different varieties you can find there have a very distinctly African flavor. They are made by taking a square piece of pastry and filling the center with whatever you wish to have in it, then folding it into a triangle shape, and cooking it in oil until crispy. The variety of different spices that are used to flavor them are what gives this treat a very African taste.
For South African desserts there is nothing like the sweet temptation of the Koeksisters. This is a traditional pastry that is made using a sweet dough and deep frying it until the outside becomes crispy. This is then covered with sweet syrupy coating and served warm. These are a great treat for people with a major sweet tooth.
For many countries in the northern area of the continent, savory treats are very common and enjoyed by most people. They're commonly made up of filo pastry dough and filled with an assortment of different options from different types of meat and cheeses, to vegetables. These are filled with many different types of spices as well and then fried in oil and usually served while they are still hot.
For countries in western Africa, meat pies are one of the most common options that are available all over, being sold by many different shops and restaurants. They're usually made up of beef or chicken, and less commonly with goat, and filled with the different spices found in the region. This meat mixture is usually surrounded by a soft pastry crust and baked until it turns golden brown. They're served hot or cold.
Since the continent is so large and diverse you will rarely be able to find the same options from one country to the next. Every where you go, they will create their own specialties and have their own favorites for you to try. Whether it is sweet or savory, you will rarely be disappointed.
One of the great joys of traveling is getting the opportunity to try the many different types pf cuisine that each country has to offer. With the large variety of African pastries available you will not run out of new things to try. Since each option varies from the next the experience of trying each one will be completely different.
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