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From traditional Kwanzaa food recipes to those that have been incorporated by households all over the world, these are some different dish ideas you can serve for the celebration.

A bowl of cooked collard greens with pieces of ham and red pepper flakes, a classic Kwanzaa food, sits invitingly with a fork resting inside.
Kwanzaa Food Recipes. Southern Collard Greens. Photo Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

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While they’re no rules to what you serve for the Kwanzaa celebration, there are some family favorites that are typically enjoyed. These Kwanzaa food recipes include popular family dishes to those inspired by the Kwanzaa holiday.

Nigerian Jollof Rice

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NIGERIAN JOLLOF RICE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

A popular dish served over the Kwanzaa celebration is jollof rice. This authentic Nigerian rice is a staple for many with its mix of rice, tomato stew, and seasonings.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Jollof Rice

Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe

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NIGERIAN MEAT PIE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

With a spicy meat filling, these Nigerian meat pies are a popular Nigerian snack that’s packed with flavor. The mix of ground beef, herbs, spices, and veggies will be a delicious dish to serve.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Meat Pie Recipe

Nigerian Buns

A bowl of golden-brown cheese balls on a table, with a half coconut in the background.
Nigerian Buns. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

A sweet doughy snack that’s loved by everyone, these Nigerian buns feature a soft and doughy inside and a crispy outside to create the perfect mix of soft, crunchy, and flavorful.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Buns

he Best Nigerian Fish Stew

A bowl of red sauce with meat in it.
The Best Nigerian Fish Stew. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Popular in Nigeria, this is a flavorful stew that’s made with fresh fish, plum tomatoes, peppers, and seasoning. It’s also easy to make!

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Nigerian Yam Porridge

A plate of fried yam pieces and fried beef, coated in a reddish sauce, sits on a table next to a striped cloth, capturing the spirit of Kwanzaa food.
Nigerian Yam Porridge. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Once you experience the flavors of Nigerian yam porridge, you’ll never forget it. It’s an easy to make dish that will leave you with a smile on your face.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Yam Porridge

Authentic Nigerian Fried Rice

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NIGERIAN FRIED RICE. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This Nigerian fried rice is an authentic recipe that’s easy to make. Parboiled rice is cooked in a savory mix of stock and spices to create this delicious side.

Get The Recipe: Authentic Nigerian Fried Rice

Slow Cooker Hoppin John

A bowl of food in front of a crock pot.
SLOW COOKER HOPPIN JOHN. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

A southern favorite, this Hoppin John dish is made in the slow cooker for an easy dish. It’s made with smoked sausage, veggies, and rice.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hoppin John

Edikaikong Soup

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EDIKAIKONG SOUP. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

A soup so flavorful, everyone will be asking for more. This easy to make Nigerian soup is packed with veggies and flavor.

Get The Recipe: Edikaikong Soup

Nigerian Chicken Stew

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NIGERIAN CHICKEN STEW. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

With a subtle smoky flavor, this Nigerian chicken stew is a delicious stew that’s perfect for celebrating any special occasion.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Chicken Stew

Nigerian Egg Stew

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NIGERIAN EGG STEW. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Made with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers, this West African egg stew is an easy to make stew that everyone in the family will love.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Egg Stew

Nigerian Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup

NIGERIAN POUNDED YAM AND EGUSI SOUP
Nigerian Pounded Yam and Egusi Soup. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

A hearty West African dish, this soup is made from melon seeds, lots of veggies, and a mix of beef and fish. It’s a flavorful combination that brings in some of the best West African flavors.

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Nigerian Salad

Nigerian vegetable salad
Nigerian Vegetable Salad. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Made with fresh vegetables, this Nigerian salad is one that’s unforgettable. It’s an exotic salad recipe that’s easy to make.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Salad

Gizdodo

African recipes
NIGERIAN GIZDODO (PEPPERED GIZZARD AND PLANTAIN). PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Made with peppered gizzard and plantains, this traditional African dish is sure to become a favorite for many. The delicious sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, hot peppers, and bell peppers.

Get The Recipe: Gizdodo

Nigerian Nkwobi

Two wooden bowls with meat prepared for National Chili Day.
NIGERIAN NKWOBI. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Add a little excitement to the celebration with this Nigerian dish. Everyone will love the spicy sauce and tender cow foot pieces it’s made up of.

Get The Recipe: Nigerian Nkwobi

Crunchy Nigerian Coconut Candy

nigerian dessert - coconut candy
Crunchy Nigerian Coconut Candy. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Easy to make and oh so flavorful, this crunchy Nigerian coconut candy can be served as a snack. It’s a flavorful alternative to sweets.

Get The Recipe: Crunchy Nigerian Coconut Candy

Authentic Nigerian Afang Soup

African recipes
AUTHENTIC NIGERIAN AFANG SOUP. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

This soup brings in the flavors of afang leaf, assorted meats, and both smoked and dry fish to create a filling idea for your menu.

Get The Recipe: Authentic Nigerian Afang Soup

Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Pie

Two slices of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream on plates with forks, a whole pie in a glass dish, and a striped cloth napkin.
Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Recipe. Photo Credit: Happy Food Healthy Life

Easy to make, this sweet potato pie is a vegan version of your favorite. Enjoy it for the celebration and you won’t be disappointed.

Get The Recipe: Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Pie

Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Black eyed peas on a plate next to a slow cooker.
CROCKPOT BLACK EYED PEAS. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

Made in the instant pot, these black eyes peas are an easy dish you can make for the celebration. There’s no soaking involved here making them super quick and painless.

Get The Recipe: Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Southern Collard Greens

The bowl, reminiscent of traditional Kwanzaa food, is filled with cooked greens and pieces of meat. A fork rests invitingly in the bowl.
Southern Collard Greens. Photo Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

With so much flavor, these collard greens are a southern staple everyone will love. It’s a hearty side dish for your special occasions.

Get The Recipe: Southern Collard Greens

Rustic Gluten-Free Cornbread

A slice of crumbly, textured cornbread, often cherished as Kwanzaa food, rests on a white plate.
Rustic Gluten-Free Cornbread. Photo Credit: Strength and Sunshine

Cornbread is a family favorite for the holidays and this version is gluten-free. It’s also an easy to make side you can add to the feast.

Get The Recipe: Rustic Gluten-Free Cornbread

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

A bowl of hummus, a delightful Kwanzaa food, is garnished with pita chips, parsley leaves, olive oil, and seeds, elegantly arranged in a semi-circle.
Black-Eyed Pea Hummus. Photo Credit: The VGN Way

Use black eyed peas instead of chickpeas to make a flavorful hummus that everyone can celebrate with. The easy appetizer or side will be enjoyed by everyone.

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Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A casserole dish brimming with cooked cabbage and bacon pieces is a delightful addition to any Kwanzaa food celebration. A wooden spoon rests gracefully on the edge, ready to serve up tradition and flavor.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo Credit: Jennifer Cooks

Southern fried cabbage adds bacon in to make it a flavorful dish everyone at the celebration will love. The easy and delicious dish is packed with flavor.

Get The Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Grilled jerk chicken garnished with herbs, a perfect Kwanzaa food, is accompanied by a bowl of colorful vegetable salsa.
Jamaican Jerk Chicken. Photo Credit: Gypsy Plate

With big and bold flavors, this Jamaican jerk chicken is a dish that you can enjoy over the holidays with friends and family. It’s a flavorful and delicious meal everyone will love.

Get The Recipe: Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, a comforting Kwanzaa food, topped with melted cheddar.
Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Photo Credit: Sense and Edibility

With 5 different kinds of cheeses, this baked macaroni and cheese is an easy and delicious dish that can be served as a side everyone will enjoy with their meal.

Get The Recipe: Five Cheese Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Vegan Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew

A vibrant bowl of curry soup, reminiscent of Kwanzaa food, is garnished with lemon slices, peanuts, cilantro, zucchini, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Vegan Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew. Photo Credit: Nuts and Twigs

A tasty vegan sweet potato and peanut stew will be a treat to enjoy at the holiday celebration. It’s a creamy vegan based dish that’s loaded with flavor.

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Celebrate the holiday with these Kwanzaa food ideas! Each of these dishes brings in a little of the old traditions and some new ones that you can enjoy as you celebrate the holiday.

30 African Recipes To Make Every Meal an Adventure

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AFRICAN RECIPES. PHOTO CREDIT: FOOD PLUS WORDS.

These African recipes may seem complicated at first, but they are actually easy to make. Savor the authentic taste of Africa with these tasty homemade meals!

Read it here: 30 African Recipes To Make Every Meal an Adventure

25 Christmas Potluck Dishes Everyone Will Flock To

A casserole dish filled with stuffed pasta shells topped with red tomato sauce, melted cheese, and garnished with sliced basil leaves.
Christmas Potluck Dishes. Vegetarian Cheese Stuffed Shells. Photo Credit: Simply Made Eats

Whether you want to bring something traditional or unique to the potluck, these Christmas potluck dishes are easy to make and will have everyone wanting to dig in.

Read it here: 25 Christmas Potluck Dishes Everyone Will Flock To

25+ Soul Food Recipes That Bond Generations Over Good Food

A collage of pictures showcasing delectable Soul Food Recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Soul Food Recipes. Photo Credit: Food Plus Words

Add these soul food recipes to your rotation and turn a casual meal into a family tradition! Whether youโ€™re looking for a classic favorite or an exciting new dish, this roundup has something for everyone.

Read it here: 25+ Soul Food Recipes That Bond Generations Over Good Food

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