Ditch the Spaghetti, Eat African Noodles

Ever feel like your noodle adventures are stuck in a rut? You've slurped your ramen, twirled your spaghetti, and maybe even braved a spicy pad thai. But have you ever explored the vibrant world of African noodles? African noodles are used in spicy stews to hearty broths. Our African noodle recipe, Moroccan couscous, has bold and unique North African flavors.

 

Forget Everything You Know About Noodles: Africa Awaits

Noodles—a universal culinary delight. They transcend borders, taking on unique flavors and textures in every culture. While Asian and Italian noodle dishes dominate global food discussions, African noodles bring a dynamic, lesser-known chapter to the table. Today, let’s explore what makes African noodles stand out, with a special recipe from Morocco to highlight their distinct flavors.

Forget the instant ramen stereotype. We're talking about hearty, flavorful dishes with deep roots in African culinary traditions. Think couscous piled high with spiced stews in Morocco, or thick, hand-rolled noodles soaking up rich broths in West Africa.

How African Noodles Compare to Asian and Italian Noodles

Well, first off, African noodles are incredibly diverse. They're made from grains like millet, sorghum, and cassava, giving them unique textures and flavors you won't find anywhere else. And the sauces? Forget your basic marinara. We're talking bold, complex flavors like harissa, berbere, and ras el hanout.

Beyond Ramen: Unleash the Flavor of African Noodles

African vs. Asian Noodles

Flavor Profiles:

• Asian: Highlighted by soy, ginger, and umami-rich ingredients.

• African: Bold flavors like North African harissa, Ethiopian berbere, and Moroccan ras elhanout shine.

• Texture:

• Asian: A range from delicate rice noodles to bouncy, chewy wheat varieties.

• African: Generally thicker, robust textures ideal for savory stews and sauces.

Forget Fettuccine: African Noodles Are Here to Stay

African vs. Italian Noodles

Culinary Role:

• Italian: A standalone dish, elevated with rich sauces like marinara or alfredo.

• African: Frequently an accompaniment to spiced meats, stews, or hearty vegetable dishes.

• Preparation Techniques:

• Italian: Focused on fresh pasta cooked al dente.

• African: Includes steaming, frying, or pairing noodles with complex spice blends.

Recipe Spotlight: Moroccan Couscous with Vegetables and Spiced Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

2 cups couscous

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

1 zucchini, sliced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned)

3 medium tomatoes, blended into a purée

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

2 cups vegetable broth

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Recipe Directions:

1. Prepare the Couscous: Place the couscous in a bowl. Boil 2 cups of water and pour over the couscous. Cover and let it steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened. Stir in carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.

3. Make the Spiced Tomato Sauce: In the same pan, push the vegetables to one side. Add the blended tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir in ras el hanout, cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4.Combine and Serve: Add chickpeas to the sauce and stir. Spoon the vegetable sauce over the couscous. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot.

Hungry for more African Noodles? 

Hit up your local African market. You'll find all sorts of amazing ingredients to experiment with. Get cooking! There are tons of African-inspired recipes online. Support African restaurants. It's the best way to experience African cuisine's true depth and variety. So, ditch the spaghetti and dive into the flavorful world of African noodles. Your taste buds will thank you.