Thumpy Rose In today’s article, we are taking a look at the Southern Africa region. It includes countries from Angola, down to South Africa, and even goes beyond the continent’s borders to include the island of Madagascar. But it is frequently confused for South Africa, the singular country. Does it matter? Yes! These countries may share vegetarian African food recipes, but they also have their own traditional meals. A good vegetarian breakfast in Eswatini may not be the same as in Malawi. Southern African food is a mix of many cultures; European, Asian, and African societies. Expect to find ingredients such as corn, pumpkin, leafy greens, and many more that fit into meatless high-protein meals.
Vegetarian African food in the South
Let’s start off in the most southern part:
- You’ve heard plenty about fufu in the West. But in Southern African food, and as a staple, South Africans (and others) prepare pap/sadza. They use cornmeal or maize meal, water, and a whole lot of pounding to make sure there are no lumps. In fact, if you’re in Zimbabwe and someone says your sadza is ‘mbodza’ then you have failed your ancestors. I’m kidding, it happens to the best of us. Some also like to add seasoning to their pap. Especially the Southern Africa region’s favorite spice, Aromat. We talk a little more about this spice in this article on Zimbabwean spices.
- Speaking of Zimbabwe, you won’t go into a household and not find peri peri. Well, it may not be for an excellent vegetarian breakfast, but definitely for other meals. Meatless high-protein meals like veggie curry are another popular food in the south. And if it isn’t hot enough from the pot, sprinkle some peri peri sauce. Yes, many love meat, but Africans know that their nutrition can come from many different places. People may keep cows and goats in some areas, but meat is expensive and vegetarians exist in Africa.
- Moving on to Botswana, the Setswana relish ‘slap pap’ is a good vegetarian breakfast. Slap pap is made like pap, but with salt and in a thinner consistency. You can also add sugar, peanut butter, or milk during or even after cooking. Motogo can be prepared similarly but with millet. Here is a quick recipe for Motogo wa Ting.
- Another popular Southern African food is wild spinach, also labeled Omboga. Namibians collect Omboga during the rainy season and sun-dry it for preservation. When ready to cook, soak Omboga in water and prepare it with your other vegetarian African food ingredients. The result is a bowl of zest and goodness.
- More to the East is Mozambique. As a former Portuguese colony, Mozambique has a lot of Portuguese influence. This slightly separates them from the rest of the Southern Africa region but in a unique way. The sauces, the pairing of spices, the use of meatless high protein meals. And you can’t forget good vegetarian breakfasts consisting of the amazing Pao, a type of Portuguese roll. Your mouth will water from the smell of freshly made Pao.
- Lastly, a brief look at Madagascar. As an exotic country, you can expect lots of fruit and vegetarian African foods. But they also have lots of fish. But don’t worry, for that complete Madagascar feel, you can add some seafood-flavored seitan to your meal. Want some snacks too? Try some popular snacks in Madagascar!
Related: What Can You Do With Burnt Rice?
The journey continues…
To get the full picture of the Southern Africa region, sample these simple, delightful recipes with us. You will eat yummy foods from the entire southern part of the continent. Prepare to get fat with joy as we continue this food exploration journey! Using plant-based alternatives 😀. Curious about a no-animal-meat food lifestyle? Check out our Instagram page for real-life inspirations.
Related: Zimbabwe Traditional Food Vegetables
