Sierra Leonean cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of African food.
Bursting with bold flavors, vibrant spices, and hearty ingredients, it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to expand your palate or someone who loves trying new dishes, Sierra Leonean recipes are a must-try.
From comforting stews to mouthwatering street food, this West African nation has something for everyone.
Get ready to dive into a world of rich flavors and unique cooking techniques.
These recipes aren’t just food—they’re stories, traditions, and a whole lot of love served on a plate.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s explore the 10+ best Sierra Leonean recipes that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
1. Groundnut Stew (Peanut Soup)
This creamy, nutty stew is a Sierra Leonean classic that’ll warm your soul.
Made with a rich peanut base, tender chicken, and a mix of veggies, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted peanut butter
- 2 lbs chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tomatoes (diced)
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Start by browning the chicken in a large pot. Remove it and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and cook until softened. Stir in peanut butter and broth, mixing until smooth.
Add the chicken back in, along with spinach and scotch bonnet pepper.
Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together. Serve with rice or fufu.
Why We Chose It:
Groundnut stew is a staple in Sierra Leonean households. Its rich, nutty flavor and hearty ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser.
Plus, it’s super versatile—you can swap chicken for beef or keep it veggie-friendly.
2. Cassava Leaves Stew
This hearty stew is a labor of love, but every bite is worth it. Made with finely pounded cassava leaves, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cassava leaves (finely pounded or blended)
- 1 lb smoked fish or chicken
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 cup palm oil
- 2 cups broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and garlic in palm oil until golden. Add the pounded cassava leaves and cook for 10 minutes.
Stir in broth, smoked fish or chicken, and scotch bonnet pepper. Simmer for 1-2 hours until the stew thickens. Serve with rice.
Why We Chose It:
Cassava leaves stew is a traditional dish that showcases Sierra Leone’s love for bold, earthy flavors.
It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic West African cuisine.
3. Jollof Rice
Sierra Leone’s take on Jollof rice is a flavor-packed dish that’ll have you hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Sauté onions, garlic, and pepper in oil. Add tomato paste, thyme, and curry powder, cooking until fragrant.
Stir in rice, broth, and veggies. Cover and simmer until the rice is cooked.
Why We Chose It:
Jollof rice is a West African favorite, and Sierra Leone’s version is a standout. It’s flavorful, colorful, and perfect for any occasion.
4. Plasas
This spinach-based stew is a Sierra Leonean comfort food that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs spinach (chopped)
- 1 lb smoked fish or chicken
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup palm oil
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 cups broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and garlic in palm oil. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in broth, smoked fish or chicken, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with rice or fufu.
Why We Chose It:
Plasas is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights Sierra Leone’s love for greens and smoked proteins.
5. Okra Soup
This slimy yet satisfying soup is a Sierra Leonean favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs okra (sliced)
- 1 lb fish or chicken
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 cups broth
- 1 cup palm oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and garlic in palm oil. Add okra and cook until softened. Stir in broth, fish or chicken, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
Okra soup is a unique dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
6. Fry Fry (Fried Plantains and Fish)
This street food favorite is crispy, sweet, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe plantains (sliced)
- 1 lb fish (cleaned and seasoned)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Coat fish in flour and spices, then fry until golden. Fry plantains until caramelized. Serve together.
Why We Chose It:
Fry Fry is a quick, tasty snack that’s perfect for any time of day.
7. Beans and Rice
A simple yet hearty dish that’s a staple in Sierra Leone.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice
- 1 cup black-eyed peas
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 cups broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Cook beans until tender. Sauté onions, garlic, and pepper. Add rice, beans, and broth. Simmer until rice is cooked.
Why We Chose It:
Beans and rice is a comforting, filling dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
8. Pepper Soup
This spicy, aromatic soup is a Sierra Leonean favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb goat meat or chicken
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 tsp ginger (grated)
- 2 cups broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger. Add meat, broth, and spices. Simmer until meat is tender.
Why We Chose It:
Pepper soup is a spicy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cold days.
9. Akara (Bean Cakes)
These crispy fritters are a popular snack in Sierra Leone.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black-eyed peas (soaked and peeled)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- Oil for frying
How to Make It:
Blend beans, onions, and pepper into a batter. Fry spoonfuls until golden.
Why We Chose It:
Akara is a tasty, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for any time of day.
10. Coconut Rice
This sweet and savory dish is a Sierra Leonean favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 cups broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and pepper. Add rice, coconut milk, and broth. Simmer until rice is cooked.
Why We Chose It:
Coconut rice is a fragrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for special occasions.
11. Palaver Sauce
This spinach and peanut sauce is a Sierra Leonean classic.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 cups broth
- 1 cup palm oil
How to Make It:
Sauté onions and garlic. Add spinach, peanut butter, and broth. Simmer until thickened.
Why We Chose It:
Palaver sauce is a unique, flavorful dish that’s perfect with rice or fufu.
Conclusion
Sierra Leonean cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and traditions.
These 10+ recipes are just the tip of the iceberg, but they’re a great place to start.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start cooking your way through these delicious dishes.