Liberian cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food, blending West African flavors with a touch of American and Caribbean influences.
If you’re a foodie looking to spice up your kitchen game, you’ve hit the jackpot.
These dishes are hearty, flavorful, and packed with history. Whether you’re craving something savory, spicy, or sweet, Liberian recipes have got you covered.
Ready to take your taste buds on an adventure? From the iconic Jollof Rice to the comforting Cassava Leaf Stew, we’ve rounded up the best Liberian recipes you absolutely need to try.
1. Liberian Jollof Rice
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Start by heating the oil in a large pot. Sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers until they’re soft and fragrant.
Add the tomato paste and let it cook down for about 5 minutes. Stir in the thyme, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the rice and stock, then cover and let it simmer on low heat until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
Why we chose it: Liberian Jollof Rice is a party staple and a crowd-pleaser. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
2. Cassava Leaf Stew
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cassava leaves (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup palm oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup smoked fish or chicken
- 1 cup ground peanuts or peanut butter
- 2 cups stock
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Blend the cassava leaves until smooth. In a pot, heat the palm oil and sauté the onions and garlic.
Add the smoked fish or chicken, then stir in the blended leaves. Add the stock, peanut butter, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes until thick and rich.
Why this made it to our list: Cassava Leaf Stew is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, nutritious, and packed with flavor.
3. Liberian Pepper Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb goat meat or chicken
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 4 cups stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the meat in stock until tender. Add the onions, garlic, ginger, and spices. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
Add the scotch bonnet pepper and cook for another 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Why we selected it: This soup is a Liberian classic—spicy, warming, and perfect for chilly days.
4. Palava Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 cups spinach or bitter leaves
- 1 cup palm oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup smoked fish or chicken
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 cup stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in palm oil. Add the smoked fish or chicken, then stir in the greens. Add the stock and pepper, then let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Why this made it to our list: Palava Sauce is a versatile dish that pairs well with rice or fufu. It’s simple yet incredibly flavorful.
5. Liberian Fufu
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cassava flour
- 4 cups water
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Bring the water to a boil. Gradually add the cassava flour, stirring constantly until it forms a smooth, dough-like consistency.
Shape into balls and serve with soup or stew.
Why we chose it: Fufu is a staple in Liberian cuisine. It’s filling, easy to make, and perfect for soaking up sauces.
6. Liberian Potato Greens
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sweet potato leaves
- 1 cup palm oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup smoked fish or chicken
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 cup stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in palm oil. Add the smoked fish or chicken, then stir in the potato leaves. Add the stock and pepper, then let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Why we selected it: This dish is a unique twist on greens, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
7. Liberian Ginger Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
How to Make It:
Mix the dry ingredients, then add the butter, milk, and eggs. Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Why this made it to our list: This cake is a sweet treat with a spicy kick, perfect for dessert or tea time.
8. Liberian Bean Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups black-eyed peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 cup palm oil
- 1 cup smoked fish or chicken
- 4 cups stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Boil the beans until tender. Sauté the onions and garlic in palm oil, then add the smoked fish or chicken.
Stir in the beans and stock, then let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Why we chose it: This soup is hearty, nutritious, and packed with protein.
9. Liberian Coconut Candy
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated coconut
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
How to Make It:
Boil the sugar and water until it forms a syrup. Add the coconut and stir until coated. Let it cool and harden before serving.
Why this made it to our list: This candy is a simple yet addictive treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
10. Liberian Fried Plantains
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe plantains
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- Pinch of salt
How to Make It:
Slice the plantains and fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Sprinkle with salt and serve.
Why we selected it: Fried plantains are a quick, easy, and delicious snack or side dish.
11. Liberian Okra Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups okra, sliced
- 1 cup palm oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup smoked fish or chicken
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 4 cups stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onions and garlic in palm oil. Add the smoked fish or chicken, then stir in the okra. Add the stock and pepper, then let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Why this made it to our list: Okra Soup is a flavorful and healthy dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Conclusion
Liberian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored.
From the rich and hearty Cassava Leaf Stew to the sweet and spicy Liberian Ginger Cake, these recipes are sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start cooking these amazing Liberian dishes today.