Mauritanian cuisine is a hidden gem in the world of food. Nestled in West Africa, Mauritania’s culinary traditions are a blend of Berber, Arab, and Sub-Saharan African influences.
Think hearty stews, flavorful grains, and spices that’ll make your taste buds dance. If you’re a foodie looking to explore something new, you’re in for a treat.
Get ready to dive into a world of bold flavors and unique dishes that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t tried Mauritanian food sooner.
From savory meat dishes to comforting grain-based meals, these recipes are a must-try. Trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop. Let’s get cooking!
1. Thieboudienne (Mauritanian Jollof Rice)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broken jasmine rice
- 1 lb fish (like grouper or tilapia)
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 cabbage, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups fish stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Start by frying the fish in vegetable oil until golden. Remove and set aside. In the same oil, sauté onions, garlic, and tomato paste until fragrant.
Add the vegetables and cook for 10 minutes. Pour in the fish stock and bring to a boil.
Add the rice, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked. Serve with the fried fish on top.
Why We Chose It:
Thieboudienne is the national dish of Mauritania, and for good reason. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor and nutrients.
The combination of fish, rice, and veggies makes it a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
2. Marouga (Mauritanian Lamb Stew)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lamb, cut into chunks
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup pumpkin, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the lamb chunks. Add onions, garlic, and ginger, and cook until softened.
Stir in the spices, tomatoes, and vegetables. Cover with water and simmer for 1.5 hours until the lamb is tender. Serve hot with bread or rice.
Why We Selected It:
Marouga is the ultimate comfort food. The tender lamb and hearty vegetables make it a dish that’ll warm you up from the inside out.
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
3. Chakery (Mauritanian Couscous Pudding)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups couscous
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or pistachios)
How to Make It:
Cook the couscous according to package instructions and let it cool. In a bowl, mix yogurt, milk, sugar, and vanilla.
Combine the couscous with the yogurt mixture and fold in the raisins and nuts. Chill for at least an hour before serving.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Chakery is a delightful dessert that’s both creamy and refreshing. It’s a great way to end a meal or enjoy as a sweet snack. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
4. Maffé (Peanut Butter Stew)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef or chicken, cut into chunks
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Brown the meat in oil and set aside. Sauté onions and garlic until soft, then add tomatoes and peanut butter.
Stir in the meat and sweet potatoes, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Serve with rice or bread.
Why We Chose It:
Maffé is rich, creamy, and oh-so-comforting. The peanut butter adds a unique twist that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
5. Boulette (Mauritanian Meatballs)
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 onion, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients except oil in a bowl. Form into small meatballs and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve with a dipping sauce or in a stew.
Why We Selected It:
Boulette is a crowd-pleaser. These meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
6. Akara (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups black-eyed peas, soaked and peeled
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Blend the peas, onion, and pepper into a smooth batter. Stir in baking powder and salt. Heat oil and drop spoonfuls of batter into it. Fry until golden and crispy.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Akara is a crispy, savory snack that’s perfect for breakfast or as an appetizer.
7. Yassa (Grilled Fish with Onion Sauce)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs fish (like tilapia)
- 4 onions, sliced
- 3 lemons, juiced
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Marinate the fish in lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper for 1 hour. Grill the fish until cooked. Sauté onions in oil until caramelized and serve over the fish.
Why We Chose It:
Yassa is tangy, flavorful, and a must-try for seafood lovers.
8. Couscous with Seven Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 cups couscous
- 1 lb lamb or beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 turnip, cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin, cubed
- 1 cup cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the meat with onions and spices. Add vegetables and simmer until tender. Prepare couscous and serve with the stew.
Why We Selected It:
This dish is a veggie-packed delight that’s both nutritious and delicious.
9. Lahoh (Mauritanian Pancakes)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
How to Make It:
Mix all ingredients into a batter and let it rise for 1 hour. Cook on a hot griddle like pancakes.
Why This Made It to Our List:
Lahoh is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
10. Mboum (Millet Porridge)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups millet flour
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It:
Mix millet flour with water and cook over low heat until thick. Stir in milk, sugar, and vanilla. Serve warm.
Why We Chose It:
Mboum is a comforting porridge that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
11. Dromedary Milk Tea
Ingredients:
- 2 cups camel milk
- 2 tsp green tea leaves
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp mint leaves
How to Make It:
Heat camel milk and steep tea leaves. Add sugar and mint, and strain before serving.
Why We Selected It:
This unique tea is a staple in Mauritanian culture and a must-try for adventurous foodies.
Conclusion
Mauritanian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors waiting to be explored.
From hearty stews to sweet desserts, these recipes offer something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and start cooking your way through these delicious dishes.