On a continent so large there is no wonder that range of foods from one end to the other would be so big. African pastries are no exception to this. The various types available change from one end of the continent to the other and come in a wide variety of sweet and savory options.
A very common option in East Africa is a fried dough known as mandazi. This deep fried piece of sweet dough is commonly served with a variety of different options for dipping. This can be anything from jam and honey, to something less sweet such as butter or peanut butter.
A very common type of pastry found all over the continent is known as a samosa. While these are found in many parts of the world, you may notice that the different varieties you can find there have a very distinctly African flavor. They are made by taking a square piece of pastry and filling the center with whatever you wish to have in it, then folding it into a triangle shape, and cooking it in oil until crispy. The variety of different spices that are used to flavor them are what gives this treat a very African taste.
For South African desserts there is nothing like the sweet temptation of the Koeksisters. This is a traditional pastry that is made using a sweet dough and deep frying it until the outside becomes crispy. This is then covered with sweet syrupy coating and served warm. These are a great treat for people with a major sweet tooth.
In the northern African countries you are treated to even more fantastic options. Many of these countries make their pastry creations using a combination of filo pastry dough and many different savory flavors to stuff them with. This can include many types of spiced meats, cheese, and a large array of vegetarian options as well.
For countries in western Africa, meat pies are one of the most common options that are available all over, being sold by many different shops and restaurants. They're usually made up of beef or chicken, and less commonly with goat, and filled with the different spices found in the region. This meat mixture is usually surrounded by a soft pastry crust and baked until it turns golden brown. They're served hot or cold.
The continent itself is so diverse that you will rarely find the same options from one region to the next. Each country has their own specialties, and they are all fantastic no matter what your tastes are. Whether you are searching for something sweet or savory there are so many options for either choice and you will never be far from a vendor willing to satisfy your pastry needs.
A great part of traveling to many different countries is getting the chance to try the wonderful treats that each one has to offer. For African pastries you have so many different treats to choose from. Even if you are unable to travel to the wonderful countries that they come from you will still be able to try them from the comfort of your home.
A very common option in East Africa is a fried dough known as mandazi. This deep fried piece of sweet dough is commonly served with a variety of different options for dipping. This can be anything from jam and honey, to something less sweet such as butter or peanut butter.
A very common type of pastry found all over the continent is known as a samosa. While these are found in many parts of the world, you may notice that the different varieties you can find there have a very distinctly African flavor. They are made by taking a square piece of pastry and filling the center with whatever you wish to have in it, then folding it into a triangle shape, and cooking it in oil until crispy. The variety of different spices that are used to flavor them are what gives this treat a very African taste.
For South African desserts there is nothing like the sweet temptation of the Koeksisters. This is a traditional pastry that is made using a sweet dough and deep frying it until the outside becomes crispy. This is then covered with sweet syrupy coating and served warm. These are a great treat for people with a major sweet tooth.
In the northern African countries you are treated to even more fantastic options. Many of these countries make their pastry creations using a combination of filo pastry dough and many different savory flavors to stuff them with. This can include many types of spiced meats, cheese, and a large array of vegetarian options as well.
For countries in western Africa, meat pies are one of the most common options that are available all over, being sold by many different shops and restaurants. They're usually made up of beef or chicken, and less commonly with goat, and filled with the different spices found in the region. This meat mixture is usually surrounded by a soft pastry crust and baked until it turns golden brown. They're served hot or cold.
The continent itself is so diverse that you will rarely find the same options from one region to the next. Each country has their own specialties, and they are all fantastic no matter what your tastes are. Whether you are searching for something sweet or savory there are so many options for either choice and you will never be far from a vendor willing to satisfy your pastry needs.
A great part of traveling to many different countries is getting the chance to try the wonderful treats that each one has to offer. For African pastries you have so many different treats to choose from. Even if you are unable to travel to the wonderful countries that they come from you will still be able to try them from the comfort of your home.
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