Collection
Benin Recipes
Birthplace of Vodun and of cornmeal simmered in red sauce. Not sure what to eat in Benin? Start with Amiwo, Wassa-Wassa, Yovo Doko (Sweet Fritters) and Ablo. Here are 6 authentic Benin recipes, each from a specific region, with cultural context and dietary substitutions for every table.
6 recipes
AmiwoCotonou, Benin · medium · 75 minCornmeal cooked directly in a spiced red tomato-and-pepper sauce, served with braised chicken.
AbloCotonou, Benin · medium · 45 minSoft, slightly sweet steamed rice-and-corn cakes eaten plain or with a spicy sauce for breakfast.
Wassa-WassaCotonou, Benin · medium · 55 minSteamed yam-flour couscous tossed with a spiced tomato and onion sauce, a northern Beninese lunch staple.
Yovo Doko (Sweet Fritters)Cotonou, Benin · easy · 35 minLight, puffy sweet fried dough balls dusted with sugar, often called the national dessert of Benin.
Wagasi in Tomato SauceCotonou, Benin · easy · 40 minGolden-fried Fulani cheese simmered in a spicy tomato and onion sauce, one of West Africa's rare traditional cheese dishes.
Ata (Beninese Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)Cotonou, Benin · medium · 50 minSkinned black-eyed peas whipped into an airy batter with onion and chili, then fried into crisp, fluffy golden fritters.
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