African Party Foods for Kids
Africa is a continent full of diverse climates and varied cultures and cuisines.
Throwing an African-themed party for kids is a fun way to teach them about a culture very different from their own. Choosing the right foods should strike a balance between true African-style delicacies and items that picky children will still enjoy.
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Chicken Kebabs
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Chicken is a staple of many African cuisines, and it is often flavored with coconuts and fruits indigenous to the continent. Create a chicken dish that kids will love by threading small pieces on to a kebab stick to make it into a fun finger food. Marinate the pieces first in an African-style coconut curry sauce.
Combine 1/4 cup red curry paste, 1 diced, sauteed onion, 1 1/4 cups fresh coconut milk and 1 tsp. lime zest and allow chicken to marinate for a few hours. Thread on to a skewer and grill.
Mango Shake
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Incorporate traditional African fruits into a shake. In a blender, combine fresh mango with a few ice cubes and vanilla yogurt. Blend and serve in plastic margarita cups topped with a cherry.
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Jollof Rice
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Most kids love rice and this flavorful yellow rice recipe captures the heart and taste of African culture.
Saute one diced onion in a large pot until translucent and add salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and chili powder. Add 2 cups of chicken broth or water and 1 can of tomato paste and bring to a boil. Add 1 cup of uncooked rice, mix to incorporate and place pot in the oven, covered, for half an hour at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also add chicken, meat or vegetables after sauteing the onion.
Flatbread with Dips
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Begin your party with flatbread crackers or baked pita chips served with traditional African dips. Common choices include salsa or other tomato-based dips, tabbouleh and babaganoush.
Babaganoush is eggplant-based and can be made by baking an eggplant until fully cooked. In a food processor, combine 1 baked eggplant, cut into chunks, 1 clove fresh garlic, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 2 tbsp. tahini and 2 tbsp. lemon juice. Process until smooth.
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References
- Photo Credit prawns and chicken with rice and vegetables image by George Dolgikh from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Also grerat for kids are beignet de banane, also called puff puff in the west of african and mandazi in the East of Africa, plantain chips, chin chin a great amuse.
