The dish in the picture is a West African-inspired mixed plate consisting of:
Jollof-style fried rice with vegetables
Beef in a rich stew (possibly Nigerian-style beef stew)
Creamy potato salad
Mashed yam (orange variety, often served in Ghana & Nigeria)
I’ll give you a big, detailed recipe with everything you asked for: introduction, history, ingredients, methods, benefits, and more.
🌍 The Ultimate African-Inspired Feast
✨ Introduction
This colorful plate brings together some of West Africa’s most beloved dishes. From the smoky, spicy beef stew to the fragrant vegetable rice, creamy potato salad, and hearty mashed yam, it represents a blend of African tradition and modern flair. Each element complements the other: the rice gives flavor, the beef provides protein richness, the potatoes add creaminess, and the yam brings comfort and energy.
This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, festive occasions, or anyone wanting to enjoy a balanced, flavor-packed meal.
🏛️ A Short History
Jollof/Fried Rice: A famous West African dish with roots in the Senegambian region (Wolof people). It spread across West Africa and is now a symbol of celebration.
Beef Stew: Nigerian and Ghanaian beef stews are legendary—tomato-based, spicy, and deeply seasoned, they’re often served with rice or yams.
Potato Salad: Introduced during colonial times but adapted with African spices, it has become a festive side dish.
Mashed Yam: Yams are staple crops in West Africa, often pounded or mashed, symbolizing sustenance and strength.
🍲 Ingredients
For the Fried Rice:
2 cups long-grain rice (parboiled)
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp thyme
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Beef Stew:
1 kg beef (cut into chunks)
3 large tomatoes (or 1 can chopped tomatoes)
1 red bell pepper
2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust heat to taste)
1 large onion
3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp thyme
2 seasoning cubes (Maggi/Knorr style)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Salt to taste
For the Creamy Potato Salad:
5 medium potatoes (boiled & cubed)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/2 tsp mustard
1 spring onion, chopped
1 small carrot, grated
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cucumber, diced
A handful of fresh dill or parsley
Pinch of paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Mashed Yam:
500 g yam (orange or white variety, peeled & cut)
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup warm milk (or water)
Salt to taste
👩🏽🍳 Instructions & Method
- Fried Rice:
- Wash rice and parboil until half-cooked, then drain.
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and spices.
- Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add rice, season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
- Beef Stew:
- Blend tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic into a smooth paste.
- Heat oil in a pot, fry the tomato paste for 2 minutes.
- Add blended mixture and cook until sauce thickens and oil separates.
- Season with paprika, thyme, and cubes.
- Add beef (pre-boiled for tenderness) and simmer until richly coated.
- Creamy Potato Salad:
- Boil potatoes until tender, cut into cubes.
- Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add vegetables, herbs, and potatoes.
- Mix gently and sprinkle paprika before serving.
- Mashed Yam:
- Boil yam pieces until soft.
- Drain and mash with butter and warm milk.
- Season with salt and whip until smooth.
🌱 Health Benefits
Rice with Vegetables: Provides carbs for energy & fiber for digestion.
Beef Stew: Rich in protein, iron, and essential minerals.
Potato Salad: Creamy but balanced with yogurt for probiotics.
Yam: A complex carbohydrate, great for energy and digestive health.
💕 Lovers of This Dish
Families: Perfect for Sunday meals.
Food Lovers: Anyone who enjoys bold, comforting flavors.
West Africans Abroad: A nostalgic plate that brings home to the table.
Adventurous Eaters: Those who love exploring African cuisine.
🔑 Formation of the Meal
This meal is formed by balancing flavors and textures:
Savory rice
Spicy stew
Creamy potato salad
Comforting yam
Each component stands on its own but shines brighter when combined.
📝 Conclusion
This dish is more than just food—it’s a story of tradition, culture, and love. It combines the spice of West Africa, the heartiness of yams, the creaminess of potatoes, and the celebratory spirit of fried rice. A plate like this brings people together, sparks joy, and celebrates diversity in food.
It’s a meal made with love, shared with love, and remembered with love. ❤️