Pastries

Savory and sweet African pastry recipes

Recipes in Pastries

Explore our collection of recipes in pastries featuring traditional and modern African cooking techniques. These recipes showcase authentic flavors, ingredients, and methods passed down through generations.

From quick everyday meals to special occasion dishes, discover how African cuisine uses recipes in pastries to create flavorful, nutritious, and culturally significant food that tells the story of diverse culinary traditions across the continent.

Djenkoumè (Savory Tomato Cornmeal Cake)

Originating from Benin, West Africa, Djenkoumè is a hearty, savory cornmeal cake steeped in a rich tomato sauce. This unique dish is traditionally served during communal gatherings and celebrations due to its ability to feed large crowds. Its vibrant, warm hues mirror the exuberance of these occasions. The dish is usually presented in individual portions molded into small mounds. Djenkoumè is often accompanied by grilled fish or meat and a side of spicy pepper sauce. The eating custom involves using your fingers to pinch a small portion of Djenkoumè and dip it into the accompanying sauce. This dish not only satisfies hunger, but also fosters unity and shared experiences.

40 minutes

4 servings

Pastries

Zlebia (Tunisian Fried Pastry)

Zlebia is a beloved Tunisian sweet treat, often savored during Ramadan and at weddings. This golden, spiral-shaped fried pastry is drenched in a fragrant syrup infused with orange blossom water. It’s a delightful blend of crunchy and soft, sweet and subtly floral. Zlebia is traditionally served with mint tea, as the warmth and slight bitterness of the tea nicely counterbalance the sweetness of the pastry. When zlebia is prepared in the home, it's not uncommon for everyone to gather around and watch the intricate spirals being formed—a communal experience that sweetens the anticipation.

1 hour 30 minutes

8 servings

Pastries

Kaak Warka - Tunisian Almond Pastry

Kaak Warka is a traditional Tunisian dessert that's deeply ingrained in the country's culinary heritage. These delicate, ring-shaped pastries are filled with a sweet almond paste, offering a delightful contrast to their subtly fragrant, rosewater-infused dough. Traditionally enjoyed during festive occasions such as weddings and Eid, Kaak Warka symbolizes joy and celebration. Paired with a cup of mint tea, these pastries create moments of shared happiness and togetherness.

1 hour 30 minutes

12 servings

Pastries

Makroudh (Tunisian Semolina and Date Pastries)

Makroudh is a quintessential Tunisian pastry, deeply embedded in the country's culinary and cultural heritage. Originating from the southern region of Tunisia, this semolina and date-filled pastry is traditionally prepared for special occasions and religious festivities, such as Ramadan. The combination of aromatic spices, honey syrup, and the richness of dates create a harmonious blend of tastes and textures, encapsulating the spirit of North African cuisine. Makroudh is typically served with a cup of mint tea, and its sweet, rich taste is enjoyed in the company of family and friends, fostering a sense of community and shared joy.

1 hour

4 servings

Pastries

Pastilla (Moroccan Pigeon Pie)

Pastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish with Andalusian origins, often served at weddings and festive occasions. This savory-sweet pie is a labor of love, showcasing the balance of flavors and textures that define Moroccan cuisine. It's traditionally served in a communal setting, allowing everyone to break off a piece and enjoy together. The pie is made from warqa (a thin pastry similar to phyllo), filled with slow-cooked pigeon, onions, and spices, then topped with a layer of toasted, ground almonds. It's baked until golden and dusted with a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating a delightful contrast between the savory filling and the sweet, crisp pastry.

1 hour 30 minutes

6 servings

Pastries

Usban (Libyan Stuffed Sausage)

Usban is a traditional Libyan dish consisting of sausages stuffed with a hearty mixture of rice, lamb, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Originating from the Berber communities of North Africa, usban is a beloved staple at family gatherings and celebrations. The dish is typically served with fresh bread and a side of spicy harissa sauce, allowing guests to tailor the heat to their liking. Eating usban is a communal experience, often shared straight from the serving platter, embodying the warm hospitality of Libyan culture.

1 hour

6 servings

Pastries