Sierra Leonean cuisine consists of thecooking traditions and practices fromSierra Leone. It follows the traditions of otherWest African cuisines. The country has 16 tribal ethnic groups.[1]
The most commonly eaten food in Sierra Leone isrice, which is typically served as part of every meal eaten,[2] and is considered so ubiquitous that many Sierra Leoneans consider that a meal is not complete without it.[3] Another popular staple food iscassava, which is pounded to makefufu;[2] the leaves of the cassava are cooked into a green stew.[3]
Palm oil andpeanuts are also widely eaten,[3] and whileyams are found in Sierra Leone, they are not a mainstay of the diet as they are in other parts ofWest Africa.[2] Other staples of the Sierra Leonean diet arebananas,cinnamon,coconut,ginger,okra,plantains andtamarind.
Commonly eaten meats includegoat,chicken andbeef, and there are also a number of dishes using pork as an added ingredient.[4]
Oranges, bananas,papayas,lemons,avocados,guava,watermelons,mangoes, andpineapples are fruits commonly eaten by Sierra Leoneans.[5]
Popular starches in the country's cuisine include:
Stews are a fundamental part of Sierra Leone's cuisine, with cassava leaves having been called the country's national dish.[6] Stew is often served withjollof rice, white rice or snacks such as plantain,akara, yam or cassava. Groundnut stew, also calledpeanut stew orpeanut soup, often has chicken and vegetables included.[7] This is often served to families as a large meal.[citation needed]
Cassava leaves are an important cooking ingredient in Sierra Leone and considered the primary staple food.[6] In preparation, the tenderest cassava leaves are washed, then either pounded very finely or bruised with apestle and mortar, and then finely shredded before cooking. The leaves are added topalaver sauce, which is made using red palm oil mixed with other ingredients, such asonions,pepper,fish, meat, and vegetables to create a stew. To give the dish a more exquisite taste,coconut oil may be used instead of palm oil.[8]
Ginger beer is typically a homemadenon-alcoholic beverage, made out of pureginger, and sweetened withsugar to taste.Cloves andlime juice are sometimes added for flavor.[9]
