Top 10 Must-Have African Pantry Staples (And How to Use Them)
If you’re looking to explore the bold, earthy, and unforgettable flavors of African cuisine—or you’re simply trying to reconnect with the tastes of home—your pantry is the perfect place to start. At Accra Supermarket, we proudly stock a wide variety of authentic African ingredients that bring traditional dishes to life, whether you’re cooking Nigerian jollof, Ghanaian groundnut soup, or Senegalese yassa.
Below, we’ve rounded up the top 10 essential African pantry staples, complete with cooking tips and recipe ideas. These aren’t just ingredients—they’re gateways to culture, connection, and comfort food at its finest.
1. Palm Oil (Zomi or Red Oil)
What it is:
Palm oil is a bright red, nutrient-rich oil extracted from palm fruit. It’s a key ingredient in many West African dishes.
How to use it:
Use it to cook egusi soup, banga soup, or kontomire stew. Its rich color and earthy flavor are unbeatable.
🛒 Shop it now at Accra Supermarket: Palm Oil
2. Gari (Cassava Granules)
What it is:
Gari is fermented, grated, and roasted cassava, a carbohydrate staple in West Africa.
How to use it:
- Make Eba, a common side dish eaten with soup.
- Enjoy it cold as a cereal with water, sugar, and milk.
- Mix with groundnuts and sugar for a quick snack.
Pro tip: It stores well and is excellent for bulk buying.
3. Egusi (Melon Seeds)
What it is:
Ground melon seeds used to thicken and flavor soups.
How to use it:
Cook a hearty pot of Egusi Soup with spinach, stockfish, and assorted meats—best paired with pounded yam or fufu.
🌟 Popular during celebrations and family gatherings.
4. Maggi or Knorr Seasoning Cubes
What it is:
Highly flavorful bouillon cubes that are essential to seasoning African stews and soups.
How to use it:
- Dissolve in water or crumble directly into dishes.
- Adds umami to everything from Jollof rice to beans porridge.
🧂 Stock up in bulk for everyday cooking needs.
5. African Black Pepper (Uda, Negro Pepper, or Grains of Selim)
What it is:
A smoky, aromatic spice used in soups and herbal drinks.
How to use it:
- Add to pepper soup for a traditional healing dish.
- Boil with ginger and lemon for a spicy herbal tea.
A great immune booster—especially in colder months.
6. Dry Fish / Stockfish
What it is:
Dried and preserved fish, often used to enhance soups and stews.
How to use it:
Soak and cook in dishes like Ogbono, Okra, or Groundnut soup for depth of flavor.
🐟 Available in whole or cut varieties at Accra Supermarket.
7. Fonio or Millet
What it is:
Ancient grains native to West Africa, packed with nutrients.
How to use it:
- Cook like couscous for a gluten-free side dish.
- Use in porridges or grain bowls.
Ideal for health-conscious shoppers looking for alternatives to rice or pasta.
8. Tomato Paste & Blended Pepper Mix
What it is:
Rich tomato bases essential for African stews and Jollof rice.
How to use it:
- Combine with onions, seasoning, and oil for a flavorful stew base.
- Essential for Jollof rice, Nigerian stew, and shito sauce.
💡 Tip: Buy in bulk for frequent cooking—these store well.
9. Beans (Brown, Black-Eyed, or Honey Beans)
What it is:
Protein-rich legumes used in a variety of traditional dishes.
How to use it:
- Cook into Ewa Agoyin, Moi Moi, or beans porridge.
- Blend into batter for Akara (bean cakes).
🫘 Affordable, filling, and perfect for meal prep.
10. Plantain Flour / Yam Flour / Fufu Mixes
What it is:
Powdered mixes used to make swallows that accompany soups.
How to use it:
- Stir in hot water to make Amala, Fufu, or Tuo Zaafi.
- Serve with stews like Egusi or Light Soup.
🍽️ Ready-to-use mixes save time and effort in the kitchen.
Why Stock Up at Accra Supermarket?
Here’s what makes Accra Supermarket the go-to for African pantry staples:
✅ Authenticity Guaranteed: We carry trusted brands you grew up with—straight from Africa.
✅ Bulk Buying Options: Save money by buying essentials like gari, rice, and oil in large quantities.
✅ Local Delivery Available: We deliver within a 3-mile radius—so your kitchen stays stocked with no stress.
✅ Easy Online Ordering: Visit AccraSupermarket.com to shop anytime.
Bonus Tips: How to Build Your Own African Pantry
- Start with the basics: Gari, palm oil, Maggi cubes, and tomato paste.
- Rotate with the seasons: Add fresh vegetables and meats weekly to complement dry staples.
- Label and organize: Keep similar items together—spices in jars, grains in airtight containers.
- Add variety slowly: Try a new spice or flour every week to expand your taste.
Final Thoughts
African cuisine is full of flavor, warmth, and culture—and it all begins with the right pantry. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore African dishes, having these 10 essential items will set you up for success.
Ready to stock your pantry?
👉 Shop Now at AccraSupermarket.com
Or visit us in-store at 168 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, CT.
Let the flavors of home find their way to your kitchen—one delicious dish at a time.
