Liberia marked the 176th anniversary of its independence on 26 July 2023. Liberia, which means “land of the free,” was the first nation on the African continent to gain its independence on July 26, 1847 from the United States of America. As world Liberians celebrate their independence, let’s get to know the culture better by trying the traditional food!

1.Fufu

Fufu is a dough-like starchy food that includes cassava, yams, or plantains. All these ingredients are boiled, pounded and then rounded into balls. This Liberian delicacy is generally served along with sauces or consumed with stews.

2.Liberian peanut soup

Liberian peanut soup is traditionally prepared using a mixture of peanuts, herbs, spices and meat. Other ingredients include chicken stock, onions, bell peppers, celery, hot peppers, dried fish (optional), potatoes, okra and peanut butter.

3.Cabbage stew

Cabbage stew is a dish prepared using a mixture of cabbage, chicken, Maggi cubes, meat tenderizer, beef, tomato paste, black pepper, chicken bouillon, onions and vegetable oil.

4.Jollof rice

Jollof rice is a rice dish that is generally prepared using long-grain rice, tomatoes, onions, spices, vegetables and meat. All the ingredients are cooked in a single pot, and the recipes and ingredients may vary across different areas.

5.Chicken gravy

Peppers are staples in Liberian cuisine, and this recipe incorporates two kinds: sweet red bell peppers and more fiery habaneros. They’re a satisfying counterbalance to the intense chicken flavor that’s supercharged by both broth and Maggi seasoning.

6.Dumboy

Dumboy is a dish prepared by peeling and then boiling fresh cassava, with the fibers in the center already taken out. The boiled roots are then transferred to a large mortar and beaten using a heavy pestle. In the end, the mixture is then shaped into balls.