You need to give special importance to Kwanzaa foods, when you are planning or learning how to organize a Kwanzaa party. Kwanzaa is said to be a celebration of 7 values which are to African American culture.

Celebrations take place between December 26 to January 1 every year, where special importance is given to traditional foods of Africa and America, as a symbol of bonding between 2 cultures. Here are some Kwanzaa food ideas which you shouldn’t miss while planning Kwanzaa party for your guests.

Yassa chicken – This is an unusual chicken preparation which has a citrusy and fruity taste with a tangy crunchiness. It has a unique sweet and sour favor which is quite different from the normal chicken dishes which are available. To prepare this food, drumstick thighs, chicken breasts and onions are soaked in a marinade which is prepared of different spices of garlic, thyme and jalapenos. The chicken is later cooked while the marinade is later heated and mixed with chicken. It tastes wonderful when served hot.

Coconut cake – Any Kwanzaa party is incomplete without this wonderful dessert. The batter is usually made very fluffy and light as coconut milk is added to give it a wonderful moist and soft taste. The cake is frosted with orange extracts, sugar and later dusted with toasted coconut. It is best to cut the cake into several slices and decorating all the slices in a plate before serving the guests.

Jollof Rice – This is very popular food which is closely related to West African culture. This rice has a consistency which is quite similar to any curry. It is prepared with diced tomatoes, fresh carrots, onions, garlic, jalapeno, green peppers and other vegetables which make this rice very nutritious too. To enhance its richness pork shoulder is often roasted and added to this meal. Those who are not fond of pork can have vegetable broth and chicken slices cooked in a variety of different spices.

Collard Greens – This is also a special Kwanzaa menu  inclusion, which you shouldn’t miss at all when planning your party. It is a great combination of vegetables with meat in some authentic mix of African – American spices which makes the food quite different. These greens are usually boiled in stockpot along with other vegetables such as peppers, onions and also a piece of turkey leg or pork. As soon as the meat gets tender while cooking the shredded pieces of meat are added. Collard greens are served with a special salsa recipe which is prepared with pepperoncini peppers, vinegar, jalapeno, onions and also tomatoes. The salsa is actually chilled a few hours before serving it to the guests. 

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