Authentic Cameroonian and African Recipes Made Simple
Cook flavourful Cameroonian, African and intercontinental meals with Mommy Van’s clear instructions, accessible ingredients and practical tips for confident home cooking.
Explore African Recipes
Start with traditional favourites, comforting stews and approachable family meals.
Popular African Recipes
Delicious recipes to help you start cooking African food from scratch.
Mommy Van Is Cooking Toward History
Vanessa Oprah is preparing for a Guinness World Records cooking marathon attempt that will celebrate Cameroonian cuisine, share African food culture with the world and inspire mothers, home cooks and aspiring chefs.
Hi, I’m Vanessa
I’m a Cameroonian home chef, food content creator and mom based in Canada. I share authentic Cameroonian, African and intercontinental recipes made simple, with beginner-friendly instructions that help you cook from scratch and feed your family with confidence.
Mommy Van’s Kitchen is also where I document my cooking life, preserve the food traditions I love and share the journey behind my cooking marathon record attempt.
Contact: info@mommyvanskitchen.com
Learn to Cook With Mommy Van
Follow clear video demonstrations, practical kitchen tips and realistic family cooking. Virtual cooking classes will also be announced here.
African Recipes FAQ
Start with these answers if African cooking is new to you.
What are the best African recipes for beginners?
Beginners can start with fried plantains, jollof rice, African chicken stew, puff puff and simple bean dishes. Mommy Van’s recipes include clear steps to make unfamiliar dishes easier to prepare.
Are African recipes always spicy?
No. Some recipes use Scotch bonnet or other hot peppers, while many rely on onions, ginger, garlic, herbs and aromatic spices. The heat can usually be adjusted to suit your family.
Can I cook African food without every traditional ingredient?
Yes. Many traditional ingredients have suitable alternatives in Canadian and international supermarkets. Each recipe explains substitutions that can be used without changing the dish too much.
What ingredients are common in Cameroonian cooking?
Common ingredients include plantains, cassava, cocoyams, beans, leafy vegetables, groundnuts, tomatoes, onions, peppers, fish, meat, ginger, garlic and traditional spices.
Are there vegetarian African recipes?
Yes. Many dishes use beans, lentils, grains, plantains, cassava, groundnuts and vegetables. Some meat-based recipes can also be adapted with suitable plant-based alternatives.
Mommy Van’s Record Journey
Read the Guardian Post’s coverage of Vanessa Oprah and the purpose behind the attempt.
Read the Guardian Post article