Healthy Kwanzaa Recipes and Menus

Featured Recipes

North African Spiced Carrots

The trinity of North African seasonings, cumin, coriander and paprika, lends exotic appeal to this simple carrot preparation.

» North African Spiced Carrots

Tropical Fruits with Pistachios & Coconut

Luscious tropical fruit topped with creamy coconut milk and crunchy pistachios is a simple yet delicious dessert.

» Tropical Fruits with Pistachios & Coconut

Moroccan-Rubbed Grilled Steak & Sweet Potatoes

A Moroccan-inspired spice rub coats the steaks and is tossed with the sweet potatoes as well. The foil-packet cooking method for the sweet potatoes yields excellent results (and fewer dishes). Make it a Meal: Sautéed greens, such as arugula, kale or spinach, and a glass of Zinfandel round out the meal.

» Moroccan-Rubbed Grilled Steak & Sweet Potatoes

Squash, Chickpea & Red Lentil Stew

Modeled on North African stews, this aromatic vegetarian main course can be served over brown rice or steamed spinach.

» Squash, Chickpea & Red Lentil Stew

Kumquat Tagine

A tagine is a slow-cooked Moroccan stew (traditionally served over couscous)—but here it's quicker and (dare we say it?) tastier, thanks in large part to the bright spike of kumquats.

» Kumquat Tagine


Enjoy these healthy recipes for your Kwanzaa feast.

Originating from African harvest festivals, Kwanzaa is a vibrant week-long holiday (from December 26-January 1) devoted to the celebration of African-American culture and community. Kwanzaa is a culinary festival as much as it is a cultural one. EatingWell's Kwanzaa recipes use high-impact flavors—fresh herbs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, aromatic spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin and cardamom—to minimize the need for added fat and salt. With healthy recipes featuring such traditional ingredients as sweet potatoes, lentils and okra, you can enjoy exploring the wonderfully diverse flavors of African cuisine.

Healthy Kwanzaa Main Dish Recipes

Curry was brought to the Caribbean by British colonizers and the Indians they...
Antioxidant-rich collard greens and fiber-packed black-eyed peas have a starring...
Jamaican “jerk” seasonings transform a humble ground turkey patty into a lively...
A tagine is a slow-cooked Moroccan stew (traditionally served over couscous)—but...
A Moroccan-inspired spice rub coats the steaks and is tossed with the sweet potatoes...
Combining smoke and heat, this dish is easy and quick to assemble. If you like fiery...
This spicy yogurt marinade tenderizes lamb beautifully--but it's not a long...
This isn't any ordinary picnic pasta salad. Coffee and molasses add rich notes...
Modeled on North African stews, this aromatic vegetarian main course can be served...

Healthy Kwanzaa Sides, Salads, Etc. Recipes

Many variations of this dish use oregano as the main herb, but we like the flavor of...
Spiced almonds make a simple irresistible nibble to accompany cocktails.
The trinity of North African seasonings, cumin, coriander and paprika, lends exotic...
Crunchy jicama and walnuts pair with creamy papaya and avocado for an unusual salad.
Serve alongside spice-rubbed shrimp and sauteed greens.
Kale becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender in this recipe. Assertive garlic and salty...
Stewing okra with onion and tomatoes is absolutely traditional all through the South...
This scrumptious sweet potato casserole gets fabulous flavor from honey and freshly...

Healthy Kwanzaa Dessert Recipes

Bananas cooked in a delectable brown-sugar-rum sauce make for a quick yet impressive...
The haunting, subtle flavor of chai spices adds depth and richness to these elegant...
Whipping this otherwise old-fashioned hot chocolate creates the illusion of...
Garnish this glorious tropical tart with sliced carambola or strawberries, or...
Mango, rum, lime and pineapple—take a virtual trip to the islands with this fast...
Pears are simmered in a blend of tart pomegranate juice and sweet dessert wine with...
The deep flavors of molasses, pumpkin and spices make these wholesome cookies...
Luscious tropical fruit topped with creamy coconut milk and crunchy pistachios is a...

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