The Big Chop List: Ingredients You Need for Sunday Cooking
In many African homes, Sundays aren’t just for rest, they’re for big pots, bold flavors, and family feasts.
Whether you grew up in Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, or you’re living abroad now, Sunday cooking carries the same rhythm: chopping, stirring, simmering, and filling the house with aromas that could wake the whole neighborhood. And at the heart of it all? The Chop List., the ingredients you simply cannot forget.
Meat (Because One Is Never Enough)
Goat, chicken, beef, or fish- Sunday meals demand variety. Families love mixing different proteins into stews and soups, because Sunday plates are supposed to feel abundant.
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Tomatoes, Onions & Peppers
This is the base of almost everything, from stews to Jollof to soups. The “blend-and-fry” routine is a Sunday morning soundtrack in many African kitchens.
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Leafy Greens
Every culture has its go-to: spinach, kale, bitterleaf, moringa, or pumpkin leaves. Whether it’s stirred into soup or cooked on the side, greens balance out all that hearty Sunday goodness.
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Fish (Fresh, Smoked, or Dried)
From stockfish to tilapia, dry fish to crayfish, fish adds depth and that nostalgic “home taste.” Even abroad, Africans love stocking these up because they transform any pot instantly.
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The Staples
Rice is the default for many, but Sundays also make way for yam, plantain, cassava, or maize-based meals. Depending on the family, you could be having Jollof, pounded yam, or a simple white rice with stew.
The Flavor Fixers
Palm oil, bouillon cubes, spice blends, and ground seeds or nuts, the little things that turn a pot from ordinary to unforgettable. Every African mom (and dad!) has a secret combination tucked away.
Why the Chop List Matters
Sunday meals aren’t just about eating, they’re about tradition, connection, and comfort. It’s the one day when family slows down, cooks together, and gathers around big bowls of food that taste like home.
And whether you’re shopping in an African market back home or stocking up online abroad, the Chop List keeps Sunday alive wherever you are.