Ghanaian•breakfast•beginner

Fortified Waakye (Rice & Beans)

Name: Fortified Waakye (Rice & Beans)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Ghanaian
Ingredients: 1 cup black-eyed peas; 1 cup parboiled rice; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 Onion (diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1- inch ginger root (finely chopped); 2-3 tablespoons Waakye leaves (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon red pepper powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper powder; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 cup smoked fish (optional); 1 cow skin (optional); Salt (to taste)

This hearty Ghanaian dish combines black-eyed peas, parboiled rice, fresh or smoked fish, cow skin, and the star of the show - waakye leaves, to create a full-flavored and filling meal.

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

20 min

Servings

This classic Ghanaian dish combines hearty flavors and textures, creating a full-flavored dish that can be served as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This versatile stew-like bowl is made with blackeyed peas, parboiled rice, fresh or smoked fish, cow skin, and the undisputed star of the show - waakye leaves. To get the most out of this marvelous dish, top it with fresh onions, tomatoes, fried plantains, shrimp, hard boiled egg, gari, and a sprinkle of famous Ghanaian spice, Shito. Waakye is a great way to start the day as it is vibrant, healthy, and filling - the perfect accompaniment to an active lifestyle!

Ingredients

1 cup black-eyed peas
1 cup parboiled rice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1- inch ginger root (finely chopped)
2-3 tablespoons Waakye leaves (finely chopped)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon red pepper powder
1 teaspoon black pepper powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup smoked fish (optional)
1 cow skin (optional)
Salt (to taste)

Instructions

1
Soak the black-eyed peas in enough water for 5-6 hours
2
Drain the peas and place them in a large pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil
3
Once boiling, add the parboiled rice, onion, garlic and ginger
4
Stir in the waakye leaves, cumin, red pepper, black pepper, and chili powder
5
Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes
6
Once the peas and rice are cooked, add the smoked fish or cow skin
7
Stir in the cooked ingredients and season with salt, to taste
8
Serve warm topped with fresh onions, tomatoes, fried plantains, shrimp, hard boiled egg, and gari

Chef's Tip

To elevate the dish, add a dollop of Ghana's beloved Shito pepper sauce to the mix!

Fun Fact

Waakye leaves are essential for giving this dish its unique flavor. They're native to West Africa and have been used in cooking for centuries.

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fandango

I'm a web developer with a passion for cooking, especially when it comes to pasta. Spaghetti to ravioli, I love it all. I'm also fascinated by the rich tastes of Peruvian cuisine. Follow along as I combine tech and cooking, creating easy-to-follow digital recipes that highlight the pleasure of delicious food.

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