Waakye - Ghanaian dish
Network Food@foodnetwork
2 months ago
Waakye is a beloved Ghanaian dish made from rice and beans cooked together with dried millet leaves (which give the dish its signature color and flavor). It’s a staple in Ghana, often served with a variety of sides like fried plantains, boiled eggs, fish, or fried chicken. Waakye is typically enjoyed for breakfast or lunch.
Ingredients
- **Rice** – 2 cups
- **Black-eyed peas** or **cowpeas** – 1 cup (you can also use kidney beans)
- **Waakye leaves** (dried millet leaves) – 3-4 pieces (optional, for authentic color and flavor)
- **Baking soda** – 1 teaspoon (helps soften the beans and enhance the color)
- **Water** – enough to cook the rice and beans
- **Salt** – to taste
Optional Sides
- **Fried plantains** (kelewele or simple fried plantains)
- **Boiled eggs**
- **Fried fish** or **fried chicken**
- **Shito** (Ghanaian hot black pepper sauce)
- **Gari** (toasted cassava grains)
- **Vegetable stew** or **shredded cabbage**
Instructions
1. **Cook the Beans**:
- Wash the black-eyed peas or cowpeas thoroughly. In a large pot, add the beans and enough water to cover them.
- Add the waakye leaves and baking soda. The baking soda helps soften the beans and enhances the rich color from the waakye leaves.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are almost tender. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage since they will continue cooking with the rice.
- Remove the waakye leaves and discard them once the beans are cooked.
2. Add the Rice
- Wash the rice and add it to the pot with the beans.
- Add more water as needed (enough to cook the rice properly), and season with salt.
- Stir, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook until the rice is soft, and all the water has been absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- If necessary, add a little more water to ensure both the rice and beans are cooked through.
3. **Final Steps**:
- Once the rice and beans are fully cooked, fluff with a fork and let it rest for a few minutes with the lid on to finish steaming.
Serving Waakye
Waakye is usually served with a variety of accompaniments. Some popular side dishes include:
- **Shito**: A spicy black pepper sauce made from blended peppers, onions, fish powder, and oil.
- **Fried plantains (kelewele)**: Spiced fried plantains that complement the waakye with a sweet and spicy kick.
- **Boiled eggs**: A simple but classic pairing with waakye.
- **Fried fish** or **chicken**: Waakye is often served with fried fish or fried chicken as a protein option.
- **Gari**: Toasted cassava granules that add a crunchy texture.
- **Vegetable stew or cabbage salad**: For added freshness, you can serve waakye with a simple salad of shredded cabbage, tomatoes, and onions, or a vegetable stew.
Enjoying Waakye
Waakye is enjoyed all over Ghana, from street vendors to home kitchens, and it's a dish that reflects the vibrant flavors of Ghanaian cuisine. It’s satisfying, versatile, and can be customized with different sides to suit your taste!
