Authentic Ghanaian Waakye Recipe: A Taste of West Africa

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long grain rice
  • 1 cup black-eyed peas
  • 6 cups water
  • 4 dried red sorghum leaves or 2 teaspoons of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Soak the black-eyed peas overnight or for a minimum of 5 hours.
  2. Rinse the soaked peas and place them in a large pot.
  3. Add the 6 cups of water and the dried red sorghum leaves (or baking soda), then bring to a boil.
  4. Let the mixture simmer until the peas are cooked and tender.
  5. Once the peas are cooked, add the long grain rice, salt, and some extra water if needed. Stir it all together.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the water. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
  7. While the rice is cooking, heat up the vegetable oil in a pan.
  8. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent.
  9. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and cayenne pepper (if you want some heat) to the pan. Stir well and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  10. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the onion mixture. Make sure everything is well combined.
  11. Let the Waakye sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the rice and black-eyed peas.
  • Pan - Used to sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger.
  • Measuring cups - Required to accurately measure the rice and water.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to measure the salt, cayenne pepper, and ginger.
  • Knife - Needed to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  • Grater - Used to grate the fresh ginger.
  • Spatula or spoon - Required for stirring and combining the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Use brown rice instead of long grain rice for a healthier option.
  • Add cooked and diced meat such as chicken or beef for a protein-rich variation.
  • Include vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to add more color and nutrients.
  • Replace the black-eyed peas with kidney beans or black beans for a different taste and texture.
  • Add coconut milk to the cooking liquid for a subtle coconut flavor.
  • Include smoked fish or dried shrimp for a seafood twist.
  • Serve with a side of stewed tomatoes or hot pepper sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices like turmeric, curry powder, or paprika to customize the taste.
  • Make it vegetarian/vegan by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free alternative.

Recipe overview

Get ready to immerse your senses in the culinary delight that is Waakye (pronounced 'wachay'), a popular Ghanaian dish that perfectly marries rice and beans in a savory symphony. This wholesome meal is a true testament to West African cuisine, traditionally cooked with red sorghum leaves which give it a distinctive reddish-brown color. If sorghum leaves aren't available, don't worry - baking soda can be used as a substitute to achieve a similar effect. The process starts the night before with soaking black-eyed peas, but the result is definitely worth the wait. The final dish is a beautifully cooked rice and bean mixture, infused with the flavors of onion, garlic, and ginger, with a hint of cayenne for a touch of heat. Serve your Waakye with stew, fish, or any accompaniment of your choice for a complete meal. So, roll up your sleeves and let's dive in!

Common questions

  1. How long should I soak the black-eyed peas? - Soak the black-eyed peas overnight or for a minimum of 5 hours.
  2. Can I use baking soda instead of dried red sorghum leaves? - Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of baking soda for the dried red sorghum leaves.
  3. How long does it take for the black-eyed peas to cook? - Simmer the peas until they are cooked and tender, which usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. How much water should I add to cook the rice? - Use 6 cups of water to cook the rice and peas initially, and add extra water if needed during the cooking process.
  5. How long does it take for the rice to cook? - The rice should be cooked and absorb all the water in about 20-30 minutes.
  6. Can I adjust the amount of cayenne pepper? - Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely based on your preference for spiciness.
  7. What can I serve with Waakye? - Waakye is often served with a variety of toppings such as fried plantains, boiled eggs, shredded beef, or spaghetti.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - For cooking the black-eyed peas and rice.
  • Pan - For sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger.
  • Wooden spoon - For stirring the ingredients while they cook.
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the rice, black-eyed peas, and water.
  • Knife - For chopping the onions and mincing the garlic.
  • Grater - For grating the fresh ginger.
  • Serving spoon - For serving the Waakye.

Origin stories

Waakye is a beloved dish from Ghana, a West African country known for its rich and diverse culinary heritage. This hearty meal of rice and black-eyed peas, often served with a variety of accompaniments, is a common sight on breakfast tables across the country. The unique red or purple hue of Waakye, which comes from the dried red sorghum leaves used during cooking, is a distinctive feature that makes the dish easily recognizable. Despite its humble ingredients, Waakye is steeped in tradition and cultural significance. It's said that the dish evolved from the northern parts of Ghana, and over time, it has spread and become a national favorite. What's more, the name "Waakye" in the Hausa language literally translates to "beans", reflecting the important role that black-eyed peas play in this delicious recipe.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.