Delicious and Traditional Gari Foto Recipe from Ghana

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Gari (grated cassava)
  • 1 cup of diced onions
  • 1 cup of diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup of diced green bell peppers
  • 2 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 cup of canned tuna
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • ½ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 cup of water
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat half of the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
  3. Drain the canned tuna and add it to the pan. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
  4. In a separate pan, scramble the eggs and cook them fully. Once cooked, set them aside.
  5. In the pan with the vegetables and tuna, add the Gari. Stir the mixture continuously until the Gari is fully combined with the vegetables and tuna.
  6. Add the scrambled eggs to the Gari mixture. Stir to combine.
  7. Slowly add water to the mixture, while stirring continuously, until the desired consistency is reached. The end result should be slightly moist but not soggy.
  8. Add the remaining oil, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine.
  9. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
  10. Remove the pan from the heat. Serve the Gari Foto hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the canned tuna with cooked shredded chicken or beef for a meatier version.
  • Add diced carrots, peas, or corn for extra vegetables and color.
  • Include spicy peppers like habanero or jalapeno for a spicy kick.
  • Replace the Gari with cornmeal or semolina for a different texture.
  • Try using coconut oil or palm oil instead of vegetable oil for a unique flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
  • Add a tablespoon of curry powder or other spices to give the dish an aromatic twist.
  • Serve the Gari Foto with a side of fried plantains or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Garnish with chopped cilantro or basil instead of parsley for a different herb flavor.

Recipe overview

Gari Foto, an iconic dish from Ghana, is a delicious and filling one-pot meal. It's made primarily with Gari (grated cassava), and is packed with flavorful ingredients like tuna, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. This recipe also includes scrambled eggs to add a touch of richness and extra protein. Preparing Gari Foto involves sautéing vegetables, cooking tuna, and scrambling eggs, then combining these with the Gari to create a unique, savory dish. The consistency is adjusted with water and additional oil, and it's seasoned simply with salt and pepper to allow the natural flavors to shine. This dish is ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner and serves well hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Gari Foto is a versatile recipe that's easy to adapt to your preference. Enjoy the process and the satisfying result of this delightful Ghanaian dish.

Common questions

  1. Can I use fresh cassava instead of Gari? No, this recipe specifically calls for Gari, which is already grated and processed cassava. Fresh cassava will not yield the same results.
  2. Can I substitute the canned tuna with another protein? Yes, you can use other proteins such as cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef instead of tuna if preferred.
  3. Can I adjust the amount of vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of diced onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers according to your taste preference.
  4. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use any cooking oil of your choice instead of vegetable oil, though it may slightly alter the taste.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the tuna and increase the amount of vegetables or add other vegetarian protein substitutes like tofu or tempeh.
  6. Can I make this recipe spicy? Certainly! If you enjoy spicier flavors, you can add chopped chili peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
  7. Can I store leftovers? Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large Pan - A large pan is needed to sauté the vegetables and combine all the ingredients.
  • Separate Pan - A separate pan is required to scramble the eggs before adding them to the main mixture.
  • Stirring Spoon - A stirring spoon or spatula is necessary for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to dice the onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board provides a surface for cutting and dicing the vegetables.
  • Can Opener - A can opener is necessary to open the canned tuna.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups are required to accurately measure the Gari, onions, tomatoes, and other ingredients.
  • Garlic Press - A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves.
  • Large Serving Spoon - A large serving spoon is helpful for serving the Gari Foto onto plates or bowls.
  • Optional: Fresh Parsley Chopper - If using fresh parsley as a garnish, a chopper or knife can be used to finely chop the parsley.

Origin stories

Gari Foto is a popular dish hailing from the vibrant and colorful nation of Ghana. This humble meal has its roots in the resourcefulness and creativity of the Ghanaian people, as Gari is a byproduct of cassava, a staple food crop in the region. Gari is made by grating, fermenting, and roasting cassava, and these processes not only preserve the cassava, but also make it easier to digest. Gari Foto, with its mix of eggs, vegetables, and canned fish, is typically enjoyed as a simple, nutritious, and filling meal. It is a testament to the Ghanaian ability to create hearty and flavorful dishes out of readily available, locally-sourced ingredients. This wonderful dish truly embodies the essence of Ghanaian cuisine - it's simple, yet full of flavor and love, just like the Ghanaian spirit!

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.