Ghanaian Recipes: Okra Stew and Boiled Yam with Vegetable Sauce

Okra stew, a delightful dish with a West African touch, brings together the natural combination of okra and tomatoes, enhanced by chiles, ginger, garlic, and homemade stock. This stew can be enjoyed on its own or as a chunky sauce poured over fish, game, or grilled vegetables.

Growing okra provides an opportunity to explore various ways of enjoying it beyond frying and pickling. Whether in a seared okra salad or a Creole okra gumbo, okra’s versatility shines through.

The stew pairs well with different stocks, such as fish stock for a seafood presentation or beef or venison stock for a gamey twist. The inclusion of habaneros or Scotch bonnet peppers adds spiciness, while unique ingredients like hwentia (grains of Selim) contribute peppery-smoky-sweetness, and ground cubeb pepper provides a piney-black pepper hit.

Serve the okra stew over fried fish, grilled meat, or vegetables, or enjoy it alongside rice or crusty bread. The stew can be refrigerated for up to a week, but freezing may result in a slimy texture upon thawing.

Ghanaian Okra Stew is a delectable dish that reflects the rich flavors of West African cuisine. This stew combines okra and tomatoes with a blend of spices to create a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Okra, fresh or frozen
• Tomatoes, chopped
• Onions, finely diced
• Habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers, minced (adjust to taste)
• Grains of Selim (Hwentia), crushed or ground
• Ground cubeb pepper
• Garlic, minced
• Ginger, grated
• Stock (fish, beef, or vegetable)
• Cooking oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot or deep skillet, heat cooking oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
3. Incorporate chopped tomatoes and continue cooking until they soften and release their juices.
4. Add the minced habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers for a spicy kick. Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
5. Stir in the okra, which can be sliced or kept whole, depending on your preference. Allow the okra to cook for a few minutes.
6. Pour in the stock of your choice (fish, beef, or vegetable). This adds depth of flavor to the stew.
7. Season the stew with crushed or ground Grains of Selim (Hwentia) and ground cubeb pepper. These unique spices contribute distinctive West African flavors.
8. Simmer the stew over medium heat until the okra is tender and the flavors meld together.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
10. Serve the Ghanaian Okra Stew over rice, couscous, or another preferred grain. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this traditional West African dish.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding protein sources like fish, meat, or legumes. Adjust the spice level and explore the unique ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Learn How to Make Boiled Yam and Vegetable Sauce Ghana Recipe (Palava Sauce and Ampesi)

Boiled Yam with Vegetable Sauce, commonly known as Palava Sauce and Ampesi, is a popular Ghanaian dish that combines yam and a flavorful vegetable sauce. This dish is a delightful representation of Ghanaian cuisine and is enjoyed by many.

To prepare this dish, yams are boiled until tender. Meanwhile, the Palava Sauce is crafted, typically using a variety of vegetables such as spinach or cocoyam leaves, along with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and spices. The sauce is cooked to a rich consistency, creating a savory accompaniment to the yam.

Ampesi, which refers to boiled green plantains, cocoyam, and/or cassava, is often served alongside the yam and Palava Sauce. This combination provides a balanced and satisfying meal, highlighting the diversity of ingredients and flavors in Ghanaian cooking. Boiled Yam with Vegetable Sauce is a delicious and wholesome representation of Ghana’s culinary traditions.

To prepare this delightful yam and spinach dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 3 yams
• 1 or 2 handy bunches of spinach
• 1 carrot
• 1 bulb onion
• Tomato paste
• Peanut butter

Cooking Instructions:

1. Begin by chopping the onions and carrots into small pieces.
2. Peel the yams, wash them, and cut them into small, pleasing pieces.
3. Boil the yam pieces for about 30-45 minutes until they are tender. Cooking times may vary depending on the type of yam.
4. Wash the spinach thoroughly and cut it into small pieces. In a frying pan, start frying the onions and carrots.
5. After about 3 minutes, when the onions turn golden yellow, add the spinach and mix for a few seconds.
6. Add tomato paste and salt, then cover and let it simmer for about five minutes.
7. Introduce peanut butter to the mix and leave it for an additional 3-5 minutes. Ensure to stir the peanut butter to achieve a well-mixed consistency.
8. Your delicious yam and spinach meal is now ready to be served. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner with your family or friends.

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