Ghanaian Waakye

Ghanaian Waakye

Waakye

Beans & Rice from Ghana

Waakye, a Ghanaian dish with beans & rice is a meal of itself or the center of a large number of side dishes. It’s very popular all over Ghana. 

“Waakye”​

The name derives from waakye leaves that are typically used to turn the color of the dish to reddish-brown. Baking soda has the same effect. Try this basic dish with side dishes of your choice.

Grains of the Paradise

The spice kit includes grains of paradise. They are native to West Africa, mainly from Ghana, and a mild but pungent alternative to black pepper.

Variations
  • Waakye as a meal of its own  (first recipe below).
  • Chicken Waakye (second recipe below).

Add a side dish: 

  • Sour cabbage salad: see the recipe in the Currywurst recipe.
  • Fried plantain  Peel and slice a plantain. Sprinkle it with salt and fry in some oil until they are soft inside and golden brown outside. 
The Waakye Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

[1] Smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves

[2] Grains of paradise

Grains of Paradise
Grains of Paradise
Ghanaian Waakye

Ghanaian Waakye

SpiceBreeze
Waakye is very popular all over Ghana. The name derives from waakye leaves that are typically used to turn the color of the dish to reddish-brown. Baking soda has the same effect. Try this basic dish with sides of your choice and grains of paradise to your taste. These peppercorns are native to West Africa, mainly from Ghana, and a mild but pungent alternative to black pepper.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ghanaian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1 can Kidney beans rinsed
  • 1.5 cups long grain rice washed

You might have

  • 1 onion peeled and roughly cut
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled and roughly cut
  • 1 inch ginger peeled and roughly cut
  • baking soda
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Waakye Culinary Spice Kit

  • Pouch [1] Smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves
  • Pouch [2] Grains of paradise

Instructions
 

  • In a FOOD PROCESSOR, blend onion, garlic, and ginger with 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
  • In a large POT, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
  • Careful of splatters, add beans, Waakye [1] spices, 1 tsp baking soda, and the liquid from the FOOD PROCESSOR.
  • Cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat.
  • Stir in the rice and 2.5 cups of water. Add salt to taste. Mix well, cover, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • On the plated dish, sprinkle Waakye [2] spices to taste from a grinder or the whole peppercorns.

Optional

  • Serve Waakye with fried plantains, boiled eggs, sour cabbage salad, grilled meat, and/or sausages (see notes).

Notes

▪ Substitute kidney beans with black-eyed peas.
Recipes for:
Chicken Waakye
optional side dishes
Ghanaian Waakye

Ghanaian Chicken Waakye

SpiceBreeze
Waakye is very popular all over Ghana. The name derives from waakye leaves that are typically used to turn the color of the dish to reddish-brown. Baking soda has the same effect. Try this basic dish with sides of your choice and grains of paradise to your taste. These peppercorns are native to West Africa, mainly from Ghana, and a mild but pungent alternative to black pepper.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Ghanaian
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 can Kidney beans rinsed
  • 1.5 cups long grain rice washed

You might have

  • 1 onion peeled and roughly cut
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled and roughly cut
  • 1 inch ginger peeled and roughly cut
  • baking soda
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Waakye Culinary Spice Kit

  • Pouch [1] Smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaves
  • Pouch [2] Grains of paradise

Instructions
 

Waakye

  • In a large POT, heat 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
  • Careful of splatters, add beans and fry for 2 minutes.
  • Add 1 tsp baking soda, rice, 3 cups of water, and salt to taste.
  • Mix well, cover, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked.

Chicken

  • In a FOOD PROCESSOR, blend onion, garlic, and ginger with 1/2 cup of water until smooth.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken and fry until it turns brown on all sides.
  • Careful of splatters, add the liquid from the FOOD PROCESSOR and Waakye [1] spices.
  • Cook for 10-15 minutes over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked. Add some more water if necessary and salt to taste.
  • On the plated dish, sprinkle Waakye [2] spices to taste from a grinder or the whole peppercorns.

Optional

  • Serve Waakye with fried plantains, boiled eggs, and/ or sour cabbage salad (see notes).
  • Enjoy!

Notes

▪ Substitute kidney beans with black-eyed peas.
 
Recipes for:
▪ vegetarian Waakye
▪ optional side dishes
South African Bobotie

South African Bobotie

Thanksgiving Casseroles: South African Bobotie

South African Bobotie

The origin of this popular South African is unknown. Bobotie was most likely influenced by the Malaysian and Dutch cuisine. This creamy meat pie balances a sweet-sour-spicy flavor.

Seasoned with Mango

The spice blend contains dried mango called amchoor. 

Don’t miss the apricot-ginger chutney (see the recipe below).

Apricot Ginger Chutney

Shopping list

1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 inch ginger, finely chopped or grated
1/4 cup white vinegar
oil, salt
Optional: sugar to taste

Directions

In a small POT, heat 1 tbsp oil.

Fry 1 onion on medium heat until golden. 

Add apricots, ginger, 1/4 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, sugar + salt to taste.

Cover and cook over low heat for 30-60 min.

South African Bobotie
The Bobotie Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

[1] Amchoor, coriander, onion, chili, cumin, turmeric, garlic, curry leaves, fenugreek, cilantro leaves, ginger, yellow mustard, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper

[2] Lemon verbena, nutmeg, turmeric

Variations
  • Substitute meat with lentils (see tips).

  • Substitute almonds with other nuts.

  • Add 1/4 cup chopped almonds and/ or 1 oz raisins to the meat or rice.

  • Press 3-4 fresh or dried leaves (bay, curry, or basil) into the topping before baking or add later as garnish.

Vegetarian Bobotie with Lentils

Substitute the meat with 2.5 cups of cooked regular brown lentils.

  • Add the Bobotie [1] spices to the golden onions. Stir-fry for a minute.
  • Add the lentils and 1/2 cup of hot water. Mix well. Cook for 5 minutes.
  • Continue with the original instructions.

You have two options for the lentils:

  • The fastest way is to use cooked lentils from a can. 
  • Alternatively, you can use 1.5 cups of dry lentils. Rinse the lentils well. In a POT, add lentils and 5 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes until the lentils are cooked. Stir occasionally.
South African Bobotie
South African Bobotie

South African Bobotie

SpiceBreeze
Bobotie is a popular South African dish. It was most likely influenced by the Malaysian and Dutch cuisine. The creamy meatloaf balances a sweet-sour-spicy flavor. Optionally, you can make it as a stir-fry in a pan. The spice blend contains dried mango called amchoor. Don't miss the apricot-ginger chutney.
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine South African
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1.5 lbs ground lamb or beef or mixed
  • 1/2 cup ground almonds
  • 2 medium onions chopped
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup lime or lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 2-5 tsp sugar
  • butter & oil
  • salt & pepper

Suggested Sides

  • Cooked rice, opt. colored with turmeric 
  • Apricot-ginger-chutney (recipe in the blog) 
  • Salad of your choice 
  • Steamed root vegetables 

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Pouch [1] Amchoor, coriander, onion, chili, cumin, turmeric, garlic, curry leaves, fenugreek, cilantro leaves, ginger, yellow mustard, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper
  • Pouch [2] Lemon verbena, nutmeg. turmeric

Instructions
 

Meat

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp butter.
  • Fry onions over medium-low heat until golden.
  • Add meat, salt to taste, and Bobotie [1] spices.
  • Stir-fry meat until it is crumbled and cooked.
  • In a BOWL, whisk 1 egg and mix it with a 1/4 cup of milk.
  • Add this egg-milk, sugar, and almonds to the meat. Mix well.
  • Stir in vinegar and lime juice. Adjust salt.
  • Fill into a non-sticking greased BAKING DISH (8 x 8).

Finishing

  • Preheat the OVEN to 350°F.
  • In a BOWL, whisk 2 eggs.
  • Mix it with 1/2 cup of milk, salt to taste, and Bobotie [2] spices.
  • Pour mixture over the meat.
  • Bake in the OVEN for 30-40 minutes until the topping is no longer liquid and turned slightly brown.

Serve

  • Serve bobotie with rice, and optional chutney and/ or vegetables or salad of your choice.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

▪ Substitute meat with lentils (tips in the blog).
▪ Substitute almonds with other nuts.
▪ Add 1/4 cup chopped almonds and/ or 1 oz raisins to the meat or rice.
▪ Press 3-4 fresh or dried leaves (bay, curry, or basil) into the topping before baking or add later as garnish.
Réunionese Rougail

Réunionese Rougail Saucisses

Réunionese Rougail

Réunionese Rougail

Rougail is the name of a spicy condiment and of the dish called Rougail Sausages, which is a curry made from smoked sausages.

La Réunion

This dish is one of the most well-known specialties from the cultural melting pot La Réunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean.

Variations
  • Substitute sausages with 1 can of beans, rinsed. 
  • Add 2 finely chopped carrots, bell pepper, or other vegetable to the sauce.
  • Add fresh chili to taste.
The Rougail Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

[1] Thyme, turmeric, bay leaves

[2] Makrut lime leaves

Makrut limes
Please take the time to smell the makrut lime leaves powder.
Réunionese Rougail

Réunionese Rougail Saucisses

SpiceBreeze
This dish is one of the most well-known specialties from the cultural melting pot La Réunion, one of five French oversea regions. Less than 1 Million people live on the small tropical island in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mauritius. Rougail saucisses is made preferably with spicy smoked sausages or chicken.
Take a moment to smell the distinctive makrut lime leaves.
 
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine La Réunionese
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb smoked sausages e.g. Andouille or vegan
  • 1 lettuce of your choice sliced
  • 2 carrots finely chopped
  • 2 medium tomatoes chopped
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 orange for juice
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Optional

  • 1-2 fresh chilies
  • 1 cup vegetables of your choice e. g.
  • bell pepper broccoli, zucchini,
  • all finely chopped

Suggested Side

  • 2 cups cooked rice

Rougail Culinary Spice Kit

  • Pouch [1] Thyme, turmeric, ginger, bay leaves
  • Pouch [2] Makrut lime leaves 

Instructions
 

Salad

  • Mix 1 tbsp orange juice with salt & pepper to taste.
  • Add 1 tbsp oil. Mix or shake well.
  • Toss dressing over lettuce.

Prepare Sausages

  • Prick each sausage 2 times with a fork.
  • In a POT, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
  • Add sausages and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Remove the sausages. Let cool.
  • Cut them into 1/2-inch slices. Set aside.

Cook

  • In a POT, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry onions until translucent.
  • Add garlic, carrots, and sausages.
  • Optionally, add chilies and other vegetables.
  • Fry 5-10 minutes. Stir frequently.
  • Add tomatoes, salt & pepper to taste, and Rougail [1] spices. Mix well.
  • Cover. Cook 20 minutes over low heat. Stir occasionally.

Serve

  • Sprinkle Rougail [2] spices to taste over plated Rougail or salad.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Variations
  • Substitute sausages with chicken breast or thighs (cut into 1/2 inch pieces) or 1 can Kidney beans (rinsed) and skip the ‘Prepare Sausages’ step.
Seychellois Kari Koko

Seychellois Kari Koko

Seychellois Kari Koko

Kari Koko - Seychellois Coconut Curry

Coconut curries are preferred dinner dishes on the Seychelles Islands. Very popular are the octopus and chicken curries. This recipe for a one-pot chicken curry dish with three sides: a fresh-fruity salad, rice, and “Ladob”.
Nutmeg Creates a Coconut Heaven

Ladob is a side made from sweet potatoes cooked in coconut milk. You can substitute sweet potatoes with plantains or banana. This dish is spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Ladob Dessert

Our tip: If you are too busy to make all for one dinner, save the Ladob for a dish with grilled fish. Or go for a Ladob banana dessert. Just add 1/2 cup of sugar or agave syrup and optional vanilla powder.

nutmeg cinnamon
Variations
  • Substitute chicken with veal or fish filet.
  • Eggplant is a great substitute for a vegetarian coconut curry.
  • Add a green papaya chutney (see recipe below).
The Kari Koko Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

Turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, onion, chili, cumin, garlic, curry leaves, fenugreek, ginger, yellow mustard, cardamom, black pepper

Papaya Chutney

Ingredients

  • 1 green papaya (unripe)
  • 1 onion
  • 1 lime for juice
  • oil, salt & pepper
  • Optional: 1 chili pepper

Directions

  1. Finely grate papaya.
  2. Halve and finely slice onion.
  3. In a BOWL, mix papaya with 1 tsp salt. Set aside for 10 minutes. Drain and squeeze all liquid out.
  4. In a PAN, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat and fry onions until they turn translucent.
  5. Optionally, add finely sliced chilies and fry for one minute.
  6. Add papaya and continue to fry for about 5 minutes, until the papaya is tender.
  7. Season to taste with lime juice, salt & pepper.
Green Papaya
Seychellois Kari Koko

Seychellois Kari Koko

SpiceBreeze
The Seychelles Islands extend over 115 isles in the Indian Ocean. This Creole dish from the smallest African country is served with a fresh-fruity salad and rice. Optionally, add "Ladob", sweet potatoes cooked in spiced coconut milk.
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seychellois
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1.25 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces 
  • 1 can coconut milk 13.5 - 15 oz
  • 2 cup rice
  • 2 sour apple grated
  • 1 cup grated carrots or turnips
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 1-2 lemons for juice
  • oil
  • salt & pepper

Culinary Spice Kit

  • turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, onion, chili, cumin, garlic, curry leaves, fenugreek, ginger, yellow mustard, cardamom, black pepper

Instructions
 

Rice

  • Cook rice according to package instructions.

Salad

  • Mix apples, carrots, and/or turnips.
  • Add to taste: lemon juice, salt & pepper.
  • Add 1 tbsp oil. Mix well.
  • Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

Kari Koko

  • In a POT, heat 1 tbsp oil. Fry onions until translucent.
  • Add garlic, ginger, and Kari Koko Spices. Stir-fry 1 minute.
  • Add chicken and salt to taste. Stir-fry 3 minutes.
  • Mix in coconut milk. Cook about 20-30 minutes over medium-low heat, until the chicken is cooked and the sauce thickened. Stir occasionally.

Serve

  • Serve Kari Koko over rice with the salad or green papaya chutney (see notes).
  • Optionally, add the ladob side dish (see notes).
  • Enjoy!

Notes

▪ Substitute chicken with veal, fish fillet, or eggplant.
 See also the following recipes:
ladob side dish or dessert
green papaya chutney