05/10/2018
My Top 5 Ghanaian Dishes
05/10/2018 share 
Claudia Okyere-Fosu
Awaken Your Taste Buds
Food is always a good ice-breaker, especially when you’re venturing into the unknown. Say you arrive at a party and you hardly know anyone, you take a plate and head for the food (well, that’s what I do). Suddenly you’re remarking on how wonderful everything looks and guess what - you’re happy.
Right now you’re at the door of this site, you know you won’t spot anyone you know but you’re still hoping to have a good time. Plus you were invited so you know someone wants you to be here. And that’s me, your host, your guide if you like. Don’t worry, I promise to take very good care of you. Here’s a drink (anything of your choice) and a plate. Don’t forget to grab a napkin, I hope you brought your appetite with you?
Well, at the very least I hope you’re curious.
What have you got to lose?
Trying something new is encouraged in every situation you face, breaking out of your comfort zone is never more needed then when it comes to new and adventurous food. The usual dish lost its shine? Yeah I know, it happens to me too and no matter how many times you try to dress it up, you need a change. And while you’re at it why not take some friends along for the ride? It’s all about the experience and who better to share it with than with those close to you.
Take a small bite
Start with a small bite and if it’s refusing to go down grab your napkin but please do this subtly. One thing to note with Ghanaians is that they take offence easily. Better to struggle with a little on your plate than a whole heap that you awkwardly push around with your fork. That won’t wash with Ghanaians they are a plain and proud people. You have been warned ;) They also hate to waste food, speaking of food…
- Jollof Rice – yes of course this had to be number one not only for the great taste but for the sheer simplicity of it. The rice is mixed with veg and meat (usually red meat) and supported by a delicious tomato paste so it’s not quite a stew. As the rice, usually basmati cooks and absorbs the stew it develops this gorgeous red/orange colour. Serve it with roasted chicken and salad. I’d travel hours sometimes just to have some of mum’s jollof rice!
- Peanut Butter Soup – yes you guessed it, the peanut butter is the main ingredient but it is supported by boiled tasty chicken, onions, chilli powder, mushrooms and tinned tomatoes, all stirred together. You serve this soup with rice balls, I tend to eat the rice and the soup separately but you can put the rice balls in the soup if you like.
- Okra Stew – jam packed with so many diced ingredients mainly chopped veg including aubergines, and red meat but you can substitute that for fish. It’s served with banku (from cassava) or you can make a rice ball instead. The great thing about this is that you eat it with your fingers, in fact that goes for a lot of Ghanaian food. There’s something about eating it with your fingers that just tastes better.
Don’t believe me? Give it a go. You use the banku as spoon to scoop up the stew. As you can imagine it gets messy and can be a bit slimy from all the Okra but that’s all part of the fun. There’s something about being relaxed and having fun that makes food taste better. There’s always room in my book for messy food.
- Contomre (spinach stew) – this is a rich, dark green stew packed with meat or sometimes dried fish, also made with this orange, rich oil. So it’s not as healthy as it sounds. It’s served with rice and it’s heavy on the stomach, heavy!
- Kelewele – this is Ghanaian street food and a mix of sweet plantains, onions, pepper (lots of it), spices and special orange oil I think it’s called Zomie. It’s all fried together till it’s clumpy and crispy and served in a paper cone that you hold in your hands and pick at as you go on your merry way.
So there you have it, how was it? I know, you have to undo a belt notch or two. I did warn you. And if not, I bet you’re wondering which on one of your Ghanaians friends is having a party soon so that you can sample the goods.
What’s your favourite Ghanaian dish? If you need a tasteful reminder, check out my auntie's website (Deaba's Catering), link's down below.
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