10+ Ghana Recipes to Savor and Enjoy at Home

Ghanaian cuisine is full of rich flavors and diverse ingredients that reflect the country’s culture and history. Exploring Ghana recipes can introduce you to delicious meals and snacks that are easy to prepare at home. These recipes often combine spices and ingredients that create a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Whether you are interested in trying new dishes or want to surprise your family and friends with unique flavors, Ghanaian food has plenty to offer. From savory rice dishes to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

1) Jollof Rice Delight

Jollof Rice is a popular West African dish loved for its rich flavors and vibrant colors. It’s a perfect meal for gatherings or family dinners.

To make Jollof Rice, you will need Jasmine or Basmati rice. The dish is cooked with a blend of tomatoes, onions, and spices that create a delicious, aromatic flavor. Don’t forget the scotch bonnet pepper for a bit of heat!

You can serve Jollof Rice with grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables for a complete meal. It’s easy to customize based on your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• 3 cups Jasmine rice
• 2 tins tomato paste (156 ml each)
• 5 crimson peppers or 2 large shepherd peppers
• 1 red onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Sauté chopped onions, garlic, and peppers until soft.
4. Add tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the rice and add enough water (about 6 cups).
6. Add salt and whole scotch bonnet pepper.
7. Cover and cook on low heat for about 30 minutes. If needed, add more water.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

2) Sweet Plantain Kelewele

Kelewele is a popular Ghanaian dish made from ripe plantains. This tasty snack is sweet, spicy, and packed with flavor. You can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish.

To make Kelewele, you start with ripe plantains that have a few black spots. You will then slice them into cubes and marinate them in a mix of spices. Common spices include ginger, onion, and chili flakes, giving the plantains a delicious kick.

Once marinated, fry the plantain cubes until they are golden brown and crispy. They are best served hot and can make a great appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 5 ripe plantains
• 1/4 white onion, roughly chopped
• 3-inch piece of ginger, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the plantains into cubes.
2. In a bowl, combine plantains with onion, ginger, chili flakes, and salt.
3. Let the mixture marinate for 30 minutes.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
5. Fry the marinated plantains until they are golden brown.
6. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.

3) Classic Waakye Combo

Waakye is a beloved Ghanaian dish made with rice and beans. It is often served with a variety of toppings, making it a filling meal. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience.

In a classic Waakye combo, you can enjoy it with fried plantains, spaghetti, or a spicy meat stew. This adds different tastes that complement the dish perfectly. Some people love to add boiled eggs as well.

You can make Waakye at home easily. Using fresh ingredients will give you great flavor. Cooking it is a fun way to explore traditional Ghanaian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of rice
• 1 cup of black-eyed peas or any beans
• 4-5 leaves of dried leaves (sorrel leaves can be a substitute)
• Salt to taste
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and beans together under cold water.
2. Place them in a pot and add water along with the dried leaves.
3. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
4. Cover and cook for about 30-40 minutes until cooked.
5. Add salt to taste and stir gently before serving.

4) Spicy Peanut Soup

Spicy Peanut Soup is a warming dish perfect for chilly days. It combines peanut butter with spices to create a rich, creamy texture. You can whip it up quickly, making it great for a weeknight meal.

To start, gather simple ingredients like peanut butter, tomatoes, and onions. Add spices like cayenne pepper for a kick. This soup is not only delicious but also filling.

You’ll love how fast it comes together. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful bowl of soup ready to enjoy. It pairs well with rice or bread, making it a versatile choice.

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, sauté the onions and garlic until soft.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes and peanut butter until combined.
3. Add vegetable broth and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

5) Savory Banku & Okro Duo

Banku and Okro are a popular Ghanaian dish that brings together a unique blend of flavors and textures. Banku is a fermented corn and cassava dough that is cooked to a smooth consistency. Its mild taste pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Okro, also known as okra, is often cooked into a delicious soup or stew. Its slimy texture adds a distinct character to the dish. You can chop or grate the okra based on your preference.

This duo can be served for lunch or dinner. Enjoy it with your favorite protein for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of banku
• 1 pound of okra
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Mix the banku with water and stir until smooth.
3. Add chopped okra, onion, and tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook until everything is tender, about 15-20 minutes.

6) Gari Fortified Eba

Gari Fortified Eba is a delightful and nutritious dish from Ghana. Made from fermented cassava, gari provides a unique texture and taste. This eba is versatile and pairs well with various soups and stews.

To prepare Gari Fortified Eba, start by adding hot water to your gari in a bowl. Mix it with a wooden spoon until smooth and stretchy. You want it to be pliable but firm enough to hold its shape.

This dish is not just tasty; it also offers health benefits. Gari is rich in carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy. Plus, it can be fortified with additional nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

• 2 cups gari
• 2 cups hot water
• Salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, pour 2 cups of gari.
2. Boil water until steaming (about 200°F/93°C).
3. Gradually add the hot water to the gari.
4. Stir continuously until mixed well.
5. Knead until the mixture is smooth and stretchy.

7) Crunchy Akara Bites

Crunchy Akara bites are a popular snack in Ghana. Made from black-eyed peas, these fritters are crispy and delicious. You can enjoy them at a party or as a tasty treat any time of day.

To make these bites, you first need to purée black-eyed peas with onions and spices. Then, shape the mixture into small balls and fry them until golden brown. The spicy and savory flavor makes them irresistible.

These bites can be served with a dipping sauce or enjoyed plain. They make a great appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups black-eyed peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 hot peppers (to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak black-eyed peas in water for a few hours.
2. Drain and purée with onions and hot peppers.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
4. Shape the mixture into small balls and fry until golden brown.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels. Enjoy!

8) Golden Fried Yam Chips

Golden fried yam chips are a delicious snack that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They make a great appetizer or side dish. You will love how easy they are to make at home.

To start, you will need yam, oil, and salt. Cut the yam into thin slices for the best frying results. Heat your oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (180°C).

Carefully add the yam slices to the hot oil. Fry them until they turn golden brown. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chips and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Sprinkle with salt to taste and enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 large yam
• 1 liter of vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the yam into thin pieces.
2. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (180°C).
3. Carefully add yam slices to the hot oil.
4. Fry until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Sprinkle with salt and serve.

9) Flavorful Red Red Beans

Red Red is a popular Ghanaian dish made with beans cooked in a rich tomato sauce. It is hearty and delicious, perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it on its own or with fried plantains.

To make this recipe, you will need black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and palm oil. The combination of flavors makes it a delightful vegetarian option. Garnish it with some fried plantains for added texture.

Ingredients

• 150g black-eyed peas
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tomato, minced
• 130g palm oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak them in water for a few hours.
2. In a pot, heat palm oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and ginger, then sauté until fragrant.
4. Stir in the minced tomato and cook until soft.
5. Add the soaked black-eyed peas and enough water to cover.
6. Simmer until the beans are soft, about 30-40 minutes.

10) Rich Fufu & Light Soup

Rich Fufu and Light Soup is a popular Ghanaian dish that many enjoy for its comforting flavor. Fufu is made by pounding cassava and unripe plantains into a smooth, stretchy dough. You can shape it into balls and serve it alongside the soup.

The Light Soup is aromatic and packed with spices. It typically contains peppers, assorted meats, and fresh herbs. This soup goes well with the Fufu, creating a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cassava, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup unripe plantains, peeled and chopped
• 4 large tomatoes
• 2 medium onions
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 2 chilies
• 1 root of ginger
• 1 whole soup chicken, chopped
• Spices (like salt and pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil cassava and plantains together until soft.
2. Pound them together until smooth and stretchy.
3. For the soup, blend tomatoes, onions, garlic, chilies, and ginger.
4. Simmer the blended mixture with chicken and spices in a pot.
5. Cook until the chicken is tender and the soup is aromatic. Enjoy!