Ghanaian red red stew is one of the most popular Ghanaian stews. It has a rich, spicy, and sweet taste, making it an amazing dish!
RED RED stew is made from black-eyed beans, also recognized as ‘cowpeas’ in Ghana. The main ingredients are red palm oil and black-eyed peas. These two ingredients give the stew its name (red, red). This delicious Ghanaian Red red Stew is easy to make and loaded with healthy ingredients. It is very versatile, and you can enjoy it by pairing it with different side dishes as well.
Ghana is an African country that, like any other country, has a rich culture and cuisine. However, what I really love about Ghanaian cuisine is its use of ingredients. Their dishes are simple yet tasteful. The ingredients are also very easy to find.
This hearty stew traditionally contains ripe red tomatoes, onions, spices, and palm oil, but the ingredients vary from region to region. The only constant is that it tastes delicious! The taste is also delicious. The tomato sauce complements the black-eyed peas, while the spices give it a warm and rich flavor. Additionally, it is healthy because it contains a lot of protein and other nutrients.
Ingredients used in making Red Red
Here is everything you will need to make this delicious vegan stew:
- Black-eyed peas: Black-eyed peas also called beans are very common, also known as cowpeas. You can find them mostly in dried form at any grocery store. These also come in canned form. These are quite inexpensive and have an earthy flavor. When using dried black-eyed peas, make sure you soak them. This makes them cook faster and easier to handle. Also, soaking these beans allows you to get rid of compounds that may cause gas problems like bloating.
- Palm oil: Palm oil has a savory and earthy flavor. You can use any vegetable oil for this recipe. However, I prefer you to use olive.
- White onion: White onion is a good combination of sweet and savory. It sets the base for this stew adding a prominent savory flavor to it.
- Red bell pepper: Red bell pepper offers a citrusy and sweet flavor. The prominent bright red color also aids in the visual representation of this stew, ensuring it stays “red.” If you don’t have red bell pepper, use yellow or green bell pepper.
- Garlic: Garlic is an essential ingredient in almost every savory dish, and the same is the case with this stew. It brings in an intense savory flavor which makes this stew more tasteful.
- Ginger: Ginger is not just aromatic but gives a prominent sweet and peppery flavor.
- Green onion: You get a grassy yet savory flavor by adding in green onion.
- Tomatoes: Add freshly ripe tomatoes to this stew. Tomatoes are an essential ingredient in this stew. They add flavor to the stew and give it a prominent bright red color. You can use either fresh tomatoes for this
- Tomato sauce: Tomato sauce is yet another ingredient that ensures you get that depth of flavor and color. It is loaded with rich tomato-y flavor and adds to this stew’s red color.
- Vegan bouillon cubes: These cubes are magical. They are made from vegetable stock and have a savory umami flavor. Adding bouillons means you don’t have to worry about adjusting the flavors of this stew. Instead, it is a shortcut to perfect taste.
- Curry powder: Curry powder is a blend of different aromatic spices that make it an essential ingredient of different curries and stews. It adds a depth of flavors and makes this sew just perfect.
- Cayenne pepper: I have used cayenne pepper to get a bit of heat from this stew. You can, however, use scotch bonnet pepper or paprika powder as per your liking.
Steps in making Red Red
Making this Ghanaian red red stew is quite easy and straightforward. The cooking is divided into two parts, i.e., Firstly, you have to cook the black-eyed peas, and secondly, you have to prepare the stew. Here are the steps you have to follow to make this tasteful stew:
Step 1: First of all, you have to soak the black-eyed peas. You can do that by washing the dried beans and then soaking them for about 8 hours overnight.
Step 2: Once they are soaked long enough, drain the black-eyed peas and wash them again with water. Place the black-eyed peas in a medium-sized pot and pour enough water to cover them, and the water level is about two inches above the black-eyed peas. Place the pot over medium heat and let the black-eyed peas cook for about 60 minutes or until they are tender. Once done, set them aside.
Step 3: Heat two tablespoons of palm oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until they are soft.
Step 4: Add grated ginger, minced garlic, bell pepper, and green onion. Sauté for a minute or two. Next, add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, bouillon, cayenne pepper, curry powder, black-eyed peas, and black pepper.
Step 5: Mix well and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Using a potato masher, mash black-eyed peas slightly so that the stew gets creamy.
Step 6: Add two tablespoons of palm oil and Season it with salt.
Step 7: Garnish with gari powder if you like. Serve with either baked or fried plantains.
It can also be served with the list of meals below
Plantains: This stew is traditionally served with either baked or fried plantains. Plantains look a bit like bananas; however, they are quite different in flavor. They are mostly used as snacks. However, you can serve them with this stew and enjoy.
Roasted vegetables: If you don’t have plantains, no problem. You can switch it with any other vegetable and serve this stew with it. Serve it with roasted potatoes, asparagus, or butternut squash. You will look at the combination.
Rice: This stew goes really well with white or brown rice. It is a perfectly wholesome meal.
Mashed potatoes: Serve with fluffy and buttery vegan mashed potatoes.
Bread: Lastly, a piece of freshly baked vegan bread goes well with almost every stew. Whether it is garlic bread or cheesy bread, you can get creative and enjoy!
