African Culinary Heritage

Authentic Ghanaian Waakye Stew

"Learn how to make the popular Ghanaian street food, Waaky..."

April 14, 2026 By African Recipes Kitchen
Authentic Ghanaian Waakye Stew - Authentic African Cuisine

🍲 **Watches Too 🥘**

A delightful and hearty dish, Watches Too is a vibrant stew that combines tender meats, flavorful spices, and a rich tomato base. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!

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🌍 **What Is Watches Too?**

Watches Too is a traditional dish often enjoyed in various cultures, known for its robust flavors and comforting ingredients. This stew typically features a mix of meats, including cow foot and fish, and is served with rice or enjoyed on its own.

🧾 **Ingredients**

**Base:**

- 1 kg cow foot, parboiled and rinsed

- 500 g assorted meat (with skin)

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 cup water (for stock)

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning

- Salt, to taste

- 1 cup blended mixture (onions, ginger, garlic, habanero pepper)

- 1 tablespoon shrimp powder (optional)

- 2 tablespoons homemade tomato paste

- 1 cup homemade tomato sauce

**Optional:**

- 500 g fish (e.g., red snapper)

- 1 tablespoon flour (for frying fish)

- Additional spices (to taste)

👩‍🍳 **Step-by-Step Instructions**

1. **Prepare the Cow Foot:**

- Parboil the cow foot until tender, then rinse it thoroughly.

- Optionally, freeze the parboiled cow foot for future use.

2. **Cook the Meat:**

- In a pot, combine your choice of meat and the parboiled cow foot.

- Add the blended mixture, all-purpose seasoning, and salt.

- Stir well, cover, and cook in its own juices for about 10 minutes.

3. **Add Bay Leaf and Water:**

- Once the meat has boiled, add the bay leaf and additional water for stock.

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- Continue cooking until the meat reaches your desired tenderness.

4. **Incorporate Willy (Optional):**

- If using willy (tripe), add it to the pot after 10 minutes of cooking.

- Allow it to absorb flavors for about 5 minutes before turning off the heat.

5. **Separate Meat and Stock:**

- Remove the meat from the pot and strain the stock.

- Blend the thicker part of the stock for added flavor.

6. **Fry the Meat:**

- In a separate pan, heat oil and fry the meat for a few minutes until lightly browned.

- Add chopped onions to the oil for flavor, then set aside the fried meat.

7. **Fry the Fish (Optional):**

- Sprinkle flour into the oil to prevent sticking and fry the fish until golden.

- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined tray.

8. **Prepare the Stew Base:**

- In the same oil, add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes.

- Stir in the homemade tomato paste and fry for another 5 minutes until it separates.

9. **Combine Ingredients:**

- Add the blended stock, fried onions, and shrimp powder (if using) to the pot.

- Stir well and allow to fry for 8-10 minutes.

10. **Finish the Stew:**

- Add the homemade tomato sauce, rinse out the bowl with water, and stir.

- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

- Finally, add all the cooked proteins back into the pot and simmer for 5 minutes.

🍽️ **How to Serve**

Serve Watches Too hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs beautifully with rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty stew.

💡 **Pro Tips**

- For a richer flavor, allow the stew to simmer longer.

- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less habanero pepper.

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- Use a variety of meats for a more complex flavor profile.

🔥 **Why You’ll Love This**

Watches Too is a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to any meal. With its rich flavors and tender meats, it's perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Enjoy the delightful blend of spices and textures that make this stew a true culinary delight!