Ghanaian Waakye (Rice & Beans) Recipe
"Learn how to make the most popular street food in Ghana, ..."
🍲 Wache (Waakye) with Spaghetti and Salad 🌿
A delicious and colorful Ghanaian dish that combines the rich flavors of sorghum leaves with tender beans and rice, served alongside spaghetti and a fresh salad.
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🌍 What Is Wache?
Wache, also known as Waakye, is a traditional Ghanaian dish made from rice and beans, often flavored with sorghum leaves. It is a beloved street food and is known for its vibrant color and nutritional benefits.
🧾 Ingredients
**Base:**
- 2 cups sorghum leaves (or Wachee leaves)
- 1 cup dried beans (black-eyed peas or any preferred variety)
- 3 cups jasmine rice
- 1-2 tablespoons baking soda (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons locally made coconut oil (or any cooking oil)
- Water (as needed)
**Optional:**
- Spaghetti (for serving)
- Gary (fermented cassava flakes)
- Red onion (for salad)
- Tomatoes (for salad)
- Lettuce (for salad)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare Sorghum Leaves:**
- Wash and soak the sorghum leaves in water for at least 4 hours (or overnight for better color).
2. **Prepare Beans:**
- Wash the dried beans thoroughly and soak them for 45 minutes to 1 hour to reduce gas.
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3. **Cook Beans:**
- In a pot, add the soaked beans and enough water to cover them. Cook until tender (do not add salt yet).
4. **Prepare Sorghum Liquid:**
- After soaking, add the sorghum leaves to the pot with the beans. Optionally, add baking soda to enhance the color.
5. **Add Rice:**
- Rinse the jasmine rice and add it to the pot with the beans and sorghum liquid.
6. **Season and Cook:**
- Add salt to taste and coconut oil. Stir well and check the water level; add more water if necessary for desired texture.
- Cover with parchment paper and a lid, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until cooked through.
7. **Prepare Spaghetti:**
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8. **Prepare Gary:**
- Add a little water to the Gary and mix well to create a smooth consistency. Set aside.
9. **Make Salad:**
- Chop red onion, tomatoes, and lettuce. Soak the chopped onion in water with salt to reduce its strong flavor.
🍽️ How to Serve
- Serve the Wache on a plate, accompanied by a side of spaghetti and Gary.
- Add the fresh salad on the side for a refreshing crunch.
💡 Pro Tips
- For a deeper color in your Wache, use more sorghum liquid.
- You can reuse sorghum leaves for another batch of Wache; simply freeze them after use.
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- Adjust the salt and oil according to your taste preferences.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This
Wache is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors, but it also offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The addition of spaghetti and salad makes it a complete meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. Enjoy this traditional Ghanaian dish that brings comfort and joy to every table!