Ghanaian Red Red Recipe
1 hour
Ghanaian
Lunch
Easy
Ingredients
- 2 cups black-eyed beans
- 6 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup palm oil
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 medium tomatoes (blended)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (optional)
- 1 smoked fish or dried fish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 seasoning cube (optional)
- 2 ripe plantains
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Directions
Step 1 : Sort and Wash the Beans Carefully
Begin by picking through the beans to remove stones, dirt, or damaged seeds. Place the beans in a bowl and rinse thoroughly under clean running water. Rub gently between your hands to remove any dust or impurities. Repeat this process until the water runs clear. Proper cleaning ensures a smooth cooking process and improves the final taste and texture of the dish. Set the cleaned beans aside, ready for cooking.
Step 2 : Cook the Beans Until Tender
Transfer the washed beans into a pot and add enough water to cover them. Place on medium heat and cook until soft, which usually takes about 40–50 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent burning. The beans should be tender but not mushy. Once cooked, add a little salt and set aside. This step forms the base of the Red Red dish.
Step 3 : Prepare Fresh Ingredients for the Stew
Wash the tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and pepper thoroughly. Chop the onion and set aside. Blend the tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and pepper into a smooth mixture. This mixture will form the rich base of the stew and contribute to its deep flavor and vibrant red color.
Step 4 : Heat Palm Oil for Authentic Flavor
Place a pot on medium heat and add the palm oil. Allow it to heat gently but avoid overheating to prevent burning. The palm oil gives Red Red its signature color and taste. Once heated, add chopped onions and sauté until soft and fragrant.
Step 5 : Add Tomato Mixture and Cook Thoroughly
Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot and stir well. Allow it to cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate from the sauce. This process enhances the flavor and removes the raw taste of the tomatoes.
Step 6 : Add Tomato Paste for Richness
Add tomato paste to the stew and stir continuously. Cook for a few minutes to deepen the color and flavor. This step ensures the stew has a rich, bold taste that complements the beans perfectly.
Step 7 : Add Optional Fish for Depth
If using smoked or dried fish, add it to the stew at this stage. Allow it to cook and infuse its flavor into the sauce. This adds depth and a traditional touch to the dish.
Step 8 : Season the Stew Properly
Add salt and seasoning cube if desired. Stir well and taste to ensure the seasoning is balanced. Adjust as needed to suit your preference.
Step 9 : Combine Beans with the Stew
Add the cooked beans into the stew and stir gently to combine. Ensure the beans are evenly coated with the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step 10 : Prepare the Plantains
Peel the ripe plantains and slice them diagonally into medium pieces. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the plantains until golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 11 : Simmer the Beans Stew
Allow the beans and stew mixture to simmer gently. This helps deepen the flavor and achieve the desired consistency.
Step 12 : Adjust Final Taste and Texture
Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ensure the stew is rich and well-balanced.
Step 13 : Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Red Red hot with fried plantains on the side. Enjoy this classic Ghanaian meal.