Authentic Ghanaian Red Red Recipe. Red red is a classic Ghanaian bean stew that is both mouthwateringly delicious and nutritious. This hearty dish gets its name from being cooked twice with red palm oil, giving it a distinct reddish hue. This article provides an authentic recipe to cook traditional Ghanaian red red at home.
Table of Contents
Red Red Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups water or stock
- 1 cup red palm oil
- 1 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: Smoked fish or meat for protein
Authentic Ghanaian Red Red Recipe: 7 Simple Ways
- Rinse black-eyed peas and boil in water for 30 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a pot, heat 1/2 cup red palm oil over medium heat. Fry onion for 2 minutes until translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, scotch bonnet pepper and spices. Cook for 5 minutes stirring frequently.
- Add boiled black-eyed peas and remaining 1 1/2 cups red palm oil. Pour in water or stock and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 25-30 minutes until thickened to a stew consistency.
- Optional: During last 10 minutes of simmering, add smoked fish or meat for extra protein.
- Remove from heat and serve red red piping hot over steamed rice or root vegetables. Enjoy this flavorful Ghanaian dish!
The Perfect Side for Red Red
While red red can be a meal on its own, Ghanaians traditionally serve it with staple side options like:
- Rice – White rice or jollof rice are perfect for soaking up the rich stew.
- Yam – Boiled yam provides carbohydrates and pairs well with red red.
- Plantains – Fried ripe plantains add a sweet touch to balance the spice.
- Cassava – Steamed or fried cassava gives a starchy, filling complement.
- Cocoyam leaves – Sauteed or steamed leaves round out the nutritious dish.
Ghanaian Red Red Tips
To give your red red the right authentic taste and texture, keep these tips in mind:
- Use quality red palm oil, available at African markets. It gives the signature color and flavor.
- Cook black-eyed peas until very soft so they thicken the stew. Al dente peas won’t achieve the right consistency.
- Simmer for 25-30 minutes to meld the flavors and reach a thick, stew-like texture.
- Adjust the scotch bonnet to your spice tolerance for the desired level of heat.
- Garnish with fresh scallions and serve with the traditional sides listed above.
Now you can enjoy a delicious taste of Ghana right at home! Red red makes for a satisfying meal packed with West African flavor. Use this authentic recipe and you’ll impress family and friends with your Ghanaian cooking skills.
Authentic RED RED RECIPE /Black Eyed Beans & Plantain Ndudu by Fafa
Watch Authentic RED RED RECIPE /Black Eyed Beans & Plantain✔️ Ndudu by Fafa