Authentic Ghanaian Red Red

Ingredients

• 2 cups Black-eyed peas (dried and soaked overnight)
• 0.5 cup Zomi (Ghanian Red Palm Oil)
• 1 large Red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 piece Scotch bonnet pepper, blended
• 3 large Plum tomatoes, blended
• 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
• 0.25 cup Smoked mackerel or dried shrimp powder(optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 piece Bouillon cube (Maggi)
• 3 large Ripe plantains (for serving)

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil the soaked black-eyed peas in a large pot with plenty of water until tender, then drain and set aside.

2. 2

   Heat the palm oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat until it becomes clear and fragrant.

3. 3

   Sauté the chopped onions in the palm oil for about 5 minutes until translucent and slightly caramelized.

4. 4

   Add the garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet pepper, stirring for 2 minutes to release the aromatics.

5. 5

   Stir in the tomato paste and blended tomatoes, cooking the sauce for 15 minutes until the oil begins to separate on top.

6. 6

   Add the smoked fish or shrimp powder and the bouillon cube, then stir in the cooked beans.

7. 7

   Simmer the stew on low heat for 10 minutes to allow the beans to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

8. 8

   While the stew simmers, slice the ripe plantains and deep fry them until golden brown to serve alongside the beans.