Authentic Ghanaian Waakye

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried Black-eyed beans
• 3 cups Long grain white rice
• 10 pieces Dried Sorghum leaves (Waakye leaves)
• 8 cups Water
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda (optional for softening)(optional)
• 1 tablespoon Coconut oil(optional)
• 1 inch piece Ginger(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the black-eyed beans thoroughly and soak them overnight to reduce cooking time.

2. 2

   Wash the dried sorghum leaves and cut them into 4-inch pieces.

3. 3

   In a large pot, add the beans, sorghum leaves, and 8 cups of water; bring to a boil.

4. 4

   Cook the beans until they are halfway tender and the water has turned a deep wine/purple color from the leaves.

5. 5

   Remove the sorghum leaves from the pot once the desired color is achieved, or leave them in for a deeper hue.

6. 6

   Wash the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, then add it to the pot with the beans.

7. 7

   Add salt, coconut oil, and baking soda if using; ensure the water level is about an inch above the rice/beans mixture.

8. 8

   Cover tightly and simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.