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Ghanaian Waakye

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time55 minsTotal Time1 hr 10 mins

Ghanaian rice and black-eyed peas cooked with sorghum leaves for an earthy flavor.

Ghanaian waakye rice and beans served with a boiled egg, gari and accompaniments

Ingredients
 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
 2 long-grain white rice, rinsed until the water runs nearly clear
 6 dried sorghum leaf sheaths, rinsed
 6 water, plus additional hot water if needed
 1 fine salt
 ¼ baking soda, optional
 1 cup gari, for serving, optional
 1 cup shito, for serving, optional
 6 hard-boiled eggs, for serving, optional
 2 ripe plantains, sliced and fried, for serving, optional
Directions
1

Soak the black-eyed peas in plenty of cool water overnight. Drain and rinse them before cooking.

2

Place the sorghum leaves and 6 cups water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, until the liquid turns a deep burgundy-brown.

3

Add the drained peas and optional baking soda. Simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, until the peas are partly tender but still hold their shape.

4

Remove and discard the sorghum leaves. Stir in the rinsed rice and salt. The cooking liquid should cover the rice by about 1 inch; add a little hot water if necessary.

5

Bring the pot back to a gentle boil. Cover tightly, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes without repeatedly lifting the lid.

6

Fold the rice and beans gently from the bottom. Cover and steam for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the rice is tender and the peas are creamy inside but intact.

7

Remove from the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff gently and serve warm with gari, shito, boiled eggs, or fried plantain as desired.

Notes

Dried sorghum leaf sheaths give Waakye its characteristic earthy aroma and reddish-brown color. If unavailable, omit them rather than using food coloring. Baking soda is optional; use only the small amount listed so the beans soften without becoming mushy.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings

Serving size

1 1/2 cups

Amount per serving
Calories420
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4g6%

Saturated Fat 1g5%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 430mg19%
Total Carbohydrate 83g31%

Dietary Fiber 9g33%
Total Sugars 3g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 14g
Iron 4mg23%
Potassium 520mg12%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.