Ghana | Aapplemint

Tropical Pineapple Rice

All, Featured, Vegetarian 50 Responses »

Mar 242010

One of the great things in Ghana is the Sunshine. Not only in the skies, but on everyone’s faces. If you haven’t already heard this … Ghanaian’s are amongst the friendliest in all African countries. But Ghana is also very typically hot, and if you’re wondering which is the best time to be there … well there really is no ‘best’ time to be in Ghana, as the temperature is always Africa-hot and if rainfall doesn’t soak you, then the humid air will. So trying not to pay too much attention to the sticky hot weather and looking at the smiles on everyone’s faces, you’ve got to enjoy this tropical weather with the abundance of its lovely fruits. Blessed with some of the most fertile lands, this country amongst so many other things, is also famous for its pineapples. With 85% of its exports to the European markets, Ghana exports a whopping 42,000 tons of pineapples a year globally, pulling in $20 million annually !! Wow … all that just selling pineapples internationally … and ofcourse + catering to the entire countries consumption too. It would be silly of me not to feature a pineapple while being still in the land. One post is not enough to do justice … but atleast its a start. They are available in different qualities, but I know them this way … there are the yellow ones and there are the white ones … I love the white ones. I would never touch pineapples in my country or anywhere else, as they would always make my tongue n cheek go funny and itchy, but these little babies … they’re something else ! So smooth, juicy and above all sweet ! These sun-kissed pineapples are the finest the world has seen. And they make a really terrific fried rice.

Tropical Pineapple Fried Rice

1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium sized carrot, diced
1 medium sized red pepper diced
1 medium sized green pepper diced
1 cup of peas
1 egg, scrambled 1 handful of chopped spring onions
1 cup cooked jasmine rice
1/4 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup pineapple diced
1 tablespoon tamari ( or a dash of dark soya sauce)
1 tbsp. yellow curry powder

Start with cutting all the veg and setting them aside. Cook the rice till 95 % done, drain and spread out on a tray so they dry out.
Cook scrambled eggs, set aside. Now in a really hot wok cook onion, carrot, pea, garlic,the peppers & pineapple chunks, set aside.
Fry the rice for 1 minute and add the veggies back in. Now add pineapple juice, tamari, and curry powder. Garnish with the greens of spring onion, and for a beautiful presentation, scoop out the inside of a pineapple and stuff the rice inside. Serve immediately.

Yam Balls

All, Featured, Vegetarian 28 Responses »

Mar 042010

Black magic and Yam are amongst the many things Ghana is famous for. “Juju”as it is called locally, is still practiced till date, and I have heard such strange stories, sometimes, I doubt if there are even real. But I know people who swear by them, and say they have witnessed such things. One really funny yet true incident was that a woman witch doctor, would shake hands with men in the market place, and suddenly the man she shook hands with would look down to find his penis would be gone ! Yup totally disappeared !!! Hahaha … I know you don’t believe it, but its true, it does disappear, and only she can bring it back, for ofcourse a reasonable amount of money !

It is also believed that couple of years ago in the Ashanti and Volta region humans were turned into yams. There was this magician who during a yam festival, was turning things like paper into money, stone to houses, so a man asked him whether he could turn a monkey or a human into a yam? The juju man did it, turned a monkey into a yam. Later he turned a man into a yam. Now the chief of this village came to hear of this magician, but doubted what the man did, so he asked his son to go and see whether it was true, and the magician turned him into a yam too. The chief now needed to see this with his own eyes, and so called the magician and asked him if he could turn him the chief into a yam, and the magician said, “Yes your highness,” and turned him into a yam too. Unfortunately for all of them, the magician (could not or probably chose not to as he was doubted) could not bring them back to life. So the royal highness – the Chief , his son and the other common man, were they remained in the palace for 3 days, hoping they would change back but they did not. And so it became an example for the rest of the community that they should not challenge a magician !

So the next time you are buying your yam from your African store/market , you never know who it might me, maybe a chief king or a cheating wife, or maybe a yam thief who was turned into a yam himself !! Think twice

Yams are, other than being remains of a king :p … a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, manganese and vitamin B6. It is a large tuber with rough external skin with a tree like bark and a hard pale white interior. They are creamy or sometimes firm when cooked. Yams have an earthy, hardy taste and usually a minimal amount of sweetness. Taste good boiled, pounded, fried or grilled. The simple taste allows this tuber to be accompanied with just about anything, specially spicy stews. Its also a perfect potato substitute. If you see my earlier post on Pepe and Yam, you can find another way to cook this beautiful yet simple vegetable. And the recipe for pepe, which is the perfect accompaniment for this balls.

Ingredients

1 kg Yam
Water to boil
Salt to taste
100 gms butter
100 ml milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 3 tablespoons of water
Breadcrumbs
Oil to fry

Peel and cut the yam into cubes. Cover in pot with water and season with salt. Boil till soft and then drain out the water. Now mask or pound the yam together with the milk,butter and garlic powder, adding salt if necessary. Roll into balls and dip into the cornflour mixture. Now spread the breadcrumbs on a plate and roll the balls on it, coating it evenly. Deep fry till golden brown. Serve hot with some pepe.

And there’s one more thing I’d like to share with all you wonderful readers . I’ve been interviewed by Bizymom’s for the Ethnic Cuisines. Click on the button on the right or the link above to read all about it .

Hiring Anyone ???

All 11 Responses »

Jan 312009

I absolutely couldn’t resist this one. Appeared in today’s newspaper – ‘Spectator’ in Ghana. So let me you if any of you are interested, this poor guy needs a job … :p

Ghanaian Jollof Rice & Beef Kebab

All, Non-Vegetarian, Vegetarian 30 Responses »

Jan 272009

As you’ve probably guessed I’m back in Ghana. And ever since I’ve gotten here, all i want to eat is the local cuisine. Been away for too long, and had an overdose of the Desi Indian food. Knowing me n how quickly i get bored of things its not a surprise that when I’m here, i am craving Honkie food, n when in Hong Kong, i miss the Indian stuff, n when in India I’m ready to run away n get back here ! Well for now, the new thing with me is I absolutely cant stand anything sweet. I’ve just been binging on all things spicy, salty n sour ! Shocking ain’t it ? Never thought you’d hear that from me, but its true. I think the next couple of posts will be about everything that’s not sweet. Hmmm … so lets get started with today’s special. This was lunch … Joll Of Rice n Beef Kebabs. Joll of Rice is common throughout West Africa, but its origin lies in Ghana. Its a very aromatic and flavourful one pot rice meal. Its great on its own or even when accompanied with grilled meats. You can have a veggie, chicken or meat version of it. For the benefit of my vegetarian friend I’ve made a veggie one today, but to make it non veg, just add strips or tiny cubes of your favourite meat in there.

The quintessential ingredients to most of the Ghanaian cooking are Maggie cubes, rich tomato paste, scotch bonnet chillies and Maggie Arome seasoning. You have these and you know your dish is winner.

Joll Of Rice

1 & 3/4 cup basmati rice
4 tbsp olive oil
3 heaped tbsp tomato paste
1 red onion chopped
2 red onions
2 tomatoes
2 fat cloves of garlic
1″ piece of ginger
4 scotch bonnet chillies – reduce if you dont like it spicy
2 cubes of Maggie chicken cubes
2 carrots sliced diagonally
handful of french beans cut diagonally
7-8 okra’s sliced diagonally
salt to taste

In a food processor, grind together the ginger, garlic, chillies, tomatoes and 2 onions. Keep aside for later. In a non stick frying pan heat the 4 tablespoons of olive oil and fry the chopped onion till soft then add the tomato paste and fry for further 3-4 minutes. Now add the blended tomato n onion mix and fry well. Crumble in the 2 Maggie cubes and mix well. Cover and let it cook through, till the oil floats on the top. Now add the rice and 2 cups of water, stirring it to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. In another frying pan, drizzle a few drops of olive oil and stir fry the beans, carrots and okra with a sprinkle of salt just till they are half done. Now add these to the rice, and by this time the rice will need some more water. Add 2 more cups of water, and cook till the water is almost evaporated. Now cover and simmer of slow gas till the rice is cooked through. ‘Joll of’ is now ready ! Children love this dish as its a great way to get some nutrition into their system.

Beef Kebab – 4 skewers

200 gms Beef fillet, cut into cubes
3 Scotch Bonnet Chillies
3 fat cloves of garlic
2 tbsp grated ginger
1 n 1/2 red onion
1 chicken Maggie cube
2 tbsp of Maggie seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large green pepper cut in cubes
1 large red onion cut in cubes

In a food processor, grind together the chillies, ginger, garlic, onion, Maggie cube, seasoning and oil. Form a smooth paste and marinate the beef for at least 4 hours. Now thread these onto your metal skewers alternating with the peppers and onions. Grill on charcoal till the meat is tender n almost falling of the sticks. Serve with some Joll of Rice .

Kelewele

All, Vegetarian 76 Responses »

Sep 042008

Can you tell the difference between a banana and a plantain ? Well actually about 5 yrs ago i couldn’t . I used to be like …. ahh whats the big deal … its just a big banana ! Haha how ignorant i was … actually there is a difference between the 2. For starters you cannot eat plantain raw, you have to cook it – steam it, boil it, fry it, grill it … unlike a banana, which you can just eat raw – as it ripens. Plantains are surely from the same family, but are actually a lot more starchier, less sweeter and bigger in appearance. This vegetable-banana tastes different at every stage of development. The interior color of the fruit will remain creamy, yellowish or lightly pink. When the peel outside is green to yellow, the flavor of the flesh is bland and its texture is starchy. As the peel changes to brown or black, it turns sweeter and resembles the aroma of a banana, but still keeps a firm shape when cooked.

These are actually native to India, but I had never eaten a plantain until i got to Africa. They grow very well in the tropical regions and are a staple in the diet here. The most common way, and rather the easiest way is to have it roasted. At every nook and corner here in Ghana, you will find street vendors with their little stalls selling roasted plantain and groundnuts for a mere 50cents.

Another way i really like plantains is Kelewele. Its a Ghanaian snack dish and it can be had either as savoury or sweet dessert. When you have over ripe bananas, you make banana cake/bread. When you have over ripe plantains, you make kelewele !

INGREDIENTS

4 ripe plantains
1/4 th of an onion cut in pieces
2 big red chillis
1 tablespoon grated ginger
5- 6 pieces of cloves , finely powdered
pinch of salt
oil for deep frying
a few sesame seeds for garnish
1 tsp toasted dessicated coconut for garnish

Start with cutting the plantains in strips and removing the seeds. Them them in diagonal pieces and set them aside. In a grinder, put together the rest of the ingredients (except the oil) and grind to a smooth paste. Now coat the plantain pieces in this and let it sit for about 5 mins. Heat up the oil, and make sure it is very hot before you fry the plantain. Fry them in batches , till they get a beautiful golden brown colour. That is when the natural sugar in the plantains has caramelized and it full flavour has been brought out.

I like to fry my pieces a wee bit more so i get a few crunchy ones in there. Drain well on a kitchen towel. This does have a tendency to soak up a lot of oil. The softer the plantain the more oil it will absorb. Serve in platter lined with plantain leaves and garnish with toasted desiccated coconut and sesame seeds. This can be either had just as it is, or even with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Celebration

All, Baking, Places & Travel 69 Responses »

May 152008

To celebrate my big day we planned to go out for the day, rather than just doing dinner or going clubbing. I’m more of a day person, where i can have fun all day long amidst mother nature, opposed to a few hours in a dark room with cigarette smoke and loads of people. We decided to go to my most favourite place in Ghana, the Akosombo Dam at the lake Volta. I’m sharing pictures of this wonderful place with you, as according to me its the only place that makes being in Ghana easy for me.

This place does have quite a few interesting facts and history to it. To begin with, its the worlds largest man made lake ! And one of its benefits besides the fact that it provides electricity year round to Ghana and neighbouring countries, is that its loaded with Tilapia fish, which makes it a fantastic spot to go fishing. I must admit I’ve been fairly lucky with my fishing skills, and have never gone home disappointed. There are times when i get really small catches, but those just get chucked back into the water to grow to full size.

The water is so pristine, that a swim in the middle of the lake is almost irresistible. Very often the local fishermen living by the lake, offer rides in their little boats, a way for them to make a few cedis on the side, and for the visitors to get a feeling of the place the true African way.

A lot of you wondered and asked me, what the cake i made for myself looked like. Well actually i got my cake ready just at the last minute, before we left for the lake. I wasn’t sure if i would be able to take pictures, but luckily there was some cake remaining, just enough to do a little photo shoot the next day. Since i’m a diehard chocoholic i had to make a chocolate cake. This time i chose to do layers of a french vanilla cake and dark chocolate, sandwiched with a rich chocolate ganache and finished off with chopped hazelnuts. A cake fit for a queen ! Well i’m not implying anything here … aehm aehm … but yeah … the cake is royal, fit for royalty :p

And to end this post i leave you a picture of me, at my favourite place on my budday !!! Thank you all for your warm wishes and wonderful greetings. I did have a wonderful day

Flower Power

All, Drinks 88 Responses »

Mar 132008

Hibiscus is not only a beautiful flower to look at, but also a very useful one. It has numerous medicinal values, and it has been used for centuries by Indians, Mexicans , Egyptians , Malaysians, Chinese, Africans … practically by the whole world, for its therapeutic properties.
When incorporated into the diet, the hibiscus tea emits high levels of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which help our bodies fight free radicals, which can cause cell damage and disease.
This miracle flower is rich in vitamin C, and has been widely used as an herbal method of controlling high blood pressure, controlling bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also used to control tempering fevers, alleviating digestive problems, as well as improving circulatory disorders. And the best part is its caffeine free and herbal. You can read more about its health benefits here and here and here . Infact this is one of the botanicals we export from Ghana, for which we even won the national export award last year. We mainly export this product to Belgium and UK, where it finds its way into supermarkets and retail outlets.

There are many ways you can have it, hot or cold, sweet or tangy. U can compare the flavour to that of cranberries. This deep crimson red drink can entice just about anyone. When having it hot make your own tea bag with a muslin cloth. Put a few slices of ginger, a few cloves and a handful of hibiscus leaves. Pour over boiling water, little honey to sweeten and let the flavours infuse for a couple of minutes. 2 cups of tea a day can reduce hypertension and have a calming effect. So drink away to a healthier life.

And then theres my favourite way … The Iced Tea ! Famous all over Mexico n Jamaica, this is probably the best way you can consume this drink.

There is really no recipe for this, just boil a cup of leaves with 2 cups of water and sugar to your taste. Strain and chill. When ready to serve, add some more chilled water as the juice would be a bit concentrated. Bring it to life with some lime juice and pour over ice. Perfect for margaritas , sorbets, ice creams and jellies. This one i promise you will be a regular in your household once you try it.

A F R I C A

All, Places & Travel 13 Responses »

Jul 202007

Hey everyone how are ya ! I’ve been away for long and am so happy to be back. All you lovely people left me such wonderful messages while i was away.Thank you so much! Well I’m back now and all ready to start blogging again. I left HK for India – was there for about 10 days , dunno how my time flew away there and have been here in Ghana since the last 6 weeks. Just managed to get the net connection at home today so well there’s my excuse for not being around for so long … What have i been up to all this while here in Ghana , actually nuthing much, just soaking up the sun, pigging out on Ghanaian food and chillin out. Oh ya and working occasionally ! I haven’t really taken any interesting food shots lately but what i did do as soon as i got connected is, i clicked a few snaps around my house to share with you all the wonderful things growing here.

As soon as i got here i planted some sweet basil and some mint, ‘ cuz i know for sure that these two grow really well and really fast here. And u always need these herbs around in the kitchen.

MINT

BASIL FLOWERS

Here’s a lime tree … nothing like having your own produce, when ever u need some just go outside and pluck them !!!

LIME TREE

And a custard apple tree, oh how i love these fruits. They re so creamy n sweet and full of flavour. And its in this time of the year that the trees bear this fruit.I always thought there were grown only in India but when i arrived in Ghana 4 yrs ago i found them here too and was ecstatic. So well now i have them growing in my very own garden – 2 trees !

CUSTARD APPLE

This one was a pure gift from mother nature to me. I locked up my place n left the last time and when i got back i found this in my garden.I didn’t even plant a seed ! its happened by pure cross pollination.Thats how fertile Africa is !

WATERMELON

And last but not the least I’ve planted some Ghanaian chillis as well. Better know at papito peppe .Only thing is that they’re still young and haven’t started bearing the fruit yet. So i guess i’ll have to wait.One of the many reasons why i love being here is that there is so much place around , i get to fulfill my desires of have my own little organic garden and plant things and look after them.Walk out with scissors in my hand while I’m cooking to cut off something growing in my own garden. I’m trying to get my hands on some seeds of vegetables that grow in this climatic condition.I even attempted to plant a pomegranate tree but my cutting died as it was not a proper one, i just got it from someone else’s tree.But I’m not giving up, will definately try again.So with this i end my post. Will be back soon . CHEERS !

Yeah…finally ….HOME !!!

All, Places & Travel 9 Responses »

Mar 202007

And after waiting for two painfully long months i am finally heading home.I cant tell you all how ecstatic i am.All of you must be tired of reading in my previous posts how much i need to get back n crib endlessly abut being here.Finally this Friday i leave for Hong Kong.19 hrs of flying time and I’m looking forward to it.So no food post as I’m busy cleaning up the pantry/fridge/kitchen. Nothing pretty looking is on my plate now, but i do have some lovely pictures i clicked last weekend.This is the back road to my home from the city.Its a beautiful coast line and a lovely drive too.All i did was stop the car a dozen times to get a shot and get back in again.The things we do to click a few pictures…..:-))

The colour of the mud here is reddish brown. A very rich nice colour.I come here sometimes with D at night for a stroll.Always loved this bench.

This nasty wave got me drenched from head to toe…including my shoes…and my CAMERA !!! ahh…. i ran back to the car only to i find a box to tissues .The rest of the morning i was roaming around with wet hair n clothes.

This wreck has been around for almost a year now.I reckon 6 months more and it’ll vanish

Fresh fish anyone ???

This is a shooting range further down the road….

And its the first time i saw the military practicing there.

And so my dear friends i leave you with this and take leave for the time being.Will be home soon and have so much to look forward to.Promise u many many more lovely food posts.Going to be busy as soon as i get there.My sister is visiting me as well …on the 1st of April…cant wait…
Until next time … goodbye .

Pepe & Yam

All, Vegetarian 22 Responses »

Mar 162007

Pepe & yam are a marriage made in heaven. Just like strawberries n cream, bread n butter, sushi n wasabi, fish n chips, pizza n cheese .. .. .. .The first time when i came to Accra i was offered this wonderful dish and i cant tell u how much i enjoyed it.And then every time i went anywhere I’d order this.It was towards the end of my trip that i realized that yam is a very starchy carbohydrate and all that goes straight down to the ass n belly.Too late huh ! And ever since then i make yam only on special occasions.I’ve been here since the last 2 months and i realized as i passed this guy down here that i hadn’t eaten yam this season and so i thought might as well buy some.So i bought the smallest one u see on the extreme left hand corner.

Yam is being cultivated in Africa since 8000B.C. This carbohydrate rich root vegetable resembles a tube and are also known as a potato substitute.The yam is crucial to survival in these regions as it can be sored in a cool dry place for up to 6 months without refrigeration which makes it a valuable source of food during the rainy season. Yam can be served boiled, fried or pounded into a paste.My personal favourite is fried yam chips and yam balls

These are by far the hottest chillis i have ever eaten.Never even seen these outside Africa but after checking it in wikipedia i learnt that they are grown in the Caribbean as well, known as the bonnet chilli . But here in Ghana we call it Pepe !Did you that chillis are rich in vitamin C and are believed to have beneficial effects on health.Well like i need another excuse to eat chillis !So for those who don’t have the courage to let this capsicum flame up their digestive system I’d suggest u wait for my next post … haha just kidding .. no u can still eat the yam !
So now that I’ve told u about Pepe and yam lets get down to the recipe.

The yam has a tough skin to peel and sometimes leaves your hands all itchy.Therefore i slice them and let them soak in salted water for about 15 mins to get rid of any toxins that might be in it.

Deep fry it, just like you fry French fries.Drain off the excess oil on a kitchen towel.

This is the Ghanaian mortar and pestle “Ayeuva” It is made of clay and has these grooves within to aid the grinding process.I just love this tool.

1 big tomato
1/2 an onion
3-4 chillis
1 big clove garlic
salt

Grind it all together to get this consistency.Now this can be eaten as it is , or u can fry it in 1 tablespoon of oil for about 2 mins.This way it will preserve and stay for 2-3 days.Both of them are tasty but I’d reckon that u consume the fresh one as soon as you can.

Here it is my friends,Yam with both the fresh and fried Pepe.Ultimate thing to eat while watching a cricket match.By the way I lost again on the last match Zimbabwe vs Ireland.It was a draw, just my luck. So150$ down. I have temporarily suspended all betting as crazy things are happening this world cup.Latest is that Pakistan is out of the competition and has returned home and a first time ever new team has trashed them reaching the top 8.India too has lost against Bangladesh … shame on them.

This is my favourite part, getting a buzz from the Pepe like riding a roller coater…leaves you high for a while …call it the chilli high.

Yam chips…crispy outside soft and tender inside.

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