Waakye

Waakye is a beloved Ghanaian dish made from rice and black-eyed peas, often cooked with millet leaves for a distinctive brown color. Enjoyed with various toppings like fried plantains, it's a flavorsome and authentic West African meal."
- Preparation Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours
Ingredients
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2 cupsRice
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1 cupBlack-eyed peas
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1 tspBaking soda
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2-3Dried millet leaves or sorghum leaves (optional, for colour)
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Water
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Salt Adjust to taste
Instructions
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Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Soak the black-eyed peas in a separate bowl in water for about 6 hours or overnight.
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Drain the soaked rice and set aside.
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Pour the soaked black-eyed peas to the pot
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Fill the pot with enough water to cover the beans, and add the baking soda. And let it cook for 25 minutes.
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Pour in the rice, If you have dried millet leaves or sorghum leaves, add them to the pot for color.
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Place the pot on high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20minutes, or until the grains and peas are tender.
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Check the water level and add more to prevent burning or sticking. The waakye should have a brownish color.
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Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly once the waakye is cooked. Remove the millet leaves if used.
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Serve the waakye with your choice of toppings, such as fried plantains, spaghetti, and shito sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
Waakye leaves, such as dried millet or sorghum leaves, offer a traditional touch to the dish, imparting a unique flavour and colour. However, they are optional, allowing you to customize your Waakye.