Ghanaian cuisine is similar to the cuisine of many other West African countries. There are a number of soups and stews and many meals involve either rice, maize, or cassava. This is a list of five typical and delicious Ghanaian dishes that should not be missed. While they can be found at most any roadside eatery and restaurant establishment, seek out places that are crowded. Popularity is often an indication of food that is both delicious and sanitary. Ask locals for recommendations, they will be heartened by the fact that you want to try the local cuisine. And of course, these are only five of the typical dishes in Ghana. There are others worth trying - think of this as a good starting point!
Fufu - Fufu is a pounded mixture of cassava and plantain. It is typically served with a soup. When you eat fufu you use your right hand to tear off a small piece and with your thumb you create a small depression in the fufu that act as a resevoir for the soup. You scoop up some soup and then you swallow the fufu whole. It is traditionally not chewed and you may receive some strange looks if you are visibly chewing fufu. Fufu is found throughout Ghana as well as elsewhere in West Africa.
Jollof Rice - Jollof is a rice dish that is made with onions, tomatoes, chiles and a number of spices, including ginger and nutmeg. It typically includes fish and sometimes beef as well. It can be eaten alongside meat or fish as well as plantain. This dish, like fufu, can be found in other West African countries.
Waakye (pronounced watchay) - This is a hearty bean and rice dish that often accompanies a stew. It is made with rice, black eyed peas, and the distinctive waakye leaf. Ground salt, called Kanwo, is used to soften the beans.
Garden Egg Stew - Garden eggs are Ghana's version of the eggplant. They are smaller and in some ways, more flavorful. This stew features the garden egg prominently, but it is tomato based and often has chiles in it as well. It is typically served with boiled plaintain. Use the pieces of boiled plaintain to scoop up the stew and eat.
Red Red - This is a flavorful dish that combines beans and fried plaintains. The beans are prepared with palm oil, crushed tomatoes, and chiles. The plaintains are fried, becoming sweeter in the process.
While Ghana's cuisine is not limited to five dishes, the above selections can be found nearly everywhere and they are almost always well prepared. Always remember to take precautions when eating food abroad. Your stomach may need time to adjust to the new foods. Don't overdo it and observe some basic guidelines to ensure GI health. Don't eat foods that are lukewarm, make sure they are hot. Don't eat fruits or vegetables unless they have been cooked or they can be peeled. Be careful, but don't be afraid to immerse yourself in another culture and enjoy the delicious food!
Phil Paoletta currently traveling West Africa in search of good food, good music, and interesting people.
http://philintheblank.net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phillip_Paoletta
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