Taste of Ghana: Red Red & Fried Plantain

>> Red Red & Fried Plantain << 

This Ghanaian dish easily became my absolute favorite while I was in Ghana.  It is extremely yummy and very healthy (despite the fried plantain)  Also, for any of my readers who might be vegetarian, this dish is for you too – as it is a vegetarian dish ;)
Hope you all enjoy this dish as much as I do!

I N G R E D I E N T S  :
1 lb. Dried black-eyed pea beans*
* you can use red, black, or pinto beans in this recipe if you don't want to use the suggested
½ – ¾ c. palm or Canola oil
1 medium onion
1 Tablespoon ginger
½ teaspoon garlic
2 tomatoes
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
1 Tablespoon paprika
1/3 c. dried shrimp
2 – 3 c. stock/water
1 Tablespoon chicken bouillon powder/cube
2 – 3 green onions chopped
Salt and pepper as needed
1 habanero pepper (optional; however this is what makes the dish)


I N S T R U C T I O N S  :
~ Rinse and dry black-eyed pea beans and pick through and discard any foreign object.  Add beans to a large pot covering with 3 – 4 inches of cold water.
~ Cover and let sit overnight or 6 to 8 hours
~ Drain the soaked beans, rinse, and place the beans in a Dutch oven or pressure cooker.  Follow instructions for cooking beans in your pressure cooker.  It takes roughly between 8 – 12 minutes to cook.  If you aren't using a pressure cooker, cook the beans for about 50 – 60 minutes or until beans are tender.
~ Drain the cooked beans and set aside
~ If using canned beans you should start from here
~ Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat until hot.  Saute the onions in the oil for 3 – 4 minutes, stirring often and scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pot
~ Add tomatoes, ginger, garlic, paprika and bouillon powder/cubes.  Cook while stirring for about 60 seconds
~ Throw in the dried shrimp and let it simmer, for about 10 – 15 minutes, add water/stock if needed to prevent burns.  Continue to cook the sauce, stirring occasionally.*****
***** At this point, start on your plantain (recipe below)
~ Finally add the beans, green onions and the remaining stock/water and bring to a boil and simmer for another 10 – 15 minutes
~ Adjust for seasonings, and beans consistency with water and serve.

Fried Plantain:
Okay so I'm going to try my best to give y'all the recipe for fried plantain.  While I was in Ghana, I was taught by eyeballing everything – even with the amount of oil lol.  Sooo – hang in there, and we'll see how this goes ;P

I N G R E D I E N T S  :
3 – 4 ripe plantains
water
ginger powder
salt
oil

I N S T R U C T I O N S  :
~ Peel and slice the plantains diagonally.  Making sure each slice is about 1/2” thick*
~ Once you have finished slicing the plantain, put the slices in a bowl of water and rinse thoroughly.  Do not dump the water out
~ Add your ginger powder + salt.  Mix well so that each slice is coated with the ginger and salt
~ Put your oil in a large saucepan on medium heat and wait until it gets hot.  (you can check to see if it's hot by dipping a slice of plantain in the oil.  If it sizzles, the oil is ready).
~ Add however many slices your pan will hold, and turn once or twice until the color changes and the edges are crispy brown.
~ Place in a keep warm container (laid with a paper towel)
~ Repeat the steps above until you have finished frying the plantain
~ Serve as a side with Red Red and enjoy

Are you going to make this for your family?

Have you tried this recipe?

I would love to hear your thoughts :)