Waakye is one of Ghana’s most beloved one-pot meals: rice and beans cooked together, then served with a colorful collection of sides and sauces.
Cooking the beans until tender before adding the rice keeps both components distinct, while the sides bring sweetness, crunch, heat, and freshness.
Start checking the rice early after adding it to the beans; the exact cooking time depends on the age and variety of the rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve waakye with fried plantain, boiled egg, gari, shito, tomato salad, and a little stew or grilled meat if desired.
Recipe Notes
The rice and beans keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat covered with a splash of water so the grains stay moist.
Ghanaian Waakye
Ghanaian rice and beans served with fried plantain, boiled egg, gari, tomato salad, and spicy shito.
Equipment
- Large pot with lid
- Frying pan
- Colander
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
Waakye Rice and Beans
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas soaked overnight and drained
- 2 cups long-grain rice rinsed
- 2 leaves dried waakye leaves or sorghum leaves, optional
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups water plus more as needed
Traditional Sides
- 2 large ripe plantains sliced
- 4 large eggs hard-boiled
- 1/2 cup gari
- 1/2 cup shito sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato salad
- 2 tbsp neutral oil for frying
Instructions
Cook the Beans:
- Place the soaked black-eyed peas, waakye leaves, baking soda, and water in a pot. Simmer until the beans are tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Remove the leaves and reserve the cooking liquid. Season the beans with salt.
Add the Rice:
- Stir the rinsed rice into the beans and add enough reserved liquid to cover by about 1 inch.
- Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and cook until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes. Rest covered for 10 minutes, then fluff.
Prepare the Sides:
- Boil the eggs for 9 to 10 minutes, cool, and peel. Fry the plantain slices in oil until golden on both sides.
- Serve the waakye with plantain, egg, gari, tomato salad, and shito.
Notes
- Waakye leaves add traditional color and aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Keep the shito on the side so each person can adjust the heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 93gProtein: 18gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 780mgFiber: 10gSugar: 14g