How to Make Ghanaian Waakye

Waakye is a popular Ghanaian street food known for its delicious mix of rice, beans, and savory accompaniments. It is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any time of day, widely celebrated for its rich flavors, texture contrast, and satisfying portions. For those wanting to recreate this classic meal at home, this step-by-step guide will walk you through making authentic Waakye packed with taste and tradition.

Image from: ICSP Blog

What Is Waakye?

Waakye is essentially rice cooked with black-eyed peas or cowpeas and colored with dried millet leaves (known as ‘waakye leaves’), which impart a distinctive reddish-brown hue and subtle aroma. Traditionally served with a variety of sides like gari (cassava flakes), boiled eggs, spaghetti, fresh avocado, and spicy shito sauce, Waakye offers a full sensory experience.

Also read: Where Can I Buy Fresh African Vegetables in the USA?

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rice and Beans:

• 1 cup black-eyed peas or cowpeas (soaked overnight)
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 2-3 dried millet leaves 
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Accompaniments:

• Boiled eggs, peeled and halved
• Gari (cassava flakes)
• Cooked spaghetti (optional)
• Avocado slices
• Shito (spicy Ghanaian pepper sauce) or any hot sauce
• Sliced onions and tomatoes (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

• Rinse soaked black-eyed peas thoroughly.
• In a large pot, boil the peas with enough water until tender but not mushy (about 30–45 minutes). Drain and set aside some cooking liquid.

Step 2: Cook the Rice with Beans

• Wash the rice until water runs clear.
• In a large pot, combine the cooked beans, rice, salt, and millet leaves.
• Add the water just enough to cook the rice (use the bean cooking liquid for extra flavor).
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice is cooked and water absorbed.
• Remove millet leaves before serving.

Step 3: Prepare the Accompaniments

• Boil eggs for about 10 minutes, then peel and slice.
• Cook spaghetti according to package instructions, drain, and toss with a little oil.
• Slice avocado and prepare fresh onions and tomatoes if using.
• Have gari and shito sauce ready for serving.

Step 4: Assemble Your Waakye Plate

• Scoop a generous portion of the rice and beans onto a plate.
• Add sides like boiled eggs, gari, spaghetti, avocado, and fresh vegetables.
• Top with spicy shito or your favorite hot sauce to taste.

Tips for the Perfect Waakye Experience

• Using dried millet leaves is traditional and enhances flavor and color but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Adjust water quantities carefully to avoid soggy or dry rice.
• Customize accompaniments based on preference—Waakye is versatile and many variations exist.
• Shito sauce can be made in advance and stored, adding a smoky-spicy kick that complements the dish perfectly.

Why Make Waakye at Home?

• Control ingredient quality and freshness.
• Customize flavors and spice levels.
• Enjoy a beloved Ghanaian dish anytime, bringing tradition to your table.
• Impress family and friends with an authentic West African delicacy.

Where to Find Authentic Ingredients

For quality black-eyed peas, dried millet leaves, gari, and other ingredient staples, LaFrique Market offers a carefully curated selection for cooking traditional West African dishes with confidence and authenticity.