Red Red: A Ghanaian Bean Stew with Fried Plantain
Discover Ghanaian red red, its bean and tomato sauce, plantain accompaniment and variations.
Red red is a Ghanaian bean dish commonly made with black-eyed peas in a savory red sauce and served with fried ripe plantain. The beans are hearty, the plantain brings sweetness, and the sauce ties the two together. It is the sort of combination that makes a very persuasive lunch.
Recipes vary between homes and cooks, but red palm oil, tomatoes, onions and chili often appear in the sauce. The Ghana Cookbook describes red palm oil as the source of the dish's “red” name; tomatoes add more color in many versions.
What does red red taste like?
The beans have a mild, earthy flavor that takes on the seasoned sauce. Red palm oil has a distinctive character, tomatoes contribute acidity, and chili can bring anything from a gentle warmth to a proper kick. Fried ripe plantain adds a soft, sweet contrast.
Not every plate tastes the same. Some cooks add fish or other seasonings, while meat-free versions are also common. If you're ordering and avoiding fish or other animal products, ask what is in that particular stew.
What kind of beans are used?
Black-eyed peas are common, as are other cowpeas. Despite the name, black-eyed peas are beans rather than garden peas. They should be cooked until tender before they are combined with the sauce in a typical recipe.
If using dried beans, allow enough time for the preparation and cooking called for by your recipe. Canned black-eyed peas can save time in an adaptation; drain and rinse them if your recipe calls for it, then warm them in the sauce without cooking them until they fall apart.
Why is it served with plantain?
Fried ripe plantain is a familiar accompaniment, and its sweetness balances the savory beans and spicy sauce. Choose ripe plantains for a sweeter result and follow a recipe for frying them safely. They are generally cooked before eating, unlike the dessert bananas many shoppers know.
Gari, made from cassava, can also be served with beans in Ghana. Names and serving combinations vary, so the most useful thing is to describe the plate you're looking for rather than assume every menu uses identical terms.
Is red red vegetarian or vegan?
It can be. A version of beans, vegetables, palm oil and plantain can be plant-based, but some preparations contain fish. Check the recipe or ask the cook, including about stock and any garnishes.
What if you cannot find red palm oil?
A neutral vegetable oil can be used in an adapted bean stew, as in one version from CRS Rice Bowl, but the flavor and color will differ. It's a useful way to make a tasty meal with what you have; red palm oil provides a distinctive part of many versions of the dish.