The Best Ghanaian Tomato Stew Recipe (2024)

Loaded with the richness and slight tanginess of tomatoes,this Ghanaian tomato stew is everything you need to enjoy the goodness of any savory recipes and dishes.

Honestly, this tomato stew takes time to prepare, but its delicate flavors are worth all the effort and time.

It can be paired with various rice dishes (hint:Jollof rice), and there is so much more to know about it!

What Is Ghanaian Tomato Stew?

Ghanaian tomato stew is basically tomatogravythat’s prepared with fresh tomatoes. This is an African recipe and is a mouth-watering stew with traditional African food notes.

It’s a must-have in everyday meals as well as Christmas meals, or anything else. The tomato stew is blended with tomatoes, spices, onions, lots of oil, and so much more.

On top of everything, this is a one-pot recipe as you fry tomatoes in one pan, add onions and spices, and simmer everything together to make a gravy.

What’s So Unique About It?

Aside from its richness and bold flavors, one would assume that Ghanaian tomato stew will be acidic. But that’s the ultimate twist with this recipe.

This is because this stew is made by frying the tomatoes in oil which significantly reduces the acidity of the tomatoes, so you can only enjoy the tangy flavors without worrying about your stomach and acid reflux. However, once the stew is cooked up, extra oil can be removed before serving.

While many people believe that only fresh tomatoes are used to makeGhanaian tomato stew, it works out fine with canned tomatoes as well. In addition, it can be flavored with chicken bouillon or the dry fish, which many people are unaware of.

Recipe Ingredients & Tips

To begin with, this Ghanaian tomato stew is loaded with mineral sources and vitamins that help with blood circulation.

In addition, it has a balanced percentage of different nutrients that provide the pump of energy, and vitamins help with digestion. In addition, it’s a sufficient source of vitamin C, which is enough to prevent scurvy.

The extact measurements is listed below in the recipe card. For now, here what you’ll need to make this tomato stew.

Fresh Tomatoes:You can use roma tomatoes or plum tomatoes. It is best to remove theseeds as much as possibleto avoid a watery stew. If you are using canned tomatoes, be sure to drain the the liquid out. The liquid along with the tomatoes will not only add more water, but it will take longer for the tomatoes to fully cook.

Onions:We recommend using yellow or white onions. Red onions will add flavor, but is it too sweet and it is not provide that true Ghanaian flavor your are looking for.

Bell Peppers:This recipe was provided to us by our dear friend who is from Ghana. She adds bell peppers to the stew for “sweetness” and richness. The peppers also help to cut down the acidic flavor from the tomatoes. Feel free to use any color you’d like.

Garlic:Fresh garlic pairs well with tomatoes and peppers. Plus it also adds depth of flavor.

Dry Fish:This is completely optional and a little goes a long way. If you are vegan, please omit the dry fish. The dry fish is added as an option, but it also helps to season the stew, and provide texture to the dish. Again, this is optional.

Oil:For this recipe we used canola oil. But feel free to use any oil of your choice to make this dish.

Bay Leaves, Curry Powder & Salt:Used to season the stew.

How To Make It

Chop the onions, wash, and drain the water. Set aside.Peel the garlic and set aside.

Cut half of the bell peppers and remove the seeds. We used 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper. Wash the tomatoes, pat dry and cut into quarters. Drain the tomatoes and set aside.

Blend the ingredients until smooth.

In a large stock pot, add in the oil over medium heat. Once heated through, add the tomato mixture. Begin stirring occasionally as it will begin to splash.

Cover the pot slightly and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the tomato paste, continue to stir until well incorporated.

Add the seasoning (ginger, bay leaves, salt, and curry powder) stir well to combine, then add the shrimp powder. Stir well to combine, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Meanwhile add 1 cup of water to the blender. Stir the water around so that the remaining tomato and onion are incorporated in the water. Set it aside.

3 minutes before the 20 minutes are up, pour the water mixture in the tomato mixture. Stir well. Work fast as you do not want the tomato mixture to splash too much.

Once the 20 minutes are up, stir well.

Reduce the heat to medium low. Cover halfway and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

The stew is complete once you see the oil on the top of the tomatoes. Remove the stew from the stove and serve warm with rice, plantains, and meat. Enjoy.

How To Pair & Serve

Ghanaian tomato stew goes with a variety of recipes, which is the prime reason it’s used as a base for a variety of recipes.

For instance, it’s an essential part ofJollof rice, but it can also be served with quinoa and brown rice.

However, it tastes incredibly delicious with grilled cheese and salad and corn, so start experimenting with your taste buds!

How To Store Ghanaian Tomato Stew?

Ghanaian tomato stew is the go-to meal foundation for many people, which is why many people make it in huge batches.

Having said that, it can be stored in the freezer and is reheated whenever you have to cook something.

However, you need to freeze stew in smaller batches because thawing the entire bowl of stew to reheat some isn’t suggested – it carries the risk of getting spoiled.

Not to forget, whenever you pour your tomato stew in a container, you have to leave two inches of space on the top to ensure there is sufficient area for expansion. Lastly, always use airtight containers.

More International Dishes To Enjoy

If you enjoyed this Ghanaian Tomato Stew Recipe, we recommend you try one of these recipes next.

Haitian White Rice

Instant Pot Pigeon Peas Rice

Haitian Black Rice

Dill Rice Recipe

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