Ghanaian Spinach Stew

In this delightful Ghanaian Spinach Stew, vibrant spinach is lovingly stewed with flavorful plum tomatoes and spicy habanero chillies. This easy-to-make dish is not only a fantastic side for a traditional West African meal but also perfect for casual dinners and special occasions alike. You’ll love how the combination of fresh ingredients creates a comforting, hearty dish that pleases everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This stew takes just 25 minutes to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: A blend of garlic, ginger, and spices creates a rich taste that will elevate any meal.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with rice, plantains, or beans for a complete meal experience.
• Nutritious Ingredients: With fresh spinach and tomatoes, this recipe is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Enjoy this dish as a wholesome option for meatless meals or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Ghanaian Spinach Stew, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A large frying pan or skillet
• A chopping board
• A sharp knife
• A measuring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables evenly and creating a delicious base for your stew.
• Chopping board: Provides a safe surface to prepare your ingredients efficiently without mess.

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 tbsp of Vegetable Oil
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 1 tbsp of Fresh Ginger Root, grated
• 1 Medium Red Onion
• 2 Scotch Bonnets or Habanero Chillies

Tomato Base

• 2 tbsp of Tomato Paste
• 2 tsp of Smoked Paprika
• 400 g of Canned Plum Tomatoes

Greens

• 400 g of Fresh Spinach

How to Make Ghanaian Spinach Stew

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, thinly sliced onions, and finely chopped chillies. Sizzle these ingredients for about 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one more minute. Then, add smoked paprika and salt to taste along with the canned plum tomatoes (including their juices). Cover the pan and let it cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.

Step 3: Add Spinach

Roughly chop the fresh spinach and incorporate it into the spicy tomato sauce. Stir well to combine everything.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Cover the pan again and allow the stew to cook until the spinach is wilted but retains its vibrant green color—this should take about 2-4 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Serve your Ghanaian Spinach Stew warm alongside steamed long-grain rice or Jollof rice, baked plantains, and beans. Garnish with chopped coriander or ground pumpkin seeds if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Ghanaian Spinach Stew

Ghanaian Spinach Stew is a vibrant and flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides. Serving this stew can elevate your meal, making it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

With Rice

• Steamed Long-Grain Rice: The light and fluffy texture of long-grain rice complements the rich flavors of the stew.
• Jollof Rice: This spicy, tomato-based rice dish adds an extra kick, enhancing the overall taste experience.

With Plantains

• Baked Plantains: Sweet and slightly caramelized, baked plantains provide a delightful contrast to the savory stew.
• Fried Plantains: Crisp on the outside and soft inside, fried plantains are a favorite accompaniment in many West African meals.

With Beans

• Stewed Beans: A hearty side of stewed beans adds protein and fiber, making your meal more filling and nutritious.

Garnishing Options

• Chopped Coriander: Fresh coriander adds a burst of flavor and color to your dish.
• Ground Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle these on top for added texture and a nutritional boost.

How to Perfect Ghanaian Spinach Stew

To make your Ghanaian Spinach Stew even more delicious, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor. Fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes make a big difference.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the number of Scotch Bonnets or Habanero chillies to suit your heat preference. Start with one if you’re sensitive to spice.
• Cook Time Matters: Allow the stew to simmer longer for deeper flavors. A good 15 minutes can enhance the taste significantly.
• Add Variety: Feel free to mix in other greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition and flavor complexity.

Best Side Dishes for Ghanaian Spinach Stew

Complementing your Ghanaian Spinach Stew with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fried Rice: A fragrant blend of rice stir-fried with vegetables that pairs nicely with the stew’s spices.
2. Corn Fufu: A smooth, starchy side that balances the flavors of the stew perfectly.
3. Yam Porridge: Creamy yam cooked until soft, offering a comforting texture alongside the stew.
4. Okra Soup: A slimy yet flavorful soup that adds an intriguing contrast to your dish.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quick-cooked seasonal vegetables can add color and freshness to your plate.
6. Cassava Chips: Crunchy cassava chips lend a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the spinach stew.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—these fries add sweetness to each bite alongside the savory stew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ghanaian Spinach Stew, it’s essential to steer clear of some common mistakes that can affect its flavor and texture.

• Using Old Ingredients: Freshness is key in this recipe. Ensure your spinach and tomatoes are fresh for the best taste.
• Ignoring Spice Levels: The heat from the Scotch Bonnet or Habanero chillies can vary. Start with less if you’re unsure, as you can always add more later.
• Overcooking Spinach: Cooking spinach too long can lead to a mushy texture. Ideally, it should only wilt for 2-4 minutes.
• Skipping the Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds richness and depth. Don’t skip it; instead, mix it well with the other ingredients to enhance the stew’s flavor.
• Not Adjusting Salt: Taste as you go! Different brands of canned tomatoes may vary in saltiness, so adjust accordingly to suit your palate.
• Using Low-Quality Oil: A good quality vegetable oil enhances flavors. Choose one that has a neutral taste for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Ghanaian Spinach Stew

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Ghanaian Spinach Stew

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Ghanaian Spinach Stew:

What is Ghanaian Spinach Stew?

Ghanaian Spinach Stew is a vibrant vegetable dish featuring spinach cooked with plum tomatoes, onions, and spicy chillies. It’s often served with rice or plantains.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes! You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the stew.

How spicy is Ghanaian Spinach Stew?

The spiciness largely depends on the number of chillies used. For a milder version, reduce the chillies or remove their seeds before cooking.

What can I serve with Ghanaian Spinach Stew?

Ghanaian Spinach Stew pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, Jollof rice, baked plantains, or even beans for a hearty meal.

Final Thoughts

Ghanaian Spinach Stew is not only delicious but also versatile. This dish makes a perfect side for various meals or even as a main course when paired with grains. Feel free to customize it by adding other vegetables or adjusting spice levels according to your preferences!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Ghanaian Spinach Stew

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of Ghanaian Spinach Stew, a delicious and nutritious dish that perfectly combines fresh spinach, juicy plum tomatoes, and spicy habanero chillies. This easy-to-make stew is not just a fantastic side for traditional West African meals but also works beautifully for casual dinners or special gatherings. With its rich taste from garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices, this dish offers warmth and comfort to any dining occasion. Serve it with rice or plantains for a hearty meal that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Root, grated
• 1 Medium Red Onion
• 2 Scotch Bonnets or Habanero Chillies
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 400 g Canned Plum Tomatoes
• 400 g Fresh Spinach

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Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced onion, and chopped chillies. Sauté for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add smoked paprika, salt to taste, and canned tomatoes with their juices. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Roughly chop spinach and stir into the sauce, covering again to cook until wilted (about 2-4 minutes).
4. Serve warm alongside rice or plantains.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Ghanaian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg