Waakye (Rice and Beans)

Name: Waakye (Rice and Beans)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed; 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed; 1/2 tsp baking soda (traditional substitute for sorghum leaves); 10 cups water; 1.5 tsp kosher salt; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 yellow onion, diced

A Ghanaian staple of rice and black-eyed peas cooked together with dried sorghum leaves or baking soda, which give the dish its distinctive reddish-brown color and earthy depth.

65 minEasyServes 6415 cal/serving

West AfricanLunchStovetopVeganHigh FiberHalal-friendlyGluten-FreeDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

2 cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
1/2 tsp baking soda (traditional substitute for sorghum leaves)
10 cups water
1.5 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 yellow onion, diced

Instructions

1

In a large pot, combine 2 cups rinsed dried black-eyed peas with 10 cups water and 1/2 tsp baking soda (traditional substitute for sorghum leaves). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook until peas are almost tender, about 25 minutes. The water should take on a reddish-brown color.
2

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Saute 1 diced yellow onion until softened and golden, about 8 minutes. Set aside.
3

Add the sauteed onion and 1.5 tsp kosher salt to the pot of partially cooked peas. Stir in 2 cups rinsed long-grain white rice.
4

Check the water level: there should be enough to cover the rice and peas by about 1 inch. Add more water if needed and bring to a boil.
5

Reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly, and cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
6

Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently and serve.

Questions

How long does Waakye (Rice and Beans) keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Waakye (Rice and Beans)?

Yes. As written it serves 6. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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