National Dish Ghana: Red Red (Recipe)
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Meet Red Red, the beloved Ghanaian classic that pairs a rich, tomato-laced bean stew with sweet, golden fried plantain. Named for the deep red hue that palm oil and ripe tomatoes lend the pot, it is hearty, satisfying and completely plant-based. Whether you serve it as a quick weeknight supper or the centrepiece of a weekend gathering, Red Red brings the warm, comforting flavours of West Africa straight to your table.
About Red Red
Red Red is a traditional Ghanaian dish celebrated for its hearty flavours and its distinctive pairing of ingredients. At its heart are spiced beans simmered with tomatoes and onions, served alongside crisp fried plantain for a truly unforgettable combination. The beans are typically cooked with tomatoes, onions and a handful of warming spices that deepen both the aroma and the taste. A staple of the Ghanaian kitchen, Red Red is at once filling and genuinely nourishing.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 cup black-eyed beans or kidney beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons palm oil or vegetable oil
- 2–3 ripe plantains, sliced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chilli, to taste (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Red Red you will need fresh ingredients, most of which are easy to find in African and Asian grocery shops as well as larger supermarkets. Where you can, reach for organic produce to intensify the flavour and make the most of the health benefits. The beans are especially important — give them a good wash and a soak so they cook more quickly. If fresh plantains prove hard to track down, frozen ones make a perfectly good substitute.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Red Red is quick and straightforward. Begin by soaking the beans overnight to soften them and shorten the cooking time. While they soak, chop the onion and garlic finely so everything is ready to go. Peel the plantains and cut them into even slices so they fry uniformly and turn beautifully golden. These simple steps ensure your dish has the best possible texture and flavour.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the soaked beans to the boil in a pan of fresh water and cook for about 20–30 minutes, until soft.
- In a separate pan, heat the palm oil and fry the diced onion until golden brown.
- Add the tomatoes and spices, stir well and let the sauce simmer for around 10 minutes.
- Stir the cooked beans into the tomato sauce, mix thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, fry the plantain slices in a separate pan until golden and keep them warm.
- Serve by spooning the beans onto a plate and topping them with the fried plantain.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Red Red is naturally gluten-free and lactose-free, as it contains none of the complicated ingredients that tend to hide these allergens. That means you can prepare it with confidence for anyone following a special diet. Even so, it is worth double-checking your ingredients — particularly any spice blends or sauces — to rule out traces of hidden gluten. That way everyone can tuck in together without a worry about allergic reactions.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Red Red is a genuine treat for vegans and vegetarians alike, made entirely from plant-based ingredients so there is no need to compromise. Consider stirring in a few extra vegetables — peppers or courgettes, for example — to make the dish even more nourishing and colourful. These small additions bring extra nutrients and a lovely splash of colour to the plate. Like many dishes in the tradition of a hearty Beans Stew, it adapts effortlessly to a meat-free table.
More tips and tricks
To get the very best from your Red Red, cook the beans a day ahead and keep them in the fridge. This saves time, and the dish often tastes even better the next day once the flavours have had a chance to mingle. You can easily adjust it too, adding different spices or herbs to suit your palate. And remember, always use fresh ingredients to make the most of the quality and flavour of your meal.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of Red Red lies in its versatility. If there are ingredients you would rather leave out, the recipe adapts happily — swap the type of bean or change up the spice mix as you like. Many cooks also add steamed rice or quinoa to make the dish even more substantial. Try different combinations and discover which one you love best.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find certain ingredients for Red Red, there are plenty of good alternatives. In place of palm oil, for instance, any other vegetable oil works well when the real thing is hard to source. When it comes to the beans, feel free to experiment with different varieties such as kidney beans or lentils. The vegetables can vary too — a little creativity is the key to shaping the dish around your own taste.
Drink pairing ideas
A hearty dish like Red Red pairs wonderfully with a range of drinks. A chilled glass of Sobolo, Ghana’s tart hibiscus infusion, is a natural match, as is a home-brewed ginger beer. For an alcoholic option, a lightly chilled lager works beautifully without overpowering the food. Fresh juices such as mango or pineapple also lend the meal a refreshing lift.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation is an important part of any meal. Serve Red Red in an attractive bowl and garnish with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley for a welcome pop of colour. A side of grilled vegetables or a crisp salad makes the dish even more inviting. Take a little time over how the food looks to create an altogether more enticing experience.
A bit of history
The origins of Red Red reach back into traditional Ghanaian cooking, where beans have long been a staple in countless households. Passed down through the generations, the dish is a symbol of community and culture, often served at festivals and gatherings to bring people together. Red Red stands not only for delicious flavour but also for the rich tapestry of Ghanaian history — a proud fixture of Ghanaian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Red Red
Red Red is a wonderful showcase of the flavours and culinary traditions of Ghana. With its simple yet full-flavoured ingredients and endless scope for personal touches, it is ideal for anyone who loves West African cooking. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the hearty, satisfying flavours and cultural depth that Red Red has to offer.
