Waakye (Rice and Beans)
A hearty mix of rice and beans served with spicy tomato stew. A colorful, wholesome, and authentic West African lunch you can easily make anywhere!
Updated : 03 November, 2025
Easy
About 30 min.
Ingredients
For the waakye
1 cup
Red beans
2 cup
Rice
1 teaspoon
Baking soda
4 cup
Water
For the tomato stew
3
Tomato
1
Onion
2 tablespoon
Tomato paste
2
Garlic
1 teaspoon
Ginger
1
Red chilli pepper
0.5 teaspoon
Curry paste
0.5 teaspoon
Thyme
0.5 cup
Vegetable oil
to taste
Salt
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Rinse the beans and place them in a pot with about 4 cups of water. Boil for 30-40 minutes until soft but not mushy. Add baking soda after 10 minutes of boiling to give the beans (and rice) a deeper brown color
Step 2
Once the beans are nearly cooked, add the rice, salt, and extra water as needed. Cook together for 20-25 minutes on medium heat until the rice is soft and the water is absorbed.
Step 3
Heat oil in a separate pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
Step 4
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 5
Blend tomatoes and add them to the pot together with garlic, ginger, chilies, and spices.
Step 6
Let simmer for 15-20 minutes until thick and flavorful.
Step 7
Scoop the Waakye (rice and beans) onto a plate. Add a spoonful of tomato stew. Additionally you can add some fried plantains or boiled egg.