Ghanaian Kokonte with Okro Stew
Kokonte is a staple food in Ghana made from dried cassava flour, offering a dense, starchy base. It is traditionally served with a flavorful okro stew, which can be prepared with various meats or fish. This combination provides a hearty and satisfying meal, showcasing the versatility of Ghanaian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried cassava flour
- 4 cups Water(plus more for stew)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 500 g Beef or Goat Meat(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(1 chopped, 1 blended)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(blended)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger(blended)
- 3 cloves Garlic(blended)
- 1 or to taste Scotch bonnet pepper(blended)
- 400 g Okra(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Palm oil(optional, for stew)
- 1 cup Spinach(chopped)
- 1 or to taste Seasoning cubes
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the Kokonte: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Gradually add the dried cassava flour, stirring continuously with a wooden spatula to prevent lumps. Continue stirring and kneading until a thick, consistent paste forms. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Scoop into a small bowl, mold into desired sizes, and set aside.
- 2
For the Okro Stew: Wash and season the meat with salt, half of the chopped onion, and seasoning cube. Add enough water to cover the meat and steam until tender. This can take about 30-40 minutes.
- 3
In a separate pot, heat the palm oil (if using) over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add the blended tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- 4
Add the cooked meat and its stock to the tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Add the chopped okra and spinach to the stew. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the spinach has wilted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6
Serve the hot okro stew with the prepared kokonte.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother kokonte, ensure you stir vigorously while adding the cassava flour.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓If you prefer a less slimy okro stew, you can lightly steam the okra before adding it to the stew.
🔄 Variations
- Use smoked fish or tilapia instead of meat for a different flavor profile.
- Add other leafy greens like kontomire (cocoyam leaves) for added nutrition and flavor.