Ghana Meatball Stew

Ghana Meatball Stew Recipe - A Delicious, Flavorful Dish from Ghana

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ghana Meatball Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef meatballs and a flavorful gravy made with onions, tomato sauce, and green peppers creates a rich and satisfying stew that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Ghana Meatball Stew is a traditional Ghanaian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular comfort food that is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. The recipe has been passed down through families and has evolved over time to include different variations and ingredients.

Ingredients

meatball
2 lb (907 g) ground beef
1 tsp Tenderizer
1 tsp lemon juice
1 large egg, Slightly Beaten
1 cup onions, Finely Chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Black or cayenne pepper
1 dash garlic powder
1 tsp Ground nutmeg
0.5 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.5 cup cooking oil
gravy
1 medium onion, Sliced
1 cup tomato sauce
1 medium tomato, Peeled and Sliced
1 green pepper, Sliced

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with tenderizer, lemon juice, egg, onions, salt, choice of pepper, garlic, and nutmeg. Cover and let it stand for 30 minutes to set and allow the seasonings to blend.
Form about a dozen tablespoon-sized balls of the seasoned beef. Spread flour on a plate and roll each ball in flour to coat.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a toothpick or bread crumb into the skillet. It should sizzle and begin to brown quickly.
Brown all sides of the meatballs evenly, using a metal spoon to turn them. Once the meat is browned, remove it from the skillet with a slotted metal spoon and place it on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Reserve both the meatballs and the cooking oil.
To prepare the gravy, return the remaining cooking oil to a large, clean skillet and brown all the remaining flour. Add onions, tomato sauce, sliced tomato, and green pepper. Cook for 10 minutes over medium heat.
Slowly stir in water and thoroughly combine the sauce mixture. Add the reserved browned meatballs, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy is well blended throughout the meatball mixture.
Serve hot over rice. This stew goes well with sweet potatoes, yams, or pineapple slices.

Variations

Add chopped bell peppers or carrots to the gravy for extra flavor and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version of the stew.
Add a can of coconut milk to the gravy for a creamy and tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the seasoned ground beef mixture sit for 30 minutes before forming the meatballs. This allows the flavors to blend and develop.

- Use a toothpick or bread crumb to test if the oil is hot enough before browning the meatballs.

- Brown the meatballs evenly on all sides to ensure they are cooked through.

- Be sure to stir the gravy mixture well to combine all the flavors before adding the meatballs.

- Serve the stew hot over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ghana Meatball Stew hot over rice or with sweet potatoes, yams, or pineapple slices.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before adding them to the gravy helps to seal in the flavors and create a delicious crust on the outside.

- Simmering the stew on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful gravy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground lamb or pork instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour if you have a gluten intolerance.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs and gravy ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the gravy and meatballs together in a skillet until heated through.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ghana Meatball Stew in a large serving bowl with a garnish of fresh parsley or cilantro on top. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Pairing Recommendations

Ghana Meatball Stew pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with a side of plantains or cornbread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Ghana Meatball Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the stew in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ghana Meatball Stew contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ghana Meatball Stew contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ghana Meatball Stew contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ghana Meatball Stew contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ghana Meatball Stew is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat (flour) which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Ghana Meatball Stew is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in proteins and vitamins. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

Summary

Ghana Meatball Stew is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The combination of seasoned ground beef meatballs and a rich gravy creates a delicious and satisfying stew that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this traditional Ghanaian dish with rice or your favorite side for a hearty and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. I was at a friend's house for a dinner party and she served this delicious Ghana Meatball Stew. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water, and when I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked my friend for the recipe, and she told me that she had learned it from her neighbor, who was originally from Ghana. She explained to me that the key to the stew was in the spices – a unique blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cumin that gave the meatballs their distinctive flavor.

I couldn't wait to try making it at home. I went straight to the market the next day to buy all the ingredients I needed. As I gathered the spices, fresh vegetables, and ground meat, I couldn't help but think about the stories behind each of these ingredients. I imagined the fields where the vegetables were grown, the hands that harvested the spices, and the animals that provided the meat. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with the world around me, and I knew that this recipe would be no different.

Back in my kitchen, I began by preparing the meatballs. I mixed together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, and spices, making sure to knead the mixture thoroughly to ensure that all the flavors were well incorporated. As I shaped the meat into small balls, I thought about the care and attention that went into each step of the process. It was almost as if I could feel the hands of the women who had passed this recipe down through generations guiding me along.

Once the meatballs were ready, I moved on to the stew itself. I sautéed onions, garlic, and tomatoes in a large pot, letting the flavors meld together to create a rich base for the meatballs. I added in some broth, chopped vegetables, and a dash of hot pepper for a bit of heat. As the stew simmered on the stove, the aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me to a far-off land where the sun shone brightly and the people danced to the beat of drums.

Finally, it was time to add the meatballs to the stew. I carefully dropped each one in, making sure they were nestled snugly in the savory broth. I let the stew cook for a while longer, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to soak up all the delicious juices.

When it was finally time to serve the Ghana Meatball Stew, I couldn't wait to taste it. I ladled a generous portion into a bowl, garnishing it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. The first bite was pure bliss – the meatballs were tender and flavorful, the stew was rich and hearty, and the spices danced on my tongue in perfect harmony.

As I savored each mouthful, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey that had brought this recipe into my life. From my friend's dinner party to the market to my kitchen, each step had been a labor of love. I knew that this Ghana Meatball Stew would become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a dish that I would be proud to share with my family and friends for years to come.

And so, as I sat at my dining table, surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight and the laughter of loved ones, I raised my spoon in a silent toast to the power of food to connect us all – across cultures, across time, and across generations. This recipe, like so many others in my collection, was a testament to the joy of cooking and the beauty of sharing that joy with others. And for that, I would always be grateful.