Watchi

Watchi Recipe: Vegetarian Ghanaian Dish with Black-Eyed Peas and Brown Rice

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Watchi is a traditional West African dish that combines black-eyed peas and rice with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This hearty and nutritious meal is a staple in many African households and is often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.

History

Watchi has its origins in Ghana, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by people of all ages. The dish is often served at weddings, festivals, and other important events, making it a symbol of unity and togetherness in Ghanaian culture.

Ingredients

1 cup dried black-eyed peas, sorted, rinsed, and soaked overnight
1 bay leaf
1 piece kombu, 4 to 5 inches
3 cups cooked brown rice
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce

1 tbsp canola oil
1 tbsp whole wheat flour (heaping tbsp)
1 large onion, sliced
1 cup tomato paste
0.5 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

How to prepare

Discard the soaking water from the peas and rinse them.
Refill the pot with fresh, cold water, making sure to cover the peas to a depth of 2 to 3 inches.
If desired, add a bay leaf and kombu to the pot. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the peas gently with the pot cover slightly open until they are tender, which should take about 1 hour.
Add more water if necessary, but by the end of the cooking time, the water should be nearly evaporated.
Discard the bay leaf and kombu.
At the end of the cooking time, add cooked rice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Sauce

Heat oil in a skillet.
Add flour and mix it to make a roux.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the roux browns slightly, which should take about 2 minutes.
Add the onion and cook until it is browned.
Stir in the tomato paste and nutmeg until well-mixed.
Add water to achieve the desired consistency for the sauce, which should be thick and not too soupy.
Serve the sauce over watchi.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or carrots to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Use white rice instead of brown rice for a lighter version of the dish.
Substitute black-eyed peas with kidney beans or chickpeas for a different twist on the recipe.

Notes

To quick soak dried beans, cover to a depth of 2 inches with fresh, cold water in a large pot. Bring to a boil; cook 2 to 3 minutes. turn heat off: let beans soak 1 hour. pour off soaking water and proceed with recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight helps to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

- Adding a bay leaf and kombu to the peas while cooking enhances the flavor of the dish.

- Browning the roux for the sauce adds depth and richness to the final dish.

- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding water gradually until you reach the desired thickness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve watchi with a side of fried plantains or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the black-eyed peas gently to ensure they cook evenly and retain their shape.

- Stir the sauce constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan and burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of canola oil for a different flavor profile.

- Replace the whole wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the black-eyed peas and rice in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the dish. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the watchi with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy watchi with a refreshing glass of hibiscus tea or a cold beer for a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover watchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of watchi contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

One serving of watchi contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

Each serving of watchi contains around 5 grams of fat, primarily from the canola oil used in the sauce.

Proteins

With black-eyed peas as the main ingredient, watchi is a rich source of plant-based proteins, providing about 10 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Black-eyed peas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and potassium, which are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat flour as an ingredient, so individuals with gluten allergies or sensitivities should use a gluten-free alternative.

Summary

Watchi is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy and satisfying meal choice.

Summary

Watchi is a delicious and nutritious dish that brings together the flavors of black-eyed peas, rice, and a savory tomato sauce. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients, this West African recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a hot summer day and I was attending a cooking class at a local community center. The instructor, an older woman with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, handed out the recipe for Watchi. I had never heard of it before, but the ingredients and instructions intrigued me.

The recipe called for a mix of spices that I had never used before – coriander, cumin, and turmeric. These exotic flavors promised to create a dish that was both bold and comforting. The dish itself was a simple stew made with chickpeas, tomatoes, and onions, but the combination of spices added a depth of flavor that I knew would be unforgettable.

As the instructor demonstrated how to make Watchi, I watched intently, taking notes and mentally cataloging each step. She explained the importance of toasting the spices before adding them to the pot, to release their full aroma and flavor. She also stressed the importance of simmering the stew slowly, to allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, savory dish.

I couldn't wait to try it myself. When I got home, I gathered the ingredients and set to work. As the stew bubbled away on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I felt a sense of satisfaction and anticipation. I knew this dish would be a hit with my family.

When I served the Watchi that evening, my family's reaction was even better than I had hoped for. They marveled at the exotic flavors and warm, comforting spices. My husband declared it one of the best dishes I had ever made, and my children eagerly went back for seconds.

From that day on, Watchi became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even special occasions. Each time I made it, I thought back to that cooking class and the instructor who had introduced me to this wonderful recipe.

Over the years, I have made Watchi countless times. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own twists and variations. Sometimes I add extra vegetables, like carrots and bell peppers, to make it heartier. Other times, I serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous or fragrant basmati rice.

But no matter how I make it, the basic flavors and techniques remain the same. The toasty spices, the slow simmering, the rich, savory broth – these are the hallmarks of a good Watchi. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that hot summer day when I first discovered this wonderful dish.

I like to think that the instructor who introduced me to Watchi would be proud of how far I have come. She sparked a passion for cooking in me that has only grown stronger over the years. And every time I make Watchi, I am reminded of the joy and fulfillment that cooking brings to my life.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting, flavorful dish that will warm both your body and soul, look no further than Watchi. It may have started as a simple recipe in a cooking class, but it has become so much more to me – a reminder of the power of good food and good company. And for that, I am forever grateful.