Sure! Ampesi, a traditional Ghanaian dish, typically consists of boiled starchy vegetables like yam, plantain, cocoyam, or cassava. It is often served with a delicious and nutritious vegetable stew. Here’s a recipe for Ampesi with a flavorful vegetable stew:
### Ampesi Ingredients:
– 2 yams (or substitute with plantains, cocoyam, or cassava)
– Salt (to taste)
– Water
### Vegetable Stew Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons palm oil (or any cooking oil of choice)
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
– 2-3 fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 1 small eggplant, chopped
– 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 zucchini, chopped
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bouillon cube (optional)
– 1 cup vegetable broth or water
### Instructions:
#### For the Ampesi:
1. **Prepare the Vegetables**: Peel and cut the yams (or other starchy vegetables) into large chunks.
2. **Boil the Vegetables**: Place the yams in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the yams are tender, about 20-30 minutes. Test with a fork to ensure they are cooked through.
3. **Drain and Serve**: Once the yams are cooked, drain the water and set them aside.
#### For the Vegetable Stew:
1. **Heat the Oil**: In a large pan, heat the palm oil over medium heat until it melts and begins to sizzle.
2. **Sauté Aromatics**: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. **Add Tomatoes and Peppers**: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper. Cook until the tomatoes start to break down and form a thick sauce, about 10 minutes.
4. **Add Other Vegetables**: Add the eggplant, carrot, and zucchini. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. **Season the Stew**: Add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. **Add Broth and Simmer**: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and add the bouillon cube if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.
7. **Add Leafy Greens**: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
8. **Adjust Seasoning**: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
#### Serve:
1. **Plate the Ampesi**: Place a few pieces of the boiled yams on a plate.
2. **Add Stew**: Spoon a generous amount of the vegetable stew over the yams.
3. **Enjoy**: Serve hot and enjoy your Ampesi with vegetable stew!
This dish is versatile and you can adjust the vegetables and spices according to your preference. Enjoy the rich flavors and the nutritious meal!
