Cooking Up a Delicious Ghanaian Classic: Abom Recipe

Ghanaian cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavours, and one dish that truly captures this essence is “Abom.” This traditional Ghanaian peanut stew is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a piece of Ghana’s vibrant culinary culture.

Ingredients

To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of roasted peanuts
• 1 pound of spinach or any leafy green of your choice
• 2 cups of water or vegetable broth
• 1 pound of meat (chicken, beef, or goat), optional
• 1 medium-sized onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 2 tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of palm oil (or any cooking oil)
• 1 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of pepper (adjust to taste)
• Optional: 1-2 teaspoons of ground crayfish for an authentic flavor

Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking:

Step 1: Prepare the Peanuts

1. Begin by roasting the peanuts until they’re golden brown. This can be done in an oven or on a stovetop pan. Make sure to stir them occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Blend the Peanuts

2. Once roasted, allow the peanuts to cool and then grind them into a smooth, thick paste. This is your homemade peanut butter, a key component of Abom.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat (Optional)

3. If you’re including meat in your Abom, season it with salt, pepper, and some chopped onions. Cook until it’s browned and set it aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables

4. Wash and chop your leafy greens (spinach or any preferred greens), and set them aside. Dice the onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes finely.

Step 5: Make the Peanut Sauce

5. Heat the palm oil (or cooking oil) in a large pot. Add the diced onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent.
6. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil begins to separate from the tomato mixture.
7. Add your ground peanut paste to the pot and mix well. Gradually pour in water or vegetable broth to achieve your preferred consistency. Some like their Abom thicker, while others prefer it a bit thinner.
8. Season with salt, pepper, and ground crayfish (if you’re using it). Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Step 6: Add the Greens and Meat

9. Now, add the chopped leafy greens to the pot. If you’ve prepared meat, this is the time to add it as well. Allow everything to simmer together until the greens are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

10. Your homemade Abom is now ready to be savored. Traditionally, it’s served with a side of fufu or rice, but you can enjoy it with your favorite starch or simply on its own.

So there you have it, a step-by-step guide to crafting a delicious bowl of Ghanaian Abom right in your kitchen. Embrace the rich, nutty flavors and share this delightful taste of Ghana with your loved ones. Happy cooking!