Wasa Wasa Recipe β A Delicious Yam Flour Delight
Wasa Wasa is a hearty, flavorful dish from West Africa, especially enjoyed in countries like Ghana. This recipe uses simple ingredients and is traditionally steamed to create a satisfying and textured meal. Often served with spicy shito (a Ghanaian chili paste) and accompanied by various side dishes such as beans, vegetables, or protein choices, Wasa Wasa is a versatile, comforting dish that brings family and friends together around the table. The slight bitterness of yam flour is neutralized during preparation, leaving you with a rich, tender dish that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yam Flour (sieved) | 2 cups |
| Water | 1/3 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Cooking Oil (any type) | 3 teaspoons |
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Yam Flour Mixture
Start by bringing a pot of water to a gentle boil on medium heat. Youβll need this water to steam the yam flour mixture later.
While the water heats, sieve your yam flour to eliminate any unwanted debris. This step is especially important if your flour was milled in a public mill, as particles from groundnuts, corn, or other grains may be present.
Once the flour is sieved, transfer it into a large mixing bowl. Gradually add the water, mixing continuously in a circular motion to ensure the flour absorbs the water evenly. The goal here is to form small granules, similar to couscous, but be careful not to add too much water. If the mixture becomes too wet, simply add more flour to adjust.
Be patient during this step as it may take up to 10 minutes to achieve the desired texture. For quicker results, you can gently shake the bowl as you mix. Once the mixture has reached the right consistency, youβre ready to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Steaming the Mixture
Place the second part of your steamer over the pot of boiling water, ensuring itβs ready to hold the yam flour mixture. Carefully pour the flour mixture into the steamer, then cover it. Let it steam for 15 minutes, stirring gently after 10 minutes to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Rinsing the Mixture
After steaming for 15 minutes, remove the mixture from the heat and rinse it under cold water. This step helps to remove any remaining impurities and reduces the bitterness that yam flour can sometimes have. Rinsing also helps break up any clumps that may have formed during the steaming process. Depending on the flourβs texture, you may need to rinse it twice to ensure itβs completely clean and smooth.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once rinsed, let the mixture drain for a few minutes to remove excess water. Add 3 teaspoons of your chosen cooking oil and salt to taste, mixing well to incorporate everything evenly.
Step 5: Steaming Again
Return the mixture to the steamer and place it back over the boiling water. To ensure the steam remains trapped, cover the pot with a clean kitchen cloth or parchment paper before covering the steamer. Let it steam for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and fully cooked.
Step 6: Serving
Your Wasa Wasa is now ready! Carefully remove it from the heat, transfer it to a serving dish, and serve with your favorite accompaniments such as spicy shito (chili paste), cooked black-eyed beans, chopped lettuce, onions, spaghetti, or any protein of your choice, like grilled fish, chicken, or beef.
Allergen Information:
- Contains: This recipe contains yam flour, which is gluten-free, making it a suitable option for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
- May Contain Traces Of: If the flour is processed in a facility that handles other grains or nuts, there may be traces of those allergens.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian, making it a perfect choice for those following a plant-based diet.
- Gluten-Free: Since the main ingredient is yam flour, it is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Dairy-Free: This dish contains no dairy products, making it safe for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
Tips & Advice:
- Texture Consistency: Achieving the perfect texture for Wasa Wasa can take some practice. If you find the flour mixture is too wet or dry, adjust by either adding more flour or water until you get the desired couscous-like texture.
- Steam Carefully: Be sure not to overcrowd your steamer when cooking the yam flour mixture. If you have too much in one go, it could result in uneven cooking, so consider doing it in smaller batches.
- Serving Suggestions: While shito is a classic accompaniment, you can also serve Wasa Wasa with a variety of sides like fried plantains, avocado, or even stews. It’s a great dish to pair with meats or a vegetarian protein like beans or lentils.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add a little garlic, ginger, or even a sprinkle of ground pepper for extra flavor.
Conclusion:
Wasa Wasa is a wonderfully versatile and satisfying dish, perfect for any meal of the day. Its simple ingredients and preparation method make it an easy choice for beginners, while its rich texture and flavor offer an authentic taste of West African cuisine. Whether served with spicy shito or alongside beans and protein, itβs a dish that can be tailored to your personal taste. Enjoy this hearty, comforting dish with family and friends for a truly delightful experience!
