DAWADAWA (FERMENTED LOCUST BEANS) & BASIL FRIED RICE RECIPE

In recent years 'Fried Rice' has become a popular dish in Ghana and can be found in most restaurants in Ghana. Inspired by this increasing popular craving for 'fried rice', I decided to create a Ghanaian version using most Ghanaian ingredients. It is fair to describe this rice as a West African infusion as most of the ingredients are readily available and used across West Africa.  

Creating new natural flavours for my dishes  gives me joy, as I try to promote other ways of using West African ingredients. 

 The Rice has been infused with Dawadawa (fermented locust beans), African Nutmeg, Grains of Selim, Kasoa Pepper and some more. The fresh Basil  gives the Rice an aromatic flavour and compliments the Dawadawa perfectly.

Ingredients

200g of Basmati Rice or Long grain Rice 

250ml of Water

2 tablespoonful of Butter

Half a teaspoon of Salt

1 teaspoon of powdered Dawadawa

1 tablespoon of dried Rosemary 

5 Grains of Selim pods (Hwentia) or Black Cardamon

5 Cloves

3 Green chillies(Kasoa Peppers)

Method

Pour your rice into a colander and run it under a warm tap for 3-4 minutes or until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in warm water for a minimum of 15 minutes

Place a saucepan with the Butter on a medium heat for 2 minutes.

Add the Green chillies, Grains of Selim, Cinnamon and Cloves.  

Fry gently (on a medium to low heat) for 5 minutes.

Add the Dawadawa and Rosemary and mix till it is well combined. 

Add the washed rice and stir till it's well combined.

Add the water, and turn the heat up. Once the rice starts to boil, reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Cover the rice with a grease proof paper and seal it with the lid of the saucepan. 

(This traps in the steam to cook the rice perfectly). 

Cook the rice in its steam for about 20-25minutes. (Don't be tempted to lift the lid off the rice when it's steaming).

Watch the full recipe on my YouTube channel, 'Ndudu by Fafa'. 

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