Monday 24 May 2021

Ghanaian Chocolate Popsicle Recipe/ Abele Walls/ Tso Ice Cream


If one has to talk about their childhood and Ghanaian food memories the classic Ghanaian Popsicle/Lollipop or Custard Ice Cream locally known as 'Abele Walls' or 'Tso Ice Cream' must be acknowledged. 

Please note; The Custard used in this recipe doesn't include Eggs 

Deliberately leaving a portion of your hot Chocolate in your mug, inserting it with the local chewing stick (Miswak) one will freeze it for when they returned from school to enjoy.
The local name for the Ghanaian Lollipop is Abele Walls or Tso (stick) Ice cream which is in the Ga language from Accra, Ghana. 
Due to lack of detailed documented Ghanaian Food history, I’ll assume the recipe originated from the Ga’s (due to the name), however I stand corrected. Please share any history associated with Abele Walls by leaving your comments below. 



The 3 common classic flavourings were Vanilla, Chocolate and Banana, however 
in recent times Abele Walls has made a big comeback with new flavourings including crushed Oreo biscuits. 
This recipe pays homage to the classic Chocolate flavour (since Ghana produces one of the best Cocoa in the world).
Abele Walls has a rich creamy Granita texture, meaning one can be left with ice after the flavourings have been sucked out of the Popsicle or Lollipop, a technique I mastered as a child.
Depending on how the Custard Ice cream is moulded one can refer to it as a Popsicle, Lollipop or a Chocolate Granita.
When last did you enjoy Abele Walls?



INGREDIENTS

500ml of Full Fat Milk
180g of Condensed Milk
1 heaped tablespoonful of Corn Starch
4 tablespoonful of Cocoa Powder (minimum of 80% Cocoa content) 
4 tablespoonful of Milk Powder
A pinch of Salt

METHOD
Watch how to make your own Chocolate Granita at home below



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How about serving your Abele Walls with the classic Ghanaian Meat Pie


All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.


Tuesday 4 May 2021

THE PERFECT AKARA / KOOSE RECIPE (Tricks and Hacks)


Black eyed bean fritters is a popular West African snack, which is also enjoyed by Brazilians and Cubans. The dish was introduced to West Africa by the Hausa's , who predominantly live in Nigeria and some parts of West Africa, such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon etc
This is an improved recipe to achieve that crunchy outer layer and fluffy flesh. A recipe that mimics exactly what you buy from the Koose or Akara seller.

INGREDIENTS 
350g of peeled Black Eyed Beans
60ml of Water
2 large Banana Shallots
1 Habanero Chilli 

OPTIONAL
50g of Diced Bells Peppers
30g of chopped Spring Onions
1 medium sized diced Onion
Salt to taste

I have also shared 2 faster and favourite methods of how to peel your Black Eyed Beans below;

 

TIPS
The batter must have a textured consistency to achieve the famous crunchy outer layer

The batter must be beaten till its aerated or has a soufflé consistency 
This can be achieved easily by using your hand mixer or stand mixer.
Please note it took between 15-20 minutes to achieve the perfect aerated consistency using my stand mixer
Heat your oil for 5-7 minutes on a medium heat and maintain that heat till you’re done frying.
The advantage of having the aerated batter consistency means your Akara cooks perfectly and will not be soggy.
Now you can enjoy your homemade Akara or Koose recipe.
Please leave comments with your questions below.

METHOD 
Watch how to prepare the perfect Akara or Koose recipe below;



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All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.

How to peel Beans faster / Ndudu by Fafa Hacks




Honestly, writing this blogpost fills me with nostalgia as I have learnt new recipes and hacks to make life in the Kitchen much easier. 

Talking about memory lanes I used to soak and peel my Black Eyed Beans individually and it took hours to complete. Time I won’t get back, however it was an experience to allow me the opportunity now to appreciate how far I’ve come.

Thank you subscribers for your appreciation and being part of this journey.

Now I’m introducing  my 2 favourite faster hacks to peeling Black Eyed Beans or any other Beans to make fritters and in this case the popular West African Koose or Akara. 

In terms of ingredients all you need is your preferred Beans and Water.

Watch how to peel any beans faster below;



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All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.