Gari Foto Recipe

Dish recipes: Gari Foto

Gari Foto is a flavorful and quick Ghanaian dish made from gari (processed cassava grains) combined with a rich tomato sauce. Popular as a comfort food or a quick meal, Gari Foto is both easy to prepare and delicious. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a taste of Ghanaian culture in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 cup gari (0.5 lb / 0.23 kg)

1 lb (0.45 kg) fresh tomatoes, blended or chopped

0.5 lb (0.23 kg) onions, finely chopped

0.25 lb (0.11 kg) smoked fish or shrimp (optional)

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon ground garlic

1 teaspoon ginger powder

1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

1 teaspoon salt

0.5 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnishing:

2 boiled eggs, peeled and sliced

Fresh parsley or green onions (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and chili powder, cooking for an additional minute. Add the tomato paste and blend it into the onions. Pour in the blended fresh tomatoes, stir well, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. If using smoked fish or shrimp, add them to the sauce, and season with salt and black pepper. Allow to cook for another 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Gari While the sauce simmers, place the gari in a large mixing bowl. Add a small amount of warm water (about 0.5 cups or 120 ml), mixing gently until the gari absorbs the water and becomes fluffy. Be careful not to over-soak it.

Step 3: Combine the Gari and Sauce Reduce the heat of the sauce to low. Gradually add the fluffy gari into the tomato sauce, mixing thoroughly to ensure it’s well combined. Adjust the seasoning if needed and allow to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Transfer the Gari Foto to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced boiled eggs and fresh parsley or green onions.

Serving: Serve Gari Foto hot or at room temperature. It’s a complete meal on its own but pairs well with a side of fried plantains or a refreshing salad.

Gari Foto is a simple yet delightful dish that showcases the flavors of Ghanaian cuisine. Its combination of savory tomato sauce and fluffy gari is both satisfying and wholesome. Try this recipe for a quick and comforting meal that brings a taste of Ghana to your table.