Five Extras That Will Make Your Waakye Taste Super Cool

Waakye is one of the most popular meals in Ghana. If you live in Ghana and don’t know about waakye, where have you been hiding?

It’s time to come out of that cave. If you’ve been enjoying this popular dish all these years, have you been doing it right? Like millions of Ghanaians, I’ve been enjoying this meal for decades. But even I come nowhere near some people I can safely call super fans of this delicacy.

When I speak with them – or better, join them to eat – some of them go further to add some extras to their plates of waakye.

I was initially skeptical about some of these extras. But over time, I’ve warmed up to most of these extras. No matter, as these super fans swear by these added options anytime they order a plate of waakye.

Your mileage may vary on what makes a good serving of waakye, and that’s fine. But you can also garnish it with a little extra to make this enjoyable meal even more so.

There’s an art to it, and here are five extras you can consider adding to your plate of waakye if you want to take things to the next level.

A few tablespoons of shitor

Some people would choose to go with only the stew that comes with the waakye. Again, your tastes may vary, and that’s not entirely wrong. But for people who want that extra taste, a tablespoon or two of shitor could go a long way.

The flavor the shitor carries will add a different dimension to the waakye. For some, it’s a welcome alternative to the stew, assuming the stew doesn’t cut the mustard.

For those who prefer extra spicy pepper, the shitor is your answer.

Also, depending on the ingredients in the shitor, you’re giving yourself extra nutrients. For example, some people use shrimp and anchovies, and those nutrient-rich options will enrich your waakye even further.

Slices of pear/avocado

Slices of avocado can also make your waakye super dynamic. Given the many nutrients the pear fruit carries, you’re doing yourself no harm by adding a slice to your waakye.

It also adds a lot of color to the meal, helping you achieve that rainbow look you should always aim for with your meals.

A half ladle of gari

Some people believe a serving of waakye is incomplete without a small serving of gari, usually moistened with a little stew. And they have a solid point that will take a lot to dispute.

When done right, even a half ladle of gari will add variety to your meal. It will also help fill you up faster.

A serving of salad

Dieticians advise aiming for a rainbow diet on our plates. To meet that target, you can look to a healthy salad serving. But that also makes your waakye extra delicious.

Of course, your choice of vegetables may vary, given how your body reacts to some of the veggies in the mix.

But if you know your body and can get the perfect combination of vegetables to prepare the best salad, it’ll make your waakye experience all the better.

Some slices of fried plantain

Another popular option many fans of waakye swear by is a serving of fried plantain. And when I tried it, I realized they had a point.

Anywhere between six and a dozen small, finely fried plantain slices add a nice variety to the waakye.

Also, the unmistakable taste – mostly sweet – is a refreshing bite. Even better, when the plantain is spiced with ginger and onions before being fried, your taste buds will thank you.

Adding this combination to your already delicious waakye makes the meal miles better.

Are you a super fan of waakye?

Given how popular waakye is among many Ghanaians, I’d like to know how you rate it. Are you a super fan? How often do you eat waakye, and how do you like it?