In Ghana, there are many foods that are very popular. But for me, what takes the award for best dish is jollof rice. Jollof is a West African dish that can be cooked using only one pot with a tomato- and pepper-based stew. Jollof Rice is normally served with chicken, beef or salmon.
I first tried jollof rice with my host family during my first few months living in Ghana. I had heard of it before coming to Ghana in pop culture references and on social media but I had never tasted it before, and I am so glad I was introduced to it while serving in the Peace Corps in Ghana! I can't wait to try and prepare it with my family and friends back in the United States when I get back.
When I first tried it, I was shocked at how flavorful and spicy the rice was. I really enjoy spicy food so it was absolutely perfect, although I did ask my host mother to make it even spicier the next time she cooked it.
Jollof is prepared by first blending peppers, onions, garlic, ginger and tomatoes into a sauce. After blending, you cook the chicken and the salmon on the stove with the sauce -- adding canned tomato paste and more chopped tomatoes. After the meat is cooked, you take it out and place it to the side.
