If there’s one dish that defines comfort and satisfaction in Ghanaian cuisine, it’s the beloved Omo Tuo. This unique Ghanaian street and home-loved delicious delicacy, which consists of rice balls served in a salty peanut soup is particularly beloved by Ghanaians.
Join us as we take you step-by-step through the delicious Ghanaian cooking process of creating Omo Tuo from scratch in this post.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Omo Tuo, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of long-grain rice
- 1 cup of groundnuts (peanuts)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder (optional for a spicier version)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish
How To Prepare Peanut Soup
The peanut soup is the heart and soul of Omo Tuo. To create this rich and flavorful base, follow these steps:
- Start by toasting the groundnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Keep stirring them frequently to prevent burning.
- Allow the groundnuts to cool, then grind them into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili powder (if desired) to the pot and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, releasing their juices.
- Now, add the groundnut powder to the pot, along with enough water to create a thick, creamy consistency. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Making Ghanaian Omo Tuo Recipe
While the peanut soup simmers, it’s time to prepare the rice balls that will accompany it:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, removing any excess starch.
- Place the rice in a blender or food processor and pulse a few times until it becomes slightly coarse but still retains some texture.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the rice. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and easily mashed.
- Using a wooden spoon or a potato masher, mash the cooked rice until it forms a smooth, sticky consistency.
- Wet your hands with cold water to prevent the rice from sticking, then shape the rice mixture into small balls, approximately the size of a golf ball.
Serving And Enjoying Omo Tuo
To serve Omo Tuo, place a few rice balls in a bowl and ladle the hot peanut soup over them. Garnish with fresh coriander for an extra burst of freshness. The ideal accompaniments to this dish are steamed veggies or fried plantains.
The unique feeling of the rice balls is unusual and delicious due to their creamy texture and the rich, nutty flavors of the peanut soup. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will transport you to the heart of Ghana.
Ghana’s most loved home-cooked dish Omo Tuo is more than just a meal because it’s a symbol of Ghanaian comfort food and culture. You may make your version of Ghana wherever you are by following this recipe. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in the warmth and deliciousness of Omo Tuo.