Rice and Beans Waakye with Green Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Ghanaian meal of parboiled rice and beans simmered with fresh peppers and spices. This ghanaian-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs parboiled rice, black-eyed peas, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Ghanaian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a pot, combine 1 cup parboiled rice, 1 cup drained black-eyed peas, and 3 cups water, bringing to a boil then reducing heat to low, covering, and simmering for 30 minutes until tender and liquid absorbed.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add 1 large chopped onion and 1 teaspoon minced ginger, sautéing for 3 minutes until onion is translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 chopped medium tomato and 1 chopped green bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and tomato breaks down.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 teaspoon curry powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to skillet mixture, then stir in the cooked rice and beans, mixing well.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 5 more minutes to meld flavors, then serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rice and Beans Waakye with Green Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Rice and Beans Waakye with Green Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep parboiled rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rice and Beans Waakye with Green Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Rice and Beans Waakye with Green Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Rice and Beans Waakye with Green Peppers?

Ghanaian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes