Marinated Broccolini with Suya Spice from Ghana

In this Ghanian-inspired side dish, broccolini is marinated in a flavourful suya spice blend then roasted till tender and topped with crushed peanuts and caramelized onion.

Ghana Vegetarian Recipes

Country Number 67: Ghana

You learn something new every day. Today I learnt that the Gold Coast is not just the name of Australia’s gaudiest hot spot, but also the former name of Ghana. Situated on the West African coastline, the country was called the Gold Coast due to its rich mineral resources. Inevitably, these resources meant that it was the first place in sub-Saharan Africa that Europeans arrived to trade. First, in gold, then, in slaves. However, the country made its comeback, and also became the first black African country south of the Sahara to achieve independence from this colonial rule.

History of Ghanaian Cuisine

Ghanian cuisine is a real reflection of the local culture and history of the country. A traditional meal varies across the country, with every tribe, village and region bringing their own unique dishes to the table. A lot of what is eaten is determined by what crops are grown in the region. In the south, cassava and plantain are the two main staple foods. In the north, millet and sorghum are more commonly eaten. Yam, maize, and beans are used fairly universally. Most meals across the country feature some kind of starch served with a soup, stew or sauce.

Popular Ghanaian Vegetarian Dishes

  • Waakye– A medley of beans and rice which is served as a main dish with sides such as plantains, garri or spaghetti.
  • Red-red– Cowpea beans that are boiled to make a broth that is served with palm oil and fried plantains.
  • Tuo zaafi– Cooked corn dough and cassava that is made with rare herbs and often accompanies soup.
  • Kelewele– Often sold as a snack, it is made of soft plantains are soaked in peppers, ginger and garlic then is fried.
  • Omo tuo– Balls of rice that are served with variety of soups
  • Suya– A ghanian spice blend that is used as a marinate for grilled meats and vegetables

Vegetarian rating of Ghanaian Cuisine:

Ghana Vegetarian Recipes

Making Marinated Broccolini with Suya Spice

Choosing a recipe for Ghana was a bit tricky. Out of all the traditional Ghanian vegetarian dishes, we’d either made something similar for another African nation or the dish didn’t sound overly appealing. Just as I was beginning to give up hope, I came across the blog of a well-known British chef, Zoe Adjonyoh. Zoe’s goal has been to start an African food revolution and introduce African (and specifically, Ghanian) cuisine to the masses. Her food looked a cut above the other Ghanian recipes I had come across online. I decided to use a recipe for broccolini marinated in suya spice (a traditional West African spice blend) as the basis of our Ghanian dish.

For the sake of this blog’s transparency, I have to let you know that I really stuffed this dish up when I made it. For such a simple recipe, I am impressed I managed to make such an epic fail of it. I accidently poured way too much of the suya spice blend into the marinade for the broccoli, and it completely overpowered the whole dish. It wasn’t good guys. Please don’t let this put you off. I promise the recipe below includes the correct quantities of suya spice blend. If you follow it, your broccolini will not be overpowered with spice as mine was. We live and we learn with all our kitchen fails and wins.

How to make Marinated Broccolini with Suya Spice

This broccolini dish is super easy to prepare and only takes 20 minutes to cook, however for best results, leave at least an hour (or overnight) for the marinade.

  1. In a food processor, blend together all ingredients for the marinade until smooth paste has formed.
  2. Place broccolini in oven-safe dish and pour over marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.  Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour.
  3. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 180˚C (360˚F).
  4. Take broccolini dish out of the fridge, top with sliced garlic and peanuts, then place into oven and cook for 20 minutes or until tender.
  5. Serve immediately.
Broccolini with Suya Sauce | Ghana Vegetarian Recipes

Ingredient notes for marinated broccolini with suya spice

  • Broccolini- Broccolini (sometimes called tender stem broccoli) works particularly well for this dish, but broccoli would also work. You can also try this spiced marinade on tofu or any vegetable of your choosing!
Ghana Vegetarian Recipes

Serving suggestions for marinated broccolini with suya spice

This dish would work nicely with our vegan moambe chicken or peanut butter vegetable stew and a side of spicy tomato rice.

Did you make this marinated broccolini with suya spice recipe? We’d love to know! Tell us how it went in the comments below or tag us (@gourmetvegetarians) in your photos on Instagram.

Other African dishes to try:

Liked this marinated broccolini with suya spice recipe? Pin it for later!

How to make this broccolini recipe marinated in suya sauce, inspired by Ghana

READ NEXT:

Pönnukökur: Icelandic Pancakes Recipe

Pönnukökur: Icelandic Pancakes Recipe

Pönnukökur, or Icelandic pancakes, are thin, crepe-like pancakes filled with thick, creamy skyr yogurt and topped with fresh berries. You need to try this healthy & delicious breakfast from Iceland! Almost every country in the world seems to have a version of...

read more
Pistachio Overnight Oats

Pistachio Overnight Oats

These pistachio overnight oats are the ultimate healthy breakfast for pistachio lovers. Overnight oats are topped with vegan pistachio cream and finished with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. If you love pistachio as much as I do, you are going to LOVE these...

read more
Whole Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

Whole Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Recipe

This whole roasted cauliflower cheese recipe makes the ultimate vegetarian centrepiece. Cauliflower is baked to crisp perfection before being drowned in the most delectable cheesy sauce. Cauliflower cheese is easily one of the most comforting foods in the world....

read more

READ NEXT:

The Ultimate Snowboarding Packing List

The Ultimate Snowboarding Packing List

Planning a snowboard trip? This packing list for snowboarding will take you through all the gear and equipment you need for your time on the slopes! If there is one trip you do NOT want to be unprepared for, it's a snowboard trip. There is nothing worst than getting...

read more
18 Best Instagram Spots + Views in Porto

18 Best Instagram Spots + Views in Porto

From stunning Azulejo tile street art to the best views for sunset- here are 18 hidden gems in Porto that make the ultimate Instagram spots! Located at the end of the Douro River, Porto has got to be the most photogenic city in Portugal. The unique hilly terrain on...

read more
Pönnukökur: Icelandic Pancakes Recipe

Pönnukökur: Icelandic Pancakes Recipe

Pönnukökur, or Icelandic pancakes, are thin, crepe-like pancakes filled with thick, creamy skyr yogurt and topped with fresh berries. You need to try this healthy & delicious breakfast from Iceland! Almost every country in the world seems to have a version of...

read more