akotonshi recipe

akotonshi recipe

Akotonshi recipe

Akotonshi is a traditional Ghanaian stuffed crab dish. It’s a popular and likely old dish, often enjoyed during celebrations. The name might have roots in the Ga tribe of Ghana. It uses local ingredients like crab, tomatoes, and spices.

  • Seafood:
    • Cooked crab meat (about 1-2 lbs, or use whole crabs)
    • Dried shrimp (optional, about 1 tbsp)
  • Produce:
    • Fresh ginger (1 inch piece, or 1 tsp ground)
    • Green bell peppers (1-2, finely chopped)
    • Onion (small, finely chopped)
    • Tomatoes (2, finely chopped)
    • African bird peppers or hot Thai peppers (to taste, mashed to a paste)
    • Parsley (for garnish)
  • Canned Goods:
    • Tomato paste (1 tbsp)
  • Spices:
    • Grains of paradise (about 3/4 tsp, ground to a powder)
    • Cloves (4)
    • Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp)
    • Paprika (a pinch)
    • Ground cumin (1/4 tsp)
    • Dried thyme leaves (1/2 tsp)
    • Salt (to taste)
  • Oils & Vinegars:
    • Cooking oil (4 tbsp)
  • Bread & Baked Goods:
    • Plain breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
  • Other:
    • Water (1/2 cup)
    • Hard-boiled egg (optional, finely chopped for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the ginger water: In a small pot, bring the water, 1-inch piece of ginger, and cloves to a boil. Remove from heat and let it cool. Discard the cloves and remove the ginger piece.
  2. Prepare the crab meat: Mix the cooked crab meat with about 1/4 cup of the ginger-infused water. Drain and flake the meat, setting it aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a pot. Add the onions and sauté until softened. Add the ground ginger and cook for a minute.
  4. Add tomatoes and paste: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes break down.
  5. Add peppers and spices: Add the chopped green bell peppers, cumin, nutmeg, thyme, grains of paradise, paprika, mashed hot pepper, and dried shrimp (if using). Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Simmer the mixture: Reduce the heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables are cooked.
  7. Combine with crab: Add the crab meat to the pot and stir for a couple of minutes to heat through.
  8. Stuff and bake: Spoon the crab mixture into clean crab shells (if using whole crabs) or individual ramekins. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs.
  9. Broil: Place the stuffed crab under a preheated broiler on low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Garnish and serve: Carefully remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and chopped hard-boiled egg (if using). Serve hot.

Notes:

  • You can adjust the amount of chili pepper to your spice preference.
  • Some recipes suggest using a base of Jollof stew for the crab mixture.
  • If you don’t have grains of paradise, you might experiment with other warm spices like a pinch more nutmeg or allspice.

Enjoy your Akotonshi!