Omu Tuo is a Ghanaian delicacy that is usually prepared with rice. But one thing that makes it unique from any other regular rice dish is its preparation process. Typically, the rice is prepared until it’s soft and then pounded to form sticky balls. When pounded, you may mistake them for Ugali.
The dish goes well with soups like peanut stew, groundnut soup, or palm nut soup. Although Omu Tuo is common among the Hausa people, it has spread to other parts of Ghana and beyond.
Today, we will walk you through the recipe and all that you need to prepare yours. But before then, let us have an overview of Ghanaian culture.
Ghana Culture
Ghana is home to over 100 ethnic groups with the Akans, Ewes, Gas, and Moshi-Dagbanis being the largest tribes. Just like its ethnic groups, its culture is very diverse. Though some groups may share some cultural practices, each tribe has its practices, which sets them apart from others.
Maintaining honor, dignity, and a good reputation is crucial to the Ghanaians. The society maintains harmony regardless of their cultural and religious differences which makes their culture one.
Society treats people according to their age, position, wealth, and experience. Elderly people are accorded due respect and viewed as more wiser. Younger people go for advice from the elders and involve them in decision-making.
Dining Etiquette
Ghanaians are very welcoming and love sharing. During meals, dining etiquette is followed to the letter. When invited to a Ghanaian home, you are expected to leave your shoes outside. Getting yourself a seat or choosing where to sit is a sign of disrespect to the hosts. Always be patient and wait for the host to usher you in and show you where to sit.
Food is usually served in a communal bowl, and you are only allowed to begin eating from the front part. Before serving the meal, a basin of water is brought for everyone to wash their hands. After washing hands, you should wait until the male elders start enjoying their food.
[bctt tweet=”In Ghana, you are not allowed to sit until you are shown where to sit”]
Now, let’s switch our focus to our Omu Tou recipe.
Recipe
Serves: 2
Dish: side dish
Cuisine: Ghana
Ingredients
A cup of white long-rice
2 cups of water
½ teaspoon of salt
2 tbs butter
Procedure
- Wash and rinse the rice to remove excess starch. The step is optional since the starch is required to improve the stickiness of the rice.
- Add water in a cooking pot and bring it to boil. Add butter and salt and cook it until the rice is soft. To achieve this, you need to lower the temperature of your heat-source to ensure the rice slowly boils until all the water is absorbed.
- Use a wooden spoon to pound the rice. Turn the rice to one side of the pot then to the other. Do this repeatedly until the rice is mushy.
- Serve by putting in a wet bowl and swirling until the bowl is formed.
- Serve with peanut soup stew or any soup of your choice
Note: To enjoy the meal, you need to ensure that the ratio of water, salt is perfect. You can also incorporate your favorite spices to enhance the taste.
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