Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1215 · Red Red

Red Red, and where to source it

Red Red — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Red Red Ghanaian 5best2buy.com

Bloom the palm oil with onion and tomato over steady heat until it turns a clear deep red before the beans go back in, which is where the dish gets both its name and its rounded flavor.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min plus overnight soak
Cook50 min
MakesServes 4
CuisineGhanaian
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
black-eyed peas
2 cups
400 g
red palm oil
1/3 cup
80 ml
Local / market
plum tomatoes, blended
4
500 g
Local / market
red onion, diced
1
150 g
Local / market
scotch bonnet, minced
1
1
Local / market
tomato paste
2 tbsp
30 g
Local / market
ripe plantains
2
2
ginger and garlic, grated
1 tbsp each
to taste
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Soak and boil the beans until just tender, then drain, saving a little cooking water.40 min
  2. Heat the palm oil, cook the onion soft, then add the garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet.8 min
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and blended tomato and fry until the mix darkens to a deep red.15 min
  4. Fold in the beans with a splash of their water and simmer to a thick stew.10 min
  5. Fry the sliced plantain in oil until caramelized and serve alongside the beans.8 min
The Toolkit

Heavy pot · Frying pan · Blender

Straight Answers
Can you make Red Red in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Red Red? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Red Red ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Red Red gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Red Red vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1215