A rich Ghanaian-style stew made with cocoyam leaves, tomatoes, peppers and groundnut paste. Naturally vegan and deeply comforting.

Kontomire stew is a Ghanaian favourite traditionally prepared with cocoyam leaves. This plant-based version keeps the rich, earthy character of the dish while using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 4–5 cups fresh kontomire (cocoyam leaves), washed and chopped
• ½–1 cup dried mushrooms (shiitake, oyster or mixed)
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
• 2–3 fresh chillies, or to taste
• ½ cup red palm oil
• 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas
• ½–1 cup mushroom soaking water
• Salt to taste
• 1 vegetable stock cube, optional
• Method

Method

1. Rehydrate the mushrooms
   • Rinse the dried mushrooms and soak them in warm water for 20–30 minutes until soft. Drain, slice and reserve the soaking water.
2. Prepare the kontomire
   • 
     Wash the leaves thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Steam or blanch for 2–3 minutes, then set aside.
3. Prepare the tomato mixture
   • Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger and chillies until smooth.
4. Cook the stew base
   • 
     Heat the red palm oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the blended tomato mixture and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to rise to the surface.
5. Add the mushrooms
   • Stir in the chopped kontomire. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are tender.
6. Add the kontomire
   • 
     Stir in the chopped kontomire. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are tender.
7. Add the beans
   • 
     Stir in the cooked black-eyed peas. Season with salt and, if desired, a vegetable stock cube. Allow everything to simmer for another 5–10 minutes until the stew is rich and well combined.

What to Serve With

Kontomire stew can be enjoyed with:

• Boiled yam
• Boiled plantain
• Boiled cocoyam
• Rice
• Waakye
• Fried plantain
• Gari (Eba)
• Banku or kenkey

VAN Food Note:

Dried mushrooms are a great way to add depth and umami to plant-based stews without relying on meat or animal products. Combined with kontomire and black-eyed peas, this version turns a Ghanaian favourite into a hearty, entirely plant-based meal.