Spring rolls

Spring rolls are not traditionally part of Ghanaian cuisine, but you can certainly create a Ghanaian-inspired version by incorporating some local flavours. Here’s a recipe for Ghanaian-style spring rolls:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

1. 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or beef
2. 1 cup cooked and mashed yam or plantains
3. 1/2 cup diced onions
4. 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (use a mix of red and green for colour)
5. 1/2 cup diced carrots
6. 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
8. 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
9. 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
10. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
11. 1 teaspoon curry powder
12. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
13. Salt to taste
14. Spring roll wrappers (available in many grocery stores)
15. Vegetable oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

1. 1/4 cup soy sauce
2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
3. 1 tablespoon honey
4. 1 teaspoon grated ginger
5. 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
6. 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the diced carrots, bell peppers, and cabbage. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Stir in the shredded chicken or beef, mashed yam or plantains, cayenne pepper, black pepper, curry powder, and salt. Cook and stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.
4. Take one spring roll wrapper and place it in a diamond shape with one point facing you. Add a spoonful of the filling in the centre of the wrapper.
5. Fold the bottom point of the wrapper up and over the filling. Then, fold in the two side points, and roll it up tightly, sealing the top point with a bit of water to ensure it sticks together.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining wrappers and filling.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or a fryer to 350°F (180°C). Carefully place the spring rolls into the hot oil and fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Remove the spring rolls from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
9. In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the dipping sauce: soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chilli flakes (if desired).
10. Serve the Ghanaian-style spring rolls hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

These spring rolls are a fusion of Ghanaian and Asian flavours, combining the familiar concept of spring rolls with the unique tastes of Ghana. Enjoy your delicious homemade Ghanaian-inspired spring rolls!