Hello Friends!!
Happy (soon to be) Juneteenth!! What better way to celebrate a beautiful holiday like Juneteenth than by making this delicious dish! Perhaps even for your Family and Friends!
For those that are new to me, hello! By day I work in healthcare, and my side passion is food as medicine! From time to time I volunteer in a community teaching kitchen as an Instructor teaching folks the Oldways of cultural eating and traditions that helped me become more healthy. It’s such a fun passion that I love greatly.
I knew I would be teaching this recipe for an upcoming class, and needed to practice at home a couple weeks back. The true test kitchen is in my home, where my family becomes the test subjects for many recipes that go right, but often go wrong 😆.
I didn’t think my family would go for this dish but boy was I wrong, the pot was clean! 😳
I barely had enough to freeze for a future lunch (which is how I handle leftovers, more in a future post).
The 2030 Healthy People Plan (Office of Prevention) calls us to increase eating beans!
Yet, less than 8% of adults do!?!?!
The American Diabetes Association calls beans a “Superfood”.
Let’s Have More Beans 🫘 Folks….
Why Do We Celebrate Juneteenth?
Two Cheers for Freedom!
-Not yet- Hamilton……
While the Emancipation Proclamation legally freed enslaved people on January 1, 1863, it was largely unenforceable in Confederate states without Union military presence. Texas, being the most remote of the Confederate states, was an isolated holdout where slavery continued long after the Civil War ended
On June 19, 1865, Union Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas, and read General Order No. 3, officially proclaiming the freedom of over 250,000 enslaved people in the state.
Our family celebrates and remembers this day because it must know what true “completion” is. Rights can be rolled back, laws can be eliminated, and vigilance is critical.
In the words of the Great Frederick Douglass
“If there is no struggle there is no progress”
Why Do we Choose Red Foods?
Across generations, red has served as a poignant symbol of the blood shed by millions of enslaved people during their capture, the transatlantic slave trade, and their fight for freedom.
Resilience & Survival: Red foods also represent strength, perseverance, and the ingenuity of enslaved people who adapted their cultural traditions to the Americas.
🫘 Ghanian Red Red
Black-eyed peas are indigenous to West Africa and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Historically, Red Red served as a high-protein, affordable staple eaten across different social classes.
Through the transatlantic slave trade, the combination of black-eyed peas, and rice traveled to the Americas, laying the groundwork for Diaspora staples like Hoppin’ John and various Southern bean stew.
Ghanaian Red Red is one of Ghana’s most beloved comfort foods, rooted in the culinary traditions of the Ga-Dangme people and enjoyed throughout the country today.
The name “Red Red” comes from its striking color, the rich coconut oil used to cook the beans. Historically, Red Red reflects the agricultural abundance of West Africa, where black-eyed peas, and plantains have been staple foods for generations.
It became popular because it was affordable, filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare. The combination of protein-rich beans and energy-providing plantains made it a practical meal for families, students, and workers alike.
From a food-as-medicine perspective, Red Red is a beautiful example of traditional African cuisine. Black-eyed peas provide fiber, protein, folate, and minerals. Served with Carolina Gold Rice, the dish creates a satisfying balance of flavor, nourishment, and cultural heritage
A Bit about the Chef Who Created This Dish 👩🏾🍳
This recipe was created byRegistered Dietician Brianne Brathewaite. She provides nutrition counseling and support. Feel free to check her out here.
https://eatforsuccess.com/the-team
You can find this specific recipe on the Oldways Website Here 👇🏾
🥄 Ghanaian Red Red Recipe
Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (15-ounce) can of no-salt-added diced tomatoes Diced
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can of no-salt-added black-eyed peas
1-inch fresh ginger, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 chili peppers (or poblano), seeds removed and finely chopped
salt to taste
Directions:
Warm a skillet over medium heat.
Add the coconut oil and swirl the pan to coat, then add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized (about 10 minutes).
Stir in the tomato paste, then add the tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and their liquid reduces (about 5 -10 minutes).
Add the vegetable broth, black-eyed peas, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers, and simmer for 30 minutes on low heat.
Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
Happy Eating!
J
📣 Morning Announcements
At Whispers, our goal has always been to create meaningful opportunities for growth, connection, and reflection—and we would love for you to be a part of what’s next.
📘 Love to read? Start by checking out 7 Whispers from My Heart to Yours, a collection of reflections, encouragement, and lessons designed to help you navigate life’s journey with intention and purpose. Whether you’re reading alone or with a friend, we hope the book inspires meaningful conversations and personal growth
💙 Looking for community? Stay connected by subscribing to Whispers. We are excited to soon launch an exclusive GroupMe community where subscribers will receive special content, encouragement, behind-the-scenes updates, and opportunities to connect with like-minded women who are committed to growing together.
🕊️Ready for a deeper experience? We have only a few spots remaining for the Lead with Conviction Women’s Conference. This intimate gathering has been intentionally designed to provide the respite, rejuvenation, and retreat so many women need during these demanding times. Through powerful speakers, meaningful connections, nourishing meals, and opportunities for reflection, we believe this experience will leave you renewed, encouraged, and equipped to lead with greater purpose and conviction.
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/leadwithconvictionwomensconference
We hope you’ll join us in one—or all—of these opportunities.