Rich and flavorful Ghanaian-style clam stew is a coastal delicacy that captures the essence of West African cuisine.
It’s traditionally made with fresh clams, tomatoes, and a spicy blend of peppers and aromatic spices, resulting in a deeply savory and satisfying stew.
It’s often served with steamed rice, boiled yam, or kenkey, making it a versatile dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient
Amount per Serving (~350g)
Calories
380 kcal
Carbohydrates
16 g
Protein
29 g
Fat
23 g
Saturated Fat
7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3 g
Monounsaturated Fat
9 g
Trans Fat
0 g
Cholesterol
85 mg
Sodium
790 mg
Potassium
650 mg
Fiber
3 g
Sugar
7 g
Vitamin A
1200 IU
Vitamin C
35 mg
Calcium
90 mg
Iron
14 mg
Ghanaian-Style Clam Stew
Equipment
- Large saucepan or stew pot
- Blender or food processor
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Bowl for cleaning clams
- Sieve or colander
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh clams (cleaned and scrubbed)
- 3 large tomatoes
- 1 large onion (divided: half sliced, half blended)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup palm oil (or vegetable oil as an alternative)
- 1 tbsp powdered crayfish (optional, for added umami)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground garlic
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 seasoning cubes (like Maggi or Knorr)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Clean the ClamsRinse clams in cold water. Discard any that are cracked or do not close when tapped.Soak in salted water for 20 minutes to remove sand. Rinse thoroughly and drain.
- Blend the BaseBlend tomatoes, half the onion, red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet peppers into a smooth mixture. Set aside.
- Sauté the AromaticsIn a large saucepan, heat palm oil over medium heat.Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add Tomato PasteStir in tomato paste and fry for 2–3 minutes until it darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
- Incorporate the Blended MixturePour in the blended tomato-pepper mix.Cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces.
- Season the StewAdd ginger, garlic, paprika, crayfish powder (if using), seasoning cubes, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Add the ClamsAdd cleaned clams directly into the stew. Stir and cover.Let them steam and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until they open. Discard any unopened clams.
- Simmer to Finish and Serve HotTaste and adjust seasoning if needed.Simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil if desired.Serve hot with rice, boiled yam, or kenkey.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Palm Oil: Gives the dish authentic Ghanaian flavor; use vegetable oil for a lighter version.
- Clam Freshness: Always use fresh clams if possible. Frozen clams should be thawed and rinsed thoroughly.
- Spice Control: Reduce or substitute scotch bonnet with milder peppers like habanero or chili flakes.
Alternative Ingredients for Ghanaian Clam Stew
In such cases, a few solid substitutes can maintain the stew’s seafood essence:
- Canned clams offer convenience and decent flavor; just drain before use.
- Frozen mussels or cockles can replace fresh clams, providing a similar briny depth. Thaw and rinse thoroughly to remove residual ice or brine.
A practical guide to clam sizes can help when adjusting quantities; smaller clams cook faster, while larger ones need extra simmer time to tenderize fully.
Scotch bonnet peppers can overpower delicate palates. Milder options include:
- Habanero peppers, which mimic the fruity heat with a slightly gentler punch.
- Chili flakes, allowing for incremental control over spice levels.
Palm oil gives the stew its bold color and earthy undertone. Substitutions include:
- Annatto-infused vegetable oil, for a similar hue.
- Neutral vegetable oil plus smoked paprika, adding depth and smokiness.
When crayfish powder is unavailable, a splash of fish sauce or a teaspoon of anchovy paste can offer that same umami lift without altering the overall profile too much.
These swaps help adjust to ingredient availability while keeping the stew’s core identity intact.
Serving Ideas for Ghanaian Clam Stew
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Ghanaian clam stew pairs seamlessly with both familiar staples and lighter, contemporary additions. Its versatility makes it suitable for various settings, from traditional meals to more modern plating.
Traditional starches remain the most commonly served options:
Steamed white rice absorbs the tomato-based stew effectively, balancing out the heat with a neutral backdrop.
Boiled yam, either in soft white or slightly sweet yellow form, provides a starchy element that contrasts well with the seafood flavors. The texture complements the clams without overwhelming the dish.
Coastal-inspired plating brings a more regional focus:
Kenkey and banku, fermented corn-based sides, introduce a mild tang and chewy texture that harmonize well with the stew’s bold seasoning. These pairings are especially favored in coastal Ghana, where clam stew holds local importance.
For lighter fare or updated servings, try:
- Warm couscous or quinoa, which bring a grainy, nutty base that supports the stew while adding nutritional value.
- Crusty bread, such as a toasted baguette or rustic sourdough, allows diners to scoop up the stew in a more casual presentation, ideal for quick meals or tapas-style gatherings.
Finishing touches add brightness and contrast:
- Chopped parsley or basil provides a fresh, aromatic lift to the final plate.
- Lime juice, freshly squeezed just before serving, cuts through the stew’s warmth and adds acidity for balance.
No single accompaniment overshadows the stew’s bold identity. Each option simply creates space for different textures, flavors, and occasions.
The Bottom Line
@tatianahaina3 This is Clams stew . Clams are found mostly in Ada , in the greater Accra region but in Volta region it is one of their favorite dishes. I had this in Battor , a town in the Volta region closer to Sege (greater Accra region ) #westafricanfood #ghanafood #ghanatiktok #explore #exp #explorepage #accraghana🇬🇭 #exp #togo #food #africanmarket #market #voltaregion ##tatianahaina #foodiegirlgh #clam #clams #fish #seafood #ada ♬ original sound – Tatiana Haina
Ghanaian clam stew is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of West Africa right to your kitchen.
With its flexible ingredient list and multiple serving options, it’s a recipe that can easily be adapted to your taste and pantry availability.
Don’t hesitate to make it your own, try different seafood, adjust the spice level, or pair it with your favorite starch. The beauty of this dish lies in its bold flavors and cultural roots, making every spoonful a celebration of Ghanaian culinary tradition.
