Gari Fortor (Ghanaian Gari Jollof)

Gari Fortor is a Ghanaian dish made by steaming gari (granulated cassava) in a rich tomato sauce. It’s quick, filling, and often served with fried fish, eggs, or avocado.

Ingredients

1. 2 cups gari
2. ½ cup palm oil (or vegetable oil)
3. 3 medium fresh tomatoes, blended (or 1 cup canned tomato puree)
4. 1 medium onion, chopped
5. 1–2 fresh peppers – blended
6. 1–2 tablespoons tomato paste
7. 1 cup water or light stock
8. 1 cup smoked fish, sardines, corned beef, or fried fish (optional)
9. 1 seasoning cube (optional)
10. Salt to taste
11. Optional add-ins: scrambled eggs, sliced avocado, fried plantain.

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, heat the palm oil over medium heat for about 1–2 minutes (do not overheat to avoid bitterness).
2. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in the blended tomatoes, pepper, and tomato paste (if using). Cook for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil begins to rise to the top.
4. Add seasoning cube and salt to taste. If using fish, sardines, or corned beef, stir them in at this stage.
5. Pour in about 1 cup of water or stock and bring to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the gari while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. The mixture should be moist but not soggy.
7. Cover and allow to steam on very low heat for 3–5 minutes. Stir again to ensure even texture. Adjust with a little warm water if too dry.
8. Garnish with fried fish, scrambled eggs, avocado slices, or fried plantain.

Source: Omanghana.com