Food is unquestionably one of the most important parts of culture as it represents a way of life.
It goes beyond just how something tastes or is consumed; it also considers what the meal means and how it affects those who consume it.
Eliminate Etor from many celebrations, and you’ll notice that there is a vacuum or a missing component.
The Akan and Ga people refer to this dish as “etor” or “otor,” which is made from palm oil and other ingredients combined with mashed plantains or yams.
Both children and adults love this highly healthy dinner.
It is served with groundnuts, hard-boiled eggs, and occasionally pear or avocado.
It is crushed in a native bowl known to the Asante and Ga peoples as an ayewa or Asanka, accordingly.
They are very important in Ghanaian traditional ceremonies such naming ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, festivals, and puberty rites.
Many Ghanaian communities regard etor/otor as a sacred dish.
For instance, etor/otor is offered to the gods in Ghana at several festivals as a form of gratitude and pacification.
Etor is also administered to brides on their wedding day because it is thought that it discourages frequent bathroom visits.
Ingredients for etor Preparations
o 4 fingers of plantain: 2 unripe. 2 medium ripe
o Salted fish (momone)
o 5 tablespoon palm oil
o 2 large onions (one chopped and one thinly sliced)
o 4 pieces of pepper
o 4 eggs o Avocado
o Groundnut paste
o Roasted groundnut method
o Put plantains on fire and add pepper and eggs
o Cook for about 30 mins
o Grind boiled pepper with chopped onions and add salted fish
o Set aside and start mashing plantain in an asanka with palm oil
o Add ground pepper to mashed plantain
o Add groundnut paste/peanut butter to the mashed plantain
o Add salt to taste
o Garnish with eggs, avocado, and roasted groundnut
Hard-boiled eggs, groundnuts, and avocado are typically served with otor/etor in an asanka.
You can go above and beyond by adding some smoked fish, salted fish, and some palm oil that has been sautéed with onions (momone).
Although it can be consumed on a plate, every fan of etor will tell you that they prefer it in an asanka or ayewa.
Among the Ga communities, yam-based etor is more common, but plantain-based etor is more common in Asante groups.
Etor provides a lot of nutritional advantages, for instance, the plantains or yams used in making it are sources of carbohydrates, the body’s primary fuel.
Carbohydrates contain fiber, which helps with digestion, makes you feel full after eating, and lowers blood cholesterol levels.
On your list of Ghanaian meals to try, etor is undoubtedly the ideal cultural and nutritious dish.