Ghanaian recipes give good vibrations

BALLARAT African Association’s Benjamin Ato Sam has launched his first cookbook, Good Vibration.

Formerly running a vegetarian restaurant in Ghana, he moved to Victoria in 2008. He has always loved connecting with people of diverse backgrounds, and wanted to share his African culture, and recipes, with as many people as possible.

“When I invite people to my house and present them with a beautiful meal; a taste of Africa, they say, ‘how do we cook this? This is so yummy and something different,’” he said.

“In 2017, I went back home to do a bit of research. I came back and said to myself, I’m going to write a cookbook, so that I could share with everyone.”

Mr Sam hopes the Ghanaian recipes can be an outlet for foodies needing to de-stress in the COVID climate of 2020, while they’re spending more time at home.

“This is my way of helping. I’ve tried very hard to get the cookbook out as something different, so people can stay home and practice cooking those recipes,” he said.

“People have thanked me for bringing something like this into Australia.”

With a lot of healthy recipes, Good Vibration includes a popular drink, the “authentic Ghana sobolo,” with pineapple, dry hibiscus flower, ginger and cloves.

“One of my friends told me this is his drink at the moment. He’s been trying to stop himself from drinking soft drink, and ever since he got my cookbook, this is what he’s made instead. He’s really enjoying it.

“The natural ingredients may also have health benefits, lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels, boosting liver health and helping to fight bacteria,” Mr Sam said.

A radio presenter, Mr Sam presents a show called Good Vibration each Saturday afternoon. This has inspired the book’s name.

Call 0468 537 169 to purchase a copy for $25 and receive it in the post.