Shitor Din (or Sheto, Shito, Shito, Shitto; pronounced SHEE-toe) — from the word for pepper in the Ga language — is a spicy hot chile pepper condiment that, like ketchup in the United States and salsa in Mexico, is served with any- and everything in Ghana, and is sometimes used as an ingredient in Ghanaian recipes. There are two versions: a spicy oil with dried chile pepper and dried shrimp; and a fresh version made from fresh chile peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
1cupdried shrimp or dried prawns (ground or pounded)
1cupdried hot chile pepper (e.g., red pepper flakes, or take dried whole chile peppers and roughly chop, grind, or pound them, taking care not to turn them into powder)
4cupsvegetable oil
2tbspsalt
Instructions
1
Combine all ingredients in large pot. Cook over high heat, stirring continuously, until ingredients are well mixed. Cover and allow to cool to room temperature. Transfer to clean, glass jar(s) with airtight tops. Store in a cool place (refrigerator). Can be stored several months. Serve with fish, meat, and everything else.
Ingredients
1cupdried shrimp or dried prawns (ground or pounded)
1cupdried hot chile pepper (e.g., red pepper flakes, or take dried whole chile peppers and roughly chop, grind, or pound them, taking care not to turn them into powder)
4cupsvegetable oil
2tbspsalt
Directions
1
Combine all ingredients in large pot. Cook over high heat, stirring continuously, until ingredients are well mixed. Cover and allow to cool to room temperature. Transfer to clean, glass jar(s) with airtight tops. Store in a cool place (refrigerator). Can be stored several months. Serve with fish, meat, and everything else.
The basic Shitor recipe (above) can be jazzed up with the addition of: cayenne pepper, chicken bouillon cube, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, finely chopped onion, a spoonful of tomato paste, powdered dried fish, and/or worcestershire sauce — as you like it.
Fresh Shitor or Kpakpo Shito is made by using a small mortar and pestle (or an electric blender or food processor) to mix together a dozen red or yellow hot chile peppers (cleaned, seeds removed), a couple tomatoes, an onion, and a spoonful of salt. Allow to stand for a half hour before serving on any grilled chicken, fish, or meat.