Sheto
Sheto, also known as Shito/Shitor/Shitor din/Shittor and pronounced "SHE-toe," is a popular condiment from West Africa. Also known as 'black pepper,' 'Shito' is the word for pepper in Ga, a Ghanaian language from Accra, the Capital city of Ghana. Sheto originated in Ghana but is eaten throughout the region and in West African communities around the world.
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Sheto can be prepared in many different ways but mostly consists of a few key ingredients: ginger, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, and fish. These ingredients are stewed together for hours to produce a thick, hearty, delicious hot sauce with a spicy, umami flavor. Sheto has a natural layer of oil that sits on top of it (similar to natural peanut butter) that keeps it fresh. You can either mix the oil first or scoop out Sheto from underneath it.
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Sheto can be eaten with anything! In Ghana, it is traditionally eaten with rice, waakye (rice and beans) or kenkey (traditional dish made from cornmeal, think Mexican tamale) and fish. It's also used like ketchup or any other condiment (on fries, burgers, everything).
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One of the best things about Sheto is that unlike other hot sauces, Sheto can be eaten on its own (try a scoop). A bowl of rice with a scoop of Sheto on top is one of our favorite meals.
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You can eat Sheto by:​
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topping a scoop of it on any food (eg. rice)
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putting a scoop on your plate to dip foods in (eg. fries, potatoes, fish, chicken)
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spreading it on burgers, sandwiches, bread, crackers etc. (try it on dry toast!)
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putting some in a small bowl for chip, veggie, or spring roll dip
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using it as seasoning when cooking to add a spicy kick to any meal
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volta foods Sheto recipe comes from the recipes of our family's native Volta region in Ghana. We use the key Sheto ingredients for a classic taste but with less fish and oil, for a more fresh, modern, broad appealing flavor that everyone can enjoy. Our Sheto consists of 8 ingredients: tomatoes, ginger, onion, garlic, oil, red pepper flakes, a pinch of dried shrimp and a little bit of salt. Thats it!
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We make Sheto in a local commercial kitchen in our home town of Boston, Massachusetts and abide by all food safety rules and regulations. Food safety is one of our top priorities.
Our Sheto is:
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Dairy free
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Low in sugar
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Trans fat free
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Made without gluten
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Low in sodium
About volta foods
volta foods mission is to share the foods, culture, and joy of West Africa with everyone. We are inspired by the modern, creative, cosmopolitan cities throughout West Africa but mainly influenced by the cities in our family's native Ghana. Ghana is home to some of the most delicious food in the world as well as a vibrant, lively, and welcoming culture. In addition to sharing the amazing foods of West Africa we hope to share the music, culture, and art of the region too.
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The name 'volta' is inspired by our family's native Volta region in Ghana. The Volta region is home to the Ewe people (in addition to the Guan and Akan people) to which our family belongs.
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Akwaaba means welcome in Twi (a dialect of the Akan people and one of the most common languages spoken in Ghana). We welcome you to experience the joy of West African food, culture, and life!
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Accra, Ghana
