Ghanaian Kenkey Recipe
While kenkey is a traditional Ghanaian delicacy, it is also enjoyed in several other countries, including eastern Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, western Benin, Guyana, and Jamaica. Recipes may vary across these regions.The dish is thought to offer a beneficial mix of antioxidants and phytochemicals that help protect the body from oxidative stress. As a result, it is believed to contribute to the prevention of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Ingredients
- White cornmeal – 3 cups
- Corn starch – 1 tbsp
- Warm water – 3 cups
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Dried corn leaves
Instructions
- Begin by taking a large bowl and adding the cornmeal and the corn starch to it.
- Now, pour in warm water and stir constantly until you attain a smooth dough.
- Once done, cover the bowl with a clean cloth and keep it aside in a warm place for about 2- 4 days.
- After 4 days, take the prepared dough and divide it in half.
- Now take a large pot and add 2 cups of water to it. Bring it to a boil, add salt, and lower the flame to medium.
- Next, transfer half of the dough to the water and combine properly.
- Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes and make sure to stir constantly.
- Take the pot off the heat and mix in the remaining dough, combining well.
- Now, take the dough and separate it into 3 or 4 large portions. Shape them into balls and set every prepared ball on a corn leaf.
- It’s time to cover each ball by wrapping the corn leaf around them and tying them up with a string.
- The next step is to steam the prepared corn leaf balls. For that, take a steamer and add a large amount of hot water to it.
- Transfer the wrapped kenkey into the steam basket and allow the water to boil. Make sure to keep the heat high.
- Once the water comes to a boil, lower the heat and, over low heat, steam the kenkey for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Once done, take them out carefully and serve them along with shito, diced or ground red and/or green pepper and fish.
Nutrition
Calories: 364kcalCarbohydrates: 78gProtein: 8gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 621mgFiber: 7gSugar: 2g
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