Ghanaian Kenkey Recipe
Learn how to make Ghanaian Kenkey with this comprehensive guide. We cover everything from ingredients to cooking tips so you can make this traditional dish at home!
Ghanaian Kenkey is a staple dish in West Africa, made from fermented corn dough and wrapped in banana or plantain leaves. It is commonly eaten with soup, stew or sauce and is a popular food during festivals, weddings, and other celebrations. Making Kenkey requires some effort and patience, but the result is definitely worth it. So, let's get started on how to make Ghanaian Kenkey!
To make Ghanaian Kenkey, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of cornmeal
- 2 cups of warm water
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Banana or plantain leaves for wrapping
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, sugar and salt until well combined.
- Gradually add warm water to the mixture, stirring continuously until you get a smooth and thick dough.
- Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rest for 2-3 days in a warm place. This allows the dough to ferment and develop a sour taste.
Cooking
- After the dough has fermented, it's time to cook the Kenkey. Start by washing the banana or plantain leaves and cutting them into squares of about 20cm by 20cm.
- Take a small amount of the dough and shape it into a ball using your hands. Flatten the ball into a disc and place it in the center of a leaf square.
- Wrap the leaf around the dough, making sure it is tightly sealed. Repeat this process until all the dough is used up.
- Place the wrapped Kenkey in a large pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the Kenkey steam for 2-3 hours until they are fully cooked. You can tell the Kenkey is ready when it becomes firm and has a white color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use other types of flour to make Kenkey?
A1. No, Ghanaian Kenkey is traditionally made from cornmeal and cannot be substituted with other types of flour.
Q2. How long does it take to steam Kenkey?
A2. It takes about 2-3 hours to steam Kenkey, depending on the size of the wrapped dough.
Q3. Can I freeze Kenkey for later use?
A3. Yes, you can freeze Kenkey for up to 3 months. To reheat, steam the frozen Kenkey until it is heated through.