Easy Banku recipe using a 100 year old method

Three years ago I shared a Cornmeal & Gari Banku recipe and in the comment section someone mentioned White Vinegar.

Prior to the comment left, Mum had suggested previously I add Vinegar when I had no fermented Corn dough to my mixture. The texture and flavour of the Banku remains the same.

I’ve since used this process and served many guests who have loved it.

If you’re in the diaspora and want to enjoy your Banku then this recipe is for you.

INGREDIENTS

300g of Corn Meal

160g of Tapioca Powder

420ml of Water 

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar 80ml (if you’re using White Wine Vinegar - 40ml)

Salt to taste

METHOD 

Watch how to prepare this Banku perfectly below;

Kindly subscribe, try the recipe, leave comments with your feedback and share.

All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.

EASY HOMEMADE BANKU MIX RECIPE

Banku traditionally is made with fermented milled Corn and Cassava dough. The mixture is then cooked and steamed into a pliable dumpling texture.

Banku is enjoyed with Okro soup, Spicy Salsa, Stew and Groundnut soup.

This is an innovative recipe where the extracted starch from Cassava/ Yuca/ Manioc is used in place of the fermented Cassava dough. A great substitute.

To make this recipe you’ll require the following ingredients;

500g of Corn flour

350g of Tapioca flour

450ml of cold Water

1 tablespoonful of Salt for preservation 

METHOD 

Watch how to prepare this easy to follow recipe below;

Please don’t forget to subscribe, try the recipe, leave comments with your feedback and share.

All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.

BENEFITS OF KENKEY JUICE

Kenkey which originates from the Ga tribe in Ghana, is made from fermented corn meal that’s steamed in the husk of the corn till it’s soft and pliable. Kenkey is usually enjoyed with spicy Salsa sauce, the Ghanaian Black Chilli sauce known as Shito, fried Fish, Eggs and sometimes one enjoys it with soup.

There are varied versions of Kenkey which includes the Fanti Kenkey (from the Central Region of Ghana) and a similar Jamaican version known as Tie-A-Leaf or Dukunu. 

Interesting to know that Kenkey is referred to as ‘Dokuno’ in the Ashanti and Fanti language from Ghana.

The Jamaican version is wrapped in Banana leaves and usually mixed with Sweet Potatoes, Cassava or Yam.

The Fanti Kenkey on the other hand is steamed in smoked Banana/Plantain leaves which lends its smoky flavour to the Kenkey

The version of Kenkey I’ll be using today is the Ga Kenkey (steamed in the husk of the corn).

During my childhood Kenkey water (the water derived from boiling the Kenkey)was given to anyone who was ill  . The benefits of Corn used in making the fermented Kenkey juice includes;

1. High Fibre which aids digestion 
2. B Vitamins which prevents infections, increases ones Red blood cells and a healthy brain function to mention but a few
3. Minerals such as Zinc,Magnesium, Copper, Iron and Manganese 
4. Packed with anti oxidants such as Carotenoids, Lutein and Zeaxanthin which promotes eye health 
5. Due to its high starch contents Diabetic patients must only consume it in small quantities and not often 

You can also use the Kenkey itself for a Kenkey Smoothie as shown above.

INGREDIENTS 

250ml of Kenkey juice

1-2 slightly over ripened Banana

20g of toasted Almond flakes (or any nuts of your choosing)

Garnish with fresh mint (optional)

METHOD 

Watch how to make this healthy and tasty fermented Kenkey smoothie below;

Please don’t forget to subscribe, like the video, try the recipe and share.

All photos, recipes and videos are by the owner of this blog.

AKPLE and FETRI DETCHI RECIPE

Akple and Fetri detchi is the traditional dish of Ewes from Ghana and Togo. Nigerians also do enjoy this dish, which isn't surprising, as Ewes also settled in the Northern parts of Nigeria before migrating to their current settlements. 

Honestly there are various ways of creating this delicacy and it's Gluten free.

You'll find various creative recipes here on my blog and YouTube channel, hence you're spoilt for choice.

Akple is made from milled corn mixed with Cassava dough and Fetri detchi is made from Okro, your preferred meat or vegetables and spices.

It's a perfect match , however you can substitute the Akple for Eba (which is made from Gari) or Rice.

Be adventurous if you've never tried this Ghanaian dish. 

NOTE;

There's a knack to enjoying the soup, which includes one circling their fingers to prevent a messy eat. A perfect excuse to befriend an Okra eating connoisseur. 😜

Watch how to make Okro soup on my YouTube channel 'Ndudu by Fafa'. 

Don't forget to subscribe and share.