Traditional Ghanaian Kenkey

Savor the authentic flavors of West Africa with this Traditional Ghanaian Kenkey recipe, a staple dish beloved for its rich, slightly tangy taste and hearty texture. Made from fermented white maize meal, this cherished dish involves a unique two-step process of fermentation and cooking to create its signature sour flavor and soft, dough-like consistency. Carefully wrapped in natural corn husks or banana leaves, the kenkey is steamed to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic side dish. Perfect for pairing with fried fish, spicy pepper sauce, or a comforting bowl of soup, this recipe invites you to explore the vibrant culinary traditions of Ghana. Whether you're preparing it for a family gathering or as a cultural culinary experience, kenkey promises to be a satisfying and versatile addition to any meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:1440 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:1560 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 cups White maize meal
• 6 cups Water
• 8 pieces Corn husks or banana leaves
• 1 tablespoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of white maize meal with 3 cups of water to form a thick paste.

Step 2

Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit in a warm place to ferment. This usually takes about 24-48 hours depending on the ambient temperature.

Step 3

Once the maize meal has fermented (it should have a slightly sour smell), divide it into two portions.

Step 4

Set aside one portion in a separate bowl, covering it to prevent drying.

Step 5

Heat 3 cups of water in a large pot and add the other half of the fermented maize meal paste.

Step 6

Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, for about 30 minutes or until the mixture thickens into a smooth, dough-like consistency known as 'aflata'.

Step 7

Remove the 'aflata' from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 8

Mix the cooled 'aflata' with the reserved portion of the fermented maize paste until well combined.

Step 9

Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the mixture and blend thoroughly.

Step 10

Divide the dough into equal portions, suitable for wrapping.

Step 11

Wrap each portion securely in a corn husk or banana leaf, tying it with kitchen twine if necessary to keep it secure during cooking.

Step 12

Arrange the wrapped dough in a large pot, adding enough water to cover the bottom of the pot by about an inch to steam the kenkey.

Step 13

Cover the pot and steam the kenkey over medium heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, replenishing the water as needed to maintain steam.

Step 14

Once cooked, the kenkey should be firm to the touch and the center should no longer be doughy.

Step 15

Allow the kenkey to cool slightly before serving. Serve with fried fish and a side of pepper sauce or soup.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2538 grams (2538.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3650

Total Fat 12.00g	15%
Saturated Fat 2.00g	10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7173mg	312%
Total Carbohydrate 784.00g	285%
Dietary Fiber 36.00g	129%
Total Sugars 6.00g
Protein 72.00g	144%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 156mg	12%
Iron 24mg	133%
Potassium 1420mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 3.1%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 88.8%