Sugar-Free Traditional Ghanaian Kenkey
Discover the authentic flavors of West Africa with this Sugar-Free Traditional Ghanaian Kenkey recipe. Perfectly fermented and delightfully tangy, this classic dish uses just four simple ingredients: fine cornmeal, water, salt, and natural wrappers like corn husks or banana leaves. The slow fermentation process, which takes 24 to 36 hours, infuses the kenkey with its signature mildly sour taste, while steaming locks in its soft, doughy texture. Wrapped in fragrant leaves, each portion is a beautiful bundle of heritage and flavor. This sugar-free version respects tradition while being a wholesome, low-sugar choice. Serve warm with fresh fish, spicy pepper sauce, or creamy sliced avocado for a truly authentic Ghanaian experience. Ideal for pairing with bold flavors, this nutritious staple is a must-try for lovers of global cuisine.
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Ingredients
- 4 cups cornmeal (fine)
- 4 cups water
- 10 sheets corn husks or banana leaves
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal with 2 cups of water, mixing until it forms a smooth paste. Ensure there are no lumps.
Step 2
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave the mixture to ferment at room temperature for 24-36 hours. The longer you ferment, the tangier the flavor will be.
Step 3
After fermentation, set aside about one-third of the fermented cornmeal paste. This will later be used as the 'raw' portion of the kenkey.
Step 4
Transfer the remaining two-thirds of the paste into a large pot over medium heat. Gradually add 2 cups of water while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture into a thick, smooth dough. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat.
Step 5
Combine the cooked dough and the raw fermented paste together in the mixing bowl. Knead thoroughly using your hands or a wooden spoon to create a consistent mixture.
Step 6
Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in corn husks or banana leaves, forming parcels. Secure the wraps with kitchen twine if needed to prevent them from opening during cooking.
Step 7
In a large stockpot, place a layer of corn husks or banana leaves on the bottom to prevent burning. Arrange the wrapped kenkey parcels on top. Add enough water to the pot to partially submerge the parcels (about a third of the way up).
Step 8
Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the kenkey for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water doesn't dry out. Add more water as needed during steaming.
Step 9
Once cooked, remove the kenkey parcels from the pot and let them cool slightly before unwrapping.
Step 10
Serve warm with your choice of fish, spicy pepper sauce, or a side of sliced avocado. Enjoy your sugar-free traditional Ghanaian kenkey!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1549g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1776 |
| Total Fat 8.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 1.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3597.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 381.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 35.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.9g | |
| Protein 34.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 86.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 11.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 681.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories