Kenkey facts for kids
Kenkey and ground pepper with sardine
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| Alternative names | kɔmi pronounced (kormi), |
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| Type | Swallow, dumpling |
| Place of origin | Ghana |
| Main ingredients | Ground corn |
Kenkey (also known as kɔmi, otim, kooboo or dorkunu) is a popular food from West Africa. It's a bit like a sourdough dumpling. People in Ghana, especially the Ga and Fante communities, love it. Kenkey is usually served with spicy pepper sauce and fried fish, or with soup or stew.
How Kenkey is Made
Kenkey is made from corn. First, corn grains soak in water for about a week. Then, they are ground into a dough. This dough is left to ferment, or get a bit sour, for four to seven days. After that, part of the dough is cooked.
Unlike some other corn dishes, making kenkey takes a few days. This is because the dough needs time to ferment. Cornmeal is mixed with cornstarch and water to make a smooth dough. This dough is covered and kept in a warm place to ferment. After fermenting, the kenkey is partly cooked. Then, it's wrapped in banana leaves, corn husks, or foil, and steamed until it's ready to eat.
There are different kinds of kenkey, like Ga kenkey and Fante kenkey. Ga kenkey is the most common type in Ghana.
Kenkey Around the World
Kenkey is eaten in many places, including Ghana, eastern Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, western Benin, Guyana, and Jamaica. It's usually made from ground corn, similar to foods like sadza and ugali.
In Ghana, the Gas call it kɔmi (pronounced kormi). The Akans call it dokono. In Jamaica, it's known as dokunoo, dokono, dokunu, blue drawers, and tie-a-leaf. In Guyana, it's called konkee. In Trinidad, it's called "paime" (pronounced pay-me). Paime is a bit different because it doesn't have plantain, but it might include pumpkin and coconut.
In the Caribbean, kenkey-like dishes are made with cornmeal, plantain, green banana, sweet potato or cassava. These are often wrapped in banana leaves. This food tradition comes from African cooking.
Ice Kenkey
There's also a cool drink called Ice kenkey. It's made by mixing kenkey with water, sugar, powdered milk, and ice. It's a refreshing treat!
Images for kids
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Ghana Kenkey
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Ga Kenkey with Shrimps
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Ga kenkey with pepper and beans
