Belizean Dukunu
Dukunu is a traditional Belizean dish, often described as a sweet corn tamale. Made from fresh or canned corn, it's blended with coconut milk, a touch of sweetness, and seasonings, then wrapped in corn husks or foil and steamed to a tender, cake-like consistency. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or a sweet treat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cans (15.25 oz each) Sweet corn kernels(drained, ensure no added sugar)
- 4 tbsp Melted butter or margarine
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Cornmeal(fine grind)
- 1 cup Water(for boiling)
- 7 Corn husks(cleaned and soaked, or aluminum foil)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain the canned corn thoroughly. Ensure the corn does not have added sugar, as this can affect the texture.
💡 Tip: Super sweet corn varieties are best for this recipe. - 2
Place the drained corn in a blender and blend until it forms a smooth puree. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- 3
Transfer the corn puree to a mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, salt, and cornmeal. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
💡 Tip: The cornmeal helps to firm up the dukunu, especially when using canned corn which has less starch than fresh field corn. - 4
Prepare the corn husks by soaking them in warm water until pliable. If husks are small, you may need to use two per dukunu or use aluminum foil.
- 5
Lay a corn husk flat (or a piece of foil). Spoon about 1/4 cup of the corn mixture onto the wider end of the husk. Fold the sides of the husk over the filling, then fold up the bottom and top to enclose it securely.
💡 Tip: Ensure the dukunu is well-wrapped to prevent water from entering during steaming. - 6
Arrange the wrapped dukunu in a pot with about 1-2 inches of water. The water level should not reach the top of the dukunu.
💡 Tip: You can place a steamer rack in the pot to keep the dukunu elevated. - 7
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and steam for 40 minutes, or until firm.
- 8
Carefully remove the dukunu from the pot. Let them cool slightly before unwrapping and serving.
💡 Tip: Serve warm as a side dish with stews or as a sweet treat.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If you can find fresh 'green corn' or 'field corn', you can use that instead of canned corn. In that case, you may not need to add cornmeal.
- ✓Adjust the amount of salt and cornmeal based on your preference for sweetness and firmness.
- ✓Dukunu can also be made by steaming in banana leaves for an authentic flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of sugar to the mixture for a sweeter version.
- Some recipes include a small amount of coconut milk for added richness.