Chikanda
Chikanda, often referred to as 'African polony,' is a unique vegetarian delicacy from Zambia, traditionally made from the tubers of wild orchids. It has a dense, meat-like texture and a distinctive nutty flavor, owing to the inclusion of groundnuts. This dish is a celebratory food, often served at special occasions and gatherings, and can be enjoyed as a snack, a side dish, or an accompaniment to Nshima.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Chikanda tubers(pounded into a fine powder)
- 500 g Groundnuts (peanuts)(pounded or ground into a paste)
- 2 tbsp Bicarbonate of soda
- 1 medium Onion(finely diced)
- 1 liter Water
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Chilli(fresh, finely chopped (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the groundnut paste and stir until it forms a smooth mixture.
- 2
Add the diced onion, salt, and bicarbonate of soda to the pot. Stir continuously for about 15 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken and bubble.
- 3
Gradually sprinkle in the pounded chikanda tubers, a little at a time, stirring constantly to achieve a thick, cake-like consistency. Patience is key here to avoid lumps.
- 4
Once the desired consistency is reached, reduce the heat to low. Smooth the top of the mixture with the back of a spoon or a cooking stick. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat for 30 minutes.
- 5
After 30 minutes, stir in the fresh chilli, if using. Cover again and cook for another 10 minutes.
- 6
To serve, carefully invert the pot onto a serving plate. The chikanda should fall out in a cake-like shape. Allow it to cool completely before slicing into portions.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If fresh chikanda tubers are unavailable, pre-ground chikanda powder can be used.
- ✓Ensure the groundnuts are finely pounded or ground to a smooth paste for the best texture.
- ✓The bicarbonate of soda helps in achieving the characteristic texture and slight puffiness of Chikanda.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a small amount of finely chopped fresh chilli for a hint of spice.
- Chikanda can also be prepared in an oven by baking the mixture in a greased dish until firm.