Chikwangue
Chikwangue, also known as Kwanga or Chikwanga, is a staple side dish in Congolese cuisine. Made from fermented cassava dough, it's traditionally steamed in banana leaves, resulting in a dense, slightly tangy, bread-like accompaniment to stews and sauces.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 kg Cassava roots(fresh)
- sufficient Water(for soaking and cooking)
- 10-12 Banana leaves(large, for wrapping)
- sufficient String(for tying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the cassava: Peel the cassava roots, cut them into chunks, and remove any tough central fibers. Place the chunks in a large bowl, cover with water, and let ferment for 3-4 days, changing the water daily.
- 2
After fermentation, drain the cassava and rinse it thoroughly under running water to remove any bitterness.
- 3
Mash the cassava into a smooth, cohesive dough. This can be done using a mortar and pestle or a food processor/blender.
- 4
Prepare the banana leaves: Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to make them pliable and easier to work with. Pat them dry.
- 5
Divide the cassava dough into portions. Place each portion onto a banana leaf, shape it into an oblong or log, and wrap it tightly. Secure the wraps with string.
- 6
Cook the chikwangue: Place the wrapped bundles in a large pot of boiling water or a steamer. Boil or steam for 4-8 hours, ensuring the water level is maintained.
- 7
Once cooked, let the chikwangue cool slightly before unwrapping. Serve warm or at room temperature with stews, sauces, or grilled meats.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Fermentation time can vary; longer fermentation results in a tangier flavor.
- ✓If banana leaves are unavailable, aluminum foil or parchment paper can be used as a substitute for wrapping.
- ✓The long cooking time is crucial for achieving the characteristic dense and smooth texture.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes may include a small amount of salt in the dough.
- Chikwangue can be reheated in a microwave or by steaming.