Ducana
A sweet and savory traditional dumpling made from grated sweet potato and coconut, often wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or boiled.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Sweet potatoes(peeled and grated)
- 1 cup Shredded coconut(freshly grated preferred)
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour(or more, as needed)
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar(adjust to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Ground nutmeg
- 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- large Banana leaves(wilted or softened for wrapping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the grated sweet potato, shredded coconut, flour, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until a cohesive dough forms. Add more flour if the mixture is too wet.
💡 Tip: The consistency should be firm enough to shape but not dry. - 2
Prepare the banana leaves by wilting them over a low flame or by dipping them in boiling water to make them pliable. Cut them into manageable squares.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the banana leaves. - 3
Place a portion of the sweet potato mixture onto a banana leaf square. Fold the leaf to enclose the mixture, forming a neat parcel. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- 4
Place the wrapped parcels in a large pot with about 2 inches of boiling water. Ensure the water doesn't come over the top of the parcels. Cover the pot tightly.
💡 Tip: You can also steam the parcels in a steamer basket. - 5
Steam or boil the ducana for 25-30 minutes, or until firm and cooked through. Carefully remove the parcels from the water.
- 6
Allow the ducana to cool slightly before unwrapping. Serve warm.
💡 Tip: Ducana can be served as a side dish with salted fish or as a sweet snack.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If fresh banana leaves are unavailable, parchment paper or foil can be used, though it's less traditional.
- ✓Taste the mixture before wrapping to adjust sweetness.
- ✓Ducana can also be baked or fried after steaming for a different texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.
- For a savory version, reduce the sugar and add finely chopped chives or scallions.