Fante Kenkey with Shito and Fried Fish
Fante Kenkey is a traditional Ghanaian dish made from fermented maize dough, wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed. It has a distinct tangy flavor. This version is served with a spicy Shito sauce and crispy fried fish, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Fermented Corn Dough
- 10-12 large Plantain Leaves
- 2 medium Tilapia
- 1 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 1 inch Ginger(grated)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2-3 pieces Scotch Bonnet Peppers(to taste)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Shrimp Powder
- 1 tbsp Herring Powder
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp All-Purpose Seasoning
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the plantain leaves: Wash them thoroughly and gently soften them by passing them over a low flame or by dipping them in hot water. This makes them pliable for wrapping.
💡 Tip: Ensure leaves are clean and not torn. - 2
Prepare the Fante Kenkey dough: Mix the fermented corn dough with water to achieve a thick, smooth consistency, similar to banku. No salt is added to Fante Kenkey.
💡 Tip: The dough should be firm but pliable. - 3
Wrap the Kenkey: Divide the dough into portions. Place a portion onto a softened plantain leaf, flatten it slightly, and then fold the leaf to create a neat parcel. Secure the ends. Repeat for all portions.
💡 Tip: Ensure the parcels are tightly wrapped to prevent water from entering during cooking. - 4
Cook the Kenkey: Place a layer of plantain leaves at the bottom of a large pot to prevent burning. Arrange the wrapped kenkey parcels on top. Add enough water to cover the parcels. Cover the pot and steam for 5-6 hours, adding more water as needed.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is key for authentic Fante Kenkey. - 5
Prepare the Shito: While the Kenkey is steaming, make the Shito. In a pot, heat palm oil. Add chopped onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, scotch bonnet peppers, shrimp powder, herring powder, salt, and all-purpose seasoning. Fry until the oil separates from the sauce.
💡 Tip: Fry the ingredients well to develop deep flavors. - 6
Prepare the Fried Fish: Clean and season the tilapia with salt. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden brown and crispy.
💡 Tip: Ensure the fish is thoroughly cooked and crispy. - 7
Serve: Unwrap the Fante Kenkey and serve hot with the prepared Shito sauce and fried fish.
💡 Tip: Kenkey can be enjoyed with various stews and soups.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Fante Kenkey is traditionally made with fermented corn dough, which gives it a unique sour taste. If fresh fermented dough is unavailable, you can use regular cornmeal and allow it to ferment for a day or two, or use a store-bought fermented corn mix.
- ✓The plantain leaves impart a distinct aroma and flavor to the Kenkey. Ensure they are properly softened before wrapping.
- ✓Shito can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks.
🔄 Variations
- Serve with other traditional Ghanaian accompaniments like groundnut soup or palm nut soup.
- Add smoked fish or other seafood to the Shito for added flavor.