Dan Wake
Nigerian Bean Dumplings
Dan Wake are savory, steamed dumplings made from bean flour, a popular Northern Nigerian street food. They are typically served with a flavorful pepper sauce and a drizzle of palm oil.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300g Bean flour(Ensure it's finely ground for a smooth dough. Available at African or specialty food stores.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Potash (Kanwa)(This is a traditional alkaline salt that helps bind the dough and gives it a unique texture and slight chewiness. Use sparingly as it can be bitter if too much is used. Available at African markets.)
- Approx. 150-200 ml Warm water(Amount may vary depending on the absorbency of the bean flour.)
- 50ml Palm oil(For tossing the cooked dumplings. Can substitute with vegetable oil if palm oil is unavailable, though the flavor will differ.)
- 2 tablespoons Dried ground pepper (e.g., cayenne or chili powder)(Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt(Optional, to taste.)
- For serving Pepper sauce (Yaji or other)(Yaji is a common accompaniment, a spicy peanut-based seasoning.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potash solution: In a small bowl, dissolve the 1/4 teaspoon of potash in about 50 ml of warm water. Stir well until the potash is mostly dissolved. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Make the dough: In a medium bowl, place the 300g of bean flour. Gradually add the dissolved potash water to the flour, mixing with your hands or a sturdy spoon. Add more warm water, a little at a time, until a thick, firm, and smooth dough forms. It should not be sticky. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is pliable and well-combined. Add salt now if using.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Shape the dumplings: Lightly grease your hands with a little oil. Pinch off small pieces of dough (about the size of a marble or a small walnut) and roll them into smooth balls or slightly flattened discs. Alternatively, you can use a small spoon to scoop and drop the dough directly into the boiling water.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Cook the dumplings: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully drop the shaped dough pieces into the boiling water, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. You may need to cook them in batches. Stir gently once to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Simmer until cooked: Reduce the heat to medium-high and let the dumplings simmer. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes. The dumplings are ready when they float to the surface and appear slightly puffed and cooked through. You can test one by removing it and cutting it open to check for doneness.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 6
Drain and season: Once cooked, carefully remove the dumplings from the boiling water using a slotted spoon or sieve. Drain them thoroughly. In a clean bowl, combine the drained dumplings with 50ml of palm oil and 2 tablespoons of dried ground pepper. Toss gently to coat each dumpling evenly. Add more salt or pepper if desired.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 7
Serve: Arrange the seasoned Dan Wake on a serving platter. Drizzle with a little extra palm oil if desired, and serve hot with your favorite pepper sauce or Yaji. This is a classic Northern Nigerian street food experience.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Potash (Kanwa) is crucial for the authentic texture and slight chewiness of Dan Wake. If you cannot find it, the dumplings may be softer and less firm.
- ✓For a variation, you can add finely chopped baobab leaves (Kuka) to the bean flour mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
- ✓Ensure the dough is not too wet; a firm dough is key to dumplings that hold their shape.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pot when boiling, as this can cause the dumplings to stick together and cook unevenly.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped spinach or other greens to the dough for a 'Dan Wake da Alayaho' (Dan Wake with spinach) variation.
- Omit the palm oil for tossing if preferred, though it adds a distinct flavor and richness.