How to Perfectly Prepare Ghana’s Traditional Staple Food, Banku- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Prepare Banku in Ghana

Banku, a staple food in Ghana, is a versatile and delicious dish that is a must-try for anyone visiting the country. Made from fermented corn dough, banku is often served with groundnut soup or a variety of stews. Preparing banku at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, and in this article, we will guide you through the process of how to prepare banku in Ghana.

Ingredients

Before you start preparing banku, gather the following ingredients:

– 2 cups of corn flour
– 1 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1 cup of boiling water
– A small bowl of water for kneading

Instructions

1.

Boil the corn flour:

In a large pot, bring the 1 cup of water to a boil. Slowly add the corn flour, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often.

2.

Remove from heat:

Once the mixture is smooth and thick, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before adding the salt and baking powder.

3.

Combine the ingredients:

In a separate bowl, mix the salt and baking powder with the 1 cup of boiling water. Gradually add this mixture to the cooled corn flour, stirring well to combine.

4.

Knead the dough:

Transfer the mixture to a flat surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too dry, add a little water; if it’s too sticky, add a little more corn flour.

5.

Shape the banku:

Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly to create the traditional banku shape.

6.

Boil the banku:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the shaped banku and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside.

7.

Serve:

Banku is typically served with groundnut soup or a stew. You can also garnish it with your favorite vegetables or a sprinkle of chopped onions.

Enjoying Banku in Ghana

Once you’ve mastered the art of preparing banku, you can enjoy this delicious Ghanaian staple at home or while visiting the country. When in Ghana, be sure to try banku with local dishes such as fufu, kenkey, or okra stew. With its rich history and cultural significance, banku is an essential part of Ghanaian cuisine that you won’t want to miss. Happy cooking!