When was the last time you sat down and enjoyed a delicious piece of conkie? Conkie is a treasured dish that is relished by many in Guyana; they have been eating it year in, year out. For those who do not know what conkie is, it is a sweet cornmeal-based food item popular in the West Indies. The ingredients can include , pumpkincornmeal, coconut, sweet potato, and sometimes raisins. This mixture is cooked by steaming it in banana leaves. Conkie was introduced to Guyana by the Africans who came as slaves. This food culture has been passed down from generation to generation and is a cherished, satisfying treat.
Nutritional Facts & Calories Of Conkie
Serving Size – 1 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 256
% Daily Values*
- Total Fat 15.01g 23%
- Saturated Fat 2.983g 15%
- Trans Fat –
- Polyunsaturated Fat 4.735g
- Monounsaturated Fat 6.528g
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 60mg 3%
- Total Carbohydrate 29.18g 10%
- Dietary Fiber 3.6g 14%
- Sugars 5.99g
- Protein 2.44g
- Vitamin D –
- Calcium 270mg 27%
- Iron 12.78mg 71%
- Potassium 252mg 7%
- Vitamin A 62900IU 1258%
- Vitamin C 37.8mg 63%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Making Conkie – Guyanese Style
Guyanese Conkie
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cornmeal
- 1 lb pumpkin, grated
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ pt water
- 1 coconut, grated
- 1 oz margarine
- 2 tsp salt
- Sugar to taste
- 4 oz dried fruit
- Twine
- Banana leaves
Method:
- Combine coconut and pumpkin.
- Add in cornmeal, margarine, sugar, dried fruit and mix well.
- Add water until it becomes a soft mixture.
- Clean banana leaves and put them over heat to make them easier to work with.
- Cut them into squares then spoon mixture onto them.
- Tie them with twine and boil the wrapped conkie in water for 30 minutes.
Another Way To Make Conkie
Conkie
Ingredients:
- 1 cups corn flour
- 1/4 cup plain flour
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 lb grated pumpkin
- 1/4 lb grated sweet potato
- 6 oz butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 lb brown sugar
- 2 ozs. raisins
- 1/2 tsp spice
- 1/2 tsp almond essence
- 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- banana leaves
Method:
- In a large bowl add the coconut, pumpkin, sweet potato, and mix well.
- Stir in sugar, spices, raisins, flour, cornflour, and salt together.
- Add egg, butter and milk and stir again.
- Clean banana leaves and put them over heat to make them easier to work with.
- Cut the leaves into square piece.
- Put some of the mixture onto them and fold carefully.
- Heat water and when it begins to boil, steam conkie in a rack for 60 minutes, until firm.
- Allow to cool before eating!
8 Facts About Conkie
- Conkie is also known as sweet dumplings.
- The banana leaf is still the best option for wrapping the cookie mixture even though wax paper, parchment paper and aluminum foil are available.
- The banana leaves need to be thick enough to withstand the heat and allow the conkie to cook properly. The banana leaves also had a distinctive flavour to the dish.
- Instead of twine, ribbons can be torn from the leaves to tie the parcels.
Watch This: Conkie, step by step Video Recipe I Real Nice Guyana (HD)
Conkie In Guyana
Guyana is a melting pot of cultures and one such is the Afro-Guyanese. One of the delicious foods introduced by the Africans is conkie; almost everyone in Guyana enjoys this delicate treat. The sweet, pumpkin flavours wrapped in banana leaves gives you a taste that is unforgettable. Follow the recipe and try it out or you can ask your friends and family to assist you in making it. Whatever you do, you are sure to enjoy this palatable, scrumptious treat called conkie.
Article References:
- https://www.fatsecret.com/Diary.aspx?pa=fjrd&rid=2568237
- https://www.guyanatimesinternational.com/conkie-recipe/
- https://www.stabroeknews.com/2014/11/29/the-scene/tastes-like-home/conkies-ole-school-cooking/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conkies
- https://barbados.org/barbados-recipes-conkies.htm
Last Updated: 2020-07-14
