Guyana is a diverse country that is filled with many different, scrumptious snacks. These snacks are uniquely made with the delicious touch of local ingredients. One such snack is called the cassava pone which is made of coconut, spices, milk, sugar and of course cassava. After being baked, a hot, golden-brown cassava pone is the result. The delicious smell of the cassava and coconuts mixed together are usually irresistible. Finally, you can have a bite of this thick, appetizing pone.
Guyana is a diverse country that is filled with many different, scrumptious snacks. These snacks are uniquely made with the delicious touch of local ingredients. One such snack is the cassava pone which is made of coconut, milk, sugar, spices, and of course, cassava. After the mixture of these ingredients is baked, a hot, golden-brown cassava pone is the result. The delicious smell of the cassava and coconuts mixed together is usually irresistible. Finally, you can have a bite of this thick, appetizing pone.
About Cassava Pone
The Cassava Pone is a dense, dry cake made primarily of cassava (yuca) and coconut milk. Cassava Pone is a popular snack in countries like Guyana, that produce the cassava root. Their people make variants of the cassava pone in their own way so you are sure to encounter a few different recipes. A similar dish to Cassava Pone is the Cassava Cake. It is typically much moister in the Philippines where it is eaten as Merida, which is a light meal and served on special occasions and events.
Texture of Cassava Pone
One of the key element of any dish is its texture. Unlike cakes, Cassava Pone is dense and has a viscous consistency. The starch which is produced through cooking creates the sticky texture that pone is noted for. While the outside and edges are browned, inside the Cassava Pone retains most of its gummy texture. Sink your teeth into it or break into small pieces to savour the delectable taste.
Making Cassava Pone Guyanese Style
Ingredients:
- 2 lb cassava, grated
- 1 lb coconut, grated
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp mixed essence
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tin evaporated milk
- ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp nutmeg, grated
- 1 tsp black pepper
Method:
- Combine grated cassava and coconut in a bowl.
- Add sugar, butter, milk and mix thoroughly.
- Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper and add mixed essence.
- Stir again until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Line a baking pan with a sheet of parchment paper and place mixture onto it.
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes at 350 F.
- Remove from heat.
- Allow to cool then cut into squares and serve.
Interesting Tip
- To know if the Cassava Pone is done, take a toothpick and insert it into the center of the pan. If it is clean when you remove it, the pone is done!
Cassava Pone In Guyana
Cassava pone is a delicacy in Guyana made mainly from cassava and coconuts. The pone is a sweet treat and it is not a cake or a pudding but is somewhat in between. This gives it a unique texture that is ever so enjoyable. Pone is relished by both young and old and is sold at various pastry shops, at supermarkets and at Stabroek Market. You can purchase them or you can follow the recipe above and make your own freshly baked pones.
Article References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassava_cake
- https://www.realniceguyana.com/recipes/cassava-pone/
- Main Image: Cassava Pone | Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
Last Updated: 2020-07-14
