Conkies
Otherwise known as Pastels in some islands, or Dukanuu in Jamaica, are a sweet cornmeal based food item popular in the West Indies. Here is how to make these treats right in your own home.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups corn flour
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 3/4 lb grated pumpkin
- 1/2 lb grated sweet potato
- 6 oz melted butter or margarine
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 3/4 lb brown sugar
- 4 ozs. raisins
- 1 tsp spice
- 1 tsp almond essence
- 1 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- Fresh Banana leaves (can be substituted with wax paper or foil.)
- Large bowl
What to Do:
- Mix the coconut, pumpkin, sweet potato, sugar, spices, raisins, flour, corn flour, and salt together in a large bowl.
- Add the beaten egg, melted butter or margarine, and milk. Mix thoroughly by hand to combine to mixture. You should have a thick mixture that drops slowly from a spoon. Add more flour if the mixture is not thick enough or add a more milk if it is too thick.
- Fresh green Banana leaves are traditionally used to wrap the conkie mixture. If you have these, strip leaves from stalk with a knife then singe them over an open flame to make them more pliable. Cut the leaves into 8″ squares.
- Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture into the centre of the banana leaf. Fold the leaf around the mixture, taking care not to rip the leaf.
- Steam the Conkies on a rack over boiling water in a large saucepan for 1 hour or until they are firm.
- Unwrap the conkies and enjoy.
