Originally Posted: March 2023
I’m attempting to cook a dish from EVERY single country in the world in alphabetical order. Today, we’re in the Caribbean, exploring Antigua and Barbuda with Ducana, a delicious sweet potato dumpling wrapped in banana leaves and boiled. Traditionally served alongside salted fish, this sweet, spiced dish is a Caribbean favourite!
Ingredients (Serves 4):
• 1½ cups grated sweet potato
• 1 cup grated coconut
• ¾ cup muscovado sugar
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• ¼ cup raisins
• 1½ cups plain flour
• ¼ cup water (if needed)
• Banana leaves and tin foil (for wrapping)
Method:
1. In a large bowl, combine the grated sweet potato and coconut. Mix in the muscovado sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and raisins until well combined.
2. Gradually add the plain flour, mixing until a cohesive dough forms. If the mixture seems too dry, add up to ¼ cup of water to bring it together.
3. Cut the banana leaves into squares (6–10 inches, depending on the size of each Ducana). Rinse the leaves under hot water until they become pliable.
4. Place some of the dough into the centre of a banana leaf square and shape it into a rectangle. Fold the banana leaf over the dough to cover it on all sides, then wrap tightly with tin foil to secure the package.
5. Add the wrapped Ducana to a pot of boiling water and cook for 30 minutes if you prefer a softer texture, or for 45 minutes for a firmer consistency.
6. Remove the Ducana from the pot and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before unwrapping.
Enjoy this sweet, spiced treat straight from the Caribbean!
#aroundtheworld #worldfood #antiguaandbarbuda #ducana #series #caribbeanrecipes
Let me know if you’d like any changes!
Share this post