Are you ready to try a delicious and unique African dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more? Look no further than chikanda, also known as African polony. This traditional dish is made from the root of the African Orchid plant, also known as the 'African potato.' It has a unique texture and flavor that will surely surprise and delight you.
In this recipe, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of making your very own chikanda at home.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step recipe that you can follow to make your very own chikanda at home.
Ingredients:
1 pound of dried and ground African Orchid root
1 cup of groundnuts (peanuts)
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of chili powder
Water for mixing
Banana leaves (or aluminum foil) for wrapping
Instructions:
Prepare the African Orchid Root
Soak the dried and ground African Orchid root in water for about 1 hour to soften.
Drain the water and squeeze out any excess liquid from the root.
Prepare the Groundnuts
Soak the groundnuts in water for about 30 minutes.
After soaking, remove the skin and grind the groundnuts into a fine powder.
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Drained African Orchid root
Groundnuts
Chopped onion
Minced garlic
Salt
Chili powder
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the Dough
Gradually add water to the mixture until it becomes a thick and sticky dough.
Be patient, and add water slowly to achieve the desired consistency.
Wrap the Chikanda
Take a piece of banana leaf (or aluminum foil) and place a small amount of the dough in the center.
Fold the leaf over the dough to create a small package.
Repeat this process until all dough is used.
Cook the Chikanda
In a large pot, bring water to a boil.
Place the wrapped chikanda in the boiling water and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The chikanda is done when they float to the surface.
Cool and Slice
Once cooked, remove the chikanda from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes.
Unwrap the packages and slice into rounds.
Fry the Chikanda
Heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the sliced chikanda until they are golden brown on both sides.
And there you have it! Your homemade chikanda is ready to enjoy. This delightful dish can be served as a snack or a side dish, pairing perfectly with a variety of meals. Each bite brings the crunch of the fried outer layer and the savory softness of the center, making it simply irresistible.
Share Your Experience
Now it's your turn to dive into this delicious recipe! Have you ever tasted chikanda before? If yes, what was your impression? If not, what are your thoughts on this unique dish? Let's connect in the comments and share our experiences with chikanda. Happy cooking!
awesome !