Banku

Name: Banku
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 2 cups cornmeal (yellow or white); 1 cup cassava flour (gari); 8 cups water; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp butter

A Ghanaian corn and cassava dumpling with a smooth, creamy texture. Traditionally served with fish soup or pepper stew for a complete, satisfying meal.

50 minMediumServes 4240 cal/serving

West AfricanLunchStovetopStandard

Ingredients

2 cups cornmeal (yellow or white)
1 cup cassava flour (gari)
8 cups water
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1

Mix 2 cups cornmeal (yellow or white) with enough 8 cups water to form a smooth paste with no lumps, stirring well.
2

Bring the remaining 8 cups water to a boil in a large pot and add 1/2 tsp salt.
3

Slowly pour the 2 cups cornmeal (yellow or white) paste into the boiling water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4

Reduce heat to low and add 1 cup cassava flour (gari) gradually while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
5

Continue cooking and stirring for 15-20 minutes until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pot and has a smooth texture.
6

Stir in 2 tbsp butter until fully incorporated.
7

The banku should have a soft, dough-like consistency and creamy flavor. Serve warm with fish soup or pepper stew.

Questions

Can I make Banku dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 2 tbsp butter. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Banku keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Banku?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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