Banku and Okro Recipe
Banku and Okro is one of the most beloved dishes in Ghana. It’s a combination of banku (fermented corn and cassava dough) and okro soup (a flavorful stew made from okra, vegetables, and meat or fish). This meal is a cultural staple in Ghana, often served during festive occasions and family gatherings. The richness of the soup combined with the smooth, hearty banku makes it a filling, comforting dish loved by many.
Ingredients for Banku
2 cups of fermented corn dough
1 cup of fermented cassava dough
Water (as needed)
Salt (to taste)
Instructions
In a pot, mix the fermented corn dough and cassava dough together.
Gradually add water to the mixture while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook the mixture over medium heat while stirring constantly until it thickens into a smooth, stretchy dough.
Add salt to taste, and continue stirring until the banku is fully cooked.
Once cooked, mold the banku into balls or serve as preferred.
Okro Soup Recipe
Traditional Okro Soup Recipe
Ingredients for Okro Soup
10 okra pods (sliced)
1 medium-sized onion (chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1 small ginger root (grated)
1-2 cloves of garlic (minced)
500g meat (beef, goat, or chicken), fish, or a combination
1 tablespoon of palm oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Water or broth (as needed)
1 tablespoon of ground crayfish (optional)
Instructions
In a pot, heat the palm oil and sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until aromatic.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until soft.
Add the meat (or fish) and cook for about 10-15 minutes until tender.
Add water or broth to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil.
Once the soup is boiling, add the sliced okra and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to release the mucilage of the okra.
Season with salt, pepper, and ground crayfish (optional) to taste.
Once the soup thickens to your desired consistency, it’s ready to serve!
Tips & Variations
If you’re looking for a healthier version of this dish, you can reduce the amount of palm oil or use a non-stick pot for cooking. You can also replace the meat with tofu or beans for a vegetarian option.
Experiment with spices to adjust the flavor profile to your liking – try adding a bit of chili pepper for some heat or a dash of lemon juice for a fresh twist.
