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Dokunu (Fermented Corn Dumplings)

Dokunu, also called kenkey or komi, is a Ghanaian food made from fermented corn. It is eaten across west African countries, often with fried fish.

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Ingredients

Makes
3
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 spoon cornstarch
  • Warm water
  • ½ spoon salt
  • Corn husks or plantain leaves

Ingredients for 3 servings (175 g) · the original recipe

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Method

  1. 1

    Combine the cornstarch and cornmeal in a bowl. Mix in enough warm water to get a smooth, stiff dough.

  2. 2

    Cover the mixture with a clean cloth, and let rest in a warm place for 2 days. It should smell sour, like sourdough.

  3. 3

    Divide the dough into 2 pieces.

  4. 4

    Heat a pot over medium heat. Add one half of the dough, and cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring regularly.

    Stovetop
  5. 5

    Remove from the heat, and mix the cooked dough into the uncooked dough. Season with a little salt.

  6. 6

    Portion out small pieces of dough, and roll into balls. Wrap each piece in a corn husk or plantain leaf, and secure with string.

  7. 7

    Heat water in a steamer. Add the wrapped dokunu, and steam for about 1 hour.

  8. 8

    Serve with dry fish or any sides of your choice.

Recipe from Wikibooks Cookbook, written by Wikibooks contributors. Used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence; the ingredient list and method on this page are taken from that page and edited (its notes, tips and variations are not reproduced), and are available under the same licence. The macros, equipment tags and scaling are Ma Kitchen’s own and are not the source’s figures. Ma Kitchen is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wikibooks Cookbook. Copied on 2026-11-12.

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