Monday, June 21, 2010

Banku with Okro Soup

 

Ingredients:

1 pound of Beef
1/2 pound of Wele (cow skin)
1/2 medium sized Salmon
1 pound chopped Okro
1 mediun tomato
1 large Onion
10 - 15 peppers (kpakpo shito)
3 or 4 Garden Eggs
1/2 cup Palm Oil
Corn Dough
Cassava Dough
Salt

 
Chop the onion and cut and season the meat. Leave it to marinate for about 15 minutes.

 
Put the meat in a pot and and steam. Don't add any water, the meat will release it's juices. If the juices are drying up, but the meat is tough, add some water and keep on fire till it is tender enough for your taste.
 
Meanwhile you can blend the tomatoe and pepper. The mixture will come out looking more green than red since there is just one tomato.

 
Wash and cut the wele into 2 to 2 inch rolls and wash thoroughly. Dependin on where you got it and what state it was in, you may have to peel a black layer from the inside. You can have this done at the market. When you get it from a supermarket, this is already done. If it is very thick and hard, steam it in salted water with some bay leaves. Some people steam it with the meat, but I think it overwhealms the taste and smell of the meat.

 
If you haven't chopped the okro, now would be a good time to do it. I usually chop it as soon as I get back from the market, then freeze it till i need it. Keeping it in the fridge for a few days is alright but longer than that and it tends to become tough and stringy.

 
Cut the stalks off the Garden eggs then cut them lengthwise down the middle. Put them in a pot with enough water to cover them then bring to a boil. Cover and cook till the white fleshy part turns translucent (10-15 minutes). Seperate the flesh from the seeds and skin, add a little water and blend till smooth.


Heat the Palm oil in a pot and fry the onions.

 
Fry until they get soft but not long enough to start browning. Add the tomato/pepper pure and simmer till the liquid evaporates and it begins to fry.



While the sauce cooks, get your salmon ready. If is straight from the market, just split it down the middle and rinse out the insides (the inside are not removed from fish that is to be smoked) as well as the outside. Be sure to keep the skin. It is a personal favourite of mine although some people don't like it. If you are like me, you probably buy a batch and freeze, in which case just take out however much you want to use.

 
Add the salmon, meat, wele and garden egg puree. Strir gently for a minute or 2 then add a cup of water and lower the fire.

Put the chopped Okro in a pot, add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking/coking soda or a small lump of Kanwe (the local version easily got in the market). Keep stirring till it gets very slimey, that is what we are aiming for. The slimier it gets, the better.

 
After a while it will be bubbling up. When it threatens to boil over the edge of the pot, it is ready.

 
Add the okro to the main pot and stir it in.

 
Lower the fire some more and leave to simmer gently.

 
The rule I live by when making Banku is, 1 portion of Cassava dough to 2 portions of Corn Dough. So in this case, I used 1 pound of Cassava dough to 2 pounds of Corn dough. Cassava dough tends to be more lumpy and have in it, unmilled pieces of cassava, and so is prepared first. Place it in a container and add just enough water to cover it (about 1 1/2 cups for 1 pound). Now with clean hands, mix and mash up all the dough to form a watery paste. Pick out all the lumps and fibre that are in it. This may take a while (2-5 minutes). When all are removed, pour the mixture into a pot and repeat the process with the corn dough.

 
When this is done, add 1 teaspoon of salt and place on fire. Using a wooden spoon/spatula (there is a locally adapted spoon/spatula/paddle made especially for Banku and similar dishes), stir continuously until it starts to thicken. It needs the constant motion of stirring to keep it from turning lumpy prematurely.

 
As it progresses, it will start to gather at the bottom of the spoon and will need more and more force to stir it. Reduce the heat. Now use a dish cloth or towel to hold the pot in place, and still with the wooden spoon, start to knead it. Do this for about 5 minutes resting intermitently. Add 1 cup of waterand move the mass of soon-to-be banku until it is almost floating in the water. Use the wooden spoon to make a few holes in the mass so that the just added water can get all around. Increase the fire and cover.


 
As the water boils and evaporates, it is cooking the dough further. Turn it a few times during this process (About 5 Minutes). When the water is almost finished, turn down the heat and start kneading the banku again. Another 5 minutes should do it.

 
Use a small bowl or even the woodens poon itself to shape the banku into your prefered serving sizes. I personally use the plastic spoon that comes with rice cookers since it gives me the perfect size. I spoon out one portion into a small (margerine size) plastic bags and roll up the ends. It looks nice and is very convenient for serving, storing and reheating.

 
Serve it with the Okro soup. Interestingly, Banku can be eaten with almost any soups and stews.
Just like any food, there are many variations of this dish. I would love to hear and try them. Let me know how you prepare and eat your Banku and Okro soup.

92 comments:

  1. This is just like I do it, only I chop the garden egg into cubes. I don't blend.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I see, seeing who taught you to cook, I should probably try it. lol Your mum can cook! Matter of fact we should feature her here. What do you say Aunty Yaa?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm definitely gonna try cooking this on my own. Been missing banku since my student years in Gh. Thank u so much for this recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are welcome Kanzulu and please let me know how it turns out.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Chef lady, i can do it and will do it at weekend. Thanks for your reminding.
    Rachel

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for all your comments Rachel, it is great to get feedback :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I did this with more Ghanaian ingredients and it came out great...please keep the wonderful recipes coming.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks so much for passing through. Could you tell me what ingredients you used in yours? And I hope you took a picture of the food. I would like share it here. Happy Holidays!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am loving this recipe. What distinguishes this recipe and its presentation on the web page from others i have seen is that at every step you get to see result. THis is unique. I give you thumbs up

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the encouragement. Sometime it can be a whole juggling act trying to take pictures while i cook and not burn stuff, but I enjoy it so much, it is totally worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. hi I am also loving this post.It is great and beautiful.its better than the other sites ive seen and its really helped me in my biotech assignment since we are working on fermented foods.keep up the good work and all the best

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad my love of food can come in handy for your assignment. Thanks for the comment.

      Delete
  12. thanks for your recipes, I have been looking for a practical website for Ghanaian dishes foe months and then chance upo this on facebook. Finally I can add up to mmy family's menu. God bless and will be looking out for more.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for the detailed recipe. Can you please put up the recipe for tz and soup for me. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  14. this hw i most at times prepare my okro soup but it stop slimmy when am ready to eat it...why does it stop slimmy after cooking and ready to serve

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi, sorry I took so long to reply. One of the reasons for losing the slime of the okro is covering it when you are done cooking. The steam cuts the slime just as effectively as tomatoes do. So avoid both and you should be good.

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is my son's FAVORITE Ghanaian dish (besides Banku and Pepper Fish), I am going to try this recipe, adapted with local ingredients (we live in rural southern Illinois :-)). What are Garden Eggs and what might the closest vegetable substitute be that I might be able to find in a typical US grocery store be? Squash? They look divine! We have okra (okro) growing in our garden, so I can use fresh okra.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Egg plant is a great substitute for garden eggs.

      Delete
  17. God bless you for posting this! My friends and I are away for school and we have been craving some banku!
    This recipe really helped us out! lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's great to know. I hope you tried some of the other recipes here.

      Delete
  18. I leave in miami about a month ago and I miss banku and okra stew.. If someone can help me buy sone of ingredient. . And where can I get ghanaian food to buy. .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Henry, I'm sorry but at the moment, i have no idea how you can get Ghanaian food in Miami. I'm working on a few things so hopefully we can sort you out soon :) All the best

      Delete
  19. is vary interesting i will try to do it probably this weekend is vary simple i love that thanks a lot

    ReplyDelete
  20. I'm going to try it... The one I know is the one with cut garden eggs.. So after boiling it you have to blend it

    ReplyDelete
  21. Haven't made banku since before my grandmother passed away, which was like 13years ago, made it today using this recipe turned out great thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful. Did banku remind you of your grandma, is that why you haven't made it since her passing?

      Delete
  22. I love cooking with my kids. We typically make cookies or muffins but my oldest daughter (11yrs) has begun to help me with making dinner. She loves chopping vegetables. Techlazy.com Crazyask.com Howmate.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love it! It starts with chopping then on to simple combinations, soon, she'll be making full meals on her own 🙂

      Delete
  23. Our two girls are grown now with a tiny one each of their own. Can’t wait to start cooking with the next generation!FeedEggFeedEgg.netTechubeUpdateLand


    ReplyDelete
  24. After my holidays in Ghana,I fell in love with okra soup and banku.this recipe is the best. I tried it and the soup didn't disappoint. I left out the kanwe and garden egg.it still turned out well

    ReplyDelete
  25. I am just hearing this combination for the first time and I'll give it a try and give you my feed back.

    ReplyDelete
  26. This delicately looks tasty and I can literally smell the aroma. I am going to try it out!

    ReplyDelete
  27. How long can you keep banku for? And do you keep it in fridge or freezer?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Wow that really lovely
    I think I will prefer Ademe in addition too
    Keep it up
    Thank u

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi!!
    Love your post. It's really amazing & helpful too. Being foodie i keep trying new dishes i tried this recipe & it turned out to be really tasty . Keep sharing :)
    Thank You & Regards
    Ankita


    overeview

    ReplyDelete
  30. Moz Group Buy is a scoring tool that measures the strength of your website is based on indicators such as Domain Authority (DA), Page Authority (PA)

    ReplyDelete
  31. by 'Musk Palace' is a Men Perfume with spicy oriental fragrance. Top notes are clementine and cucumber that produce a mild sweet fragrance. Middle notes are black basil and Bergamot that create a warm spicy Aroma. Base notes are Sandal and Musk.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Central Florida Mattress Liquidators, Orlando, Florida. 2912 likes · 70 talking about this · 437 were here. Lowest Prices!!! Save 50-80% On Brand New...

    ReplyDelete
  33. Guide to Halal food places, restaurants and buffets in USA. Read reviews. Get directions. Share your Halal dining experience. · Roman's Pizza · Kiki's Fast Food.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sheets can make you feel warm, cool, comfortable, protected—and your sleep depends on it. It's important to find the organic sheet set that is best for you.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Musk Al Mahal Perfumery& Cosmetics produces an exclusive range of high quality Real Attars, Arabian & Western Fragrances.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I m0ade this last night for my 16 yo twins and husband – and they loved it. So easy and perfect. Thanks for sharing.
    Joseph Donahue

    ReplyDelete

  37. Areejas Wardrobe Online Clothing in Pakistan

    Areejas Wordobe offers you an exclusive range of infant and toddler clothing online in Pakistan. Visit us now and find baby headbands, baby princess tiaras, baby caps, baby hats, baby hair clips, baby hair bows, etc. all at one place in very affordable prices.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I will definitely try it this weekend I love that thanks a lot & have a good luck! Please check! 8 Best Diabetes Superfoods: (That Can Be Eaten Freely)

    ReplyDelete
  39. House in Lahore for sale


    Visit Aetmaad and Find the best Houses for sale in Lahore. You can Find 5 Marla, 10 Marla, and 1 Kanal Houses for Sale in Lahore. Aetmaad is one of Pakistan's trusted real estate marketing agency, helping you to find apartments, villas, and houses for sale.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Family Quotes


    Family is not an important thing. It's everything." – Michael J. Explore famous and best Family Quotes from Letusmakeyourich.

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information.
    Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming.

    ReplyDelete
  42. 101bookmark.com !! Bookmark New Blog Post For Free

    ReplyDelete
  43. Supplier
    Suppliers have a hugely important role at every stage of the product lifecycle. From sourcing raw materials to helping ramp up production, and to finding better options for raw materials as the market starts becoming saturated, companies need to work closely with their suppliers to get the best out of their products.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Best kid clothes in Pakistan
    Areejas Wordobe offers you an exclusive range of infant and toddler clothing online in Pakistan. Visit us now and find baby headbands, baby princess tiaras, baby caps, baby hats, baby hair clips, baby hair bows, etc. all at one place in very affordable prices.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Great twist on the original recipe! Thai is one of my favorite, too.
    I have all the ingredients in the house, this will be dinner tonight. Love it.
    Kelly Hubbard

    ReplyDelete
  46. 3 Marla plot for sale in Lahore
    Find plot for sale in Lahore with Aetmaad. We are leading real estate marketing company in Pakistan. Find land in all sizes like 3 Marla plot for sale in Lahore, 3 Marla plot for sale in Lahore on installments and price/cost ranges.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Laser Skin Resurfacing
    https://southportclinic.com.au/treatment/laser-skin-resurfacing/
    If you want to find the best Laser resurfacing services then visit Southport clinic. Our experts reduce facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, age spots in a proven way.

    ReplyDelete
  48. If you want to spend less time just poke holes in the spaghetti squash with a fork and then cook it in the microwave. I haven’t done one in awhile but I want to say it usually takes about 20 mins. Start with 10-15 mins and check it frequently and once you can stick a fork into it easily or press it and it’s soft (with an oven mitt on!!!) it’s done. Let it cool, then cut and scoop everything out!
    Holly Hooper

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you for sharing these awesome crock pot recipes. My family and I tend to eat the same thing every week due to the fact that both parents work full-time jobs and by the time baby is picked up from preschool we are all exhausted. These crock pot recipes give me a better idea of ways to incorporate new meals. The food will be done by the time we get home and not spending an hour trying to cook after we finally make it home from work.
    Jayme Silvestri

    ReplyDelete
  50. casinos for VIP players
    We are an affiliate site for VIP casinos and Canadian VIP players.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Terima kasih atas kontribusi yang luar biasa ini, menurut saya sangat menarik dan Cnnc Stock dipikirkan dengan baik dan disatukan. Saya berharap untuk membaca karya Anda di masa depan.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thank you for sharing this insightful material. This is a great post. I 'm going to periodically visit your blog for some new updates.
    Best psychiatrist in lahore

    ReplyDelete
  53. Houses for sale in Lahore, buy houses of 3 Marla, 5 Marla, 10 Marla, 1 Kanal, 2 Kanal and more - find from a wide range of houses on Aetmaad.com. We are one of Pakistan's trusted real estate marketing agency, helping you to find apartments, villas, and houses for sale.
    3 Marla houses in Lahore for sale

    ReplyDelete
  54. http://ghanaianfood.blogspot.com/2010/06/banku-with-okro-soup.html

    ReplyDelete
  55. With over 4 decades of experience in the Middle East Meat Industry, ROYALFOODSTUFF Group of Companies are one of the largest suppliers of Meat and Frozen Foods in the region.
    Thanks
    Frozen beef supplier in Dubai UAE

    ReplyDelete
  56. Congratulations on your article, it was very helpful and successful. 924195ee2f128c8957e0a3231635437d
    sms onay
    website kurma
    numara onay

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thank you for your explanation, very good content. c929593b18d521ab04308115a57fb6a8
    define dedektörü

    ReplyDelete
  58. This looks fantastic! I’m a little puzzled by the amounts of the spicy miso paste though – since you only use half in this recipe, can’t one just make half in the 1st place? Is the benefit just having miso paste ready to go for the second round? Or some other secret?
    Paul Brown

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi there, if you're looking for Frozen meat suppliers in Dubai UAE UAE, then you should definitely check out Royalfoodstuff.com! They have a great selection of quality frozen meats that are sure to meet your needs. Plus, their customer service team is friendly and helpful, so you can be sure you'll get the best experience possible.

    ReplyDelete
  60. This blog is very interesting and useful. Thanks for sharing this useful information with us.
    car rental jeddah airport

    ReplyDelete

  61. Thanks for sharing this article. You have a lot of information about that and uh can also visit
    Massage center in Lahore for your wellness and mind relax spa.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Find Attack On Titan exploration online at istruestory with details.

    ReplyDelete

Like

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...