Ducana (Antigua) - Oceanian Recipe

Ducana (Antigua)

🌍 Oceanian, Antiguan Difficulty: ●●●○○

Ducana is Antigua's most distinctive traditional dish and likely derives from West African steamed ground-food preparations; traditionally served on Sunday alongside saltfish, it represents the fusion of African culinary memory with Caribbean ingredients.

Ingredients

• 400 g sweet potato, grated raw
• 200 g grated coconut (fresh or desiccated, rehydrated)
• 200 g cornmeal or flour
• 100 g brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
• Pinch of salt
• Banana leaves or aluminum foil for wrapping

Method

1. Combining — Combine all ingredients in a bowl; mix thoroughly to a thick, sticky dough.
2. Step 2 — If using banana leaves, soften over a flame briefly. Cut into 25 cm squares.
3. Placing — Place 2–3 tablespoons of mixture in the center of each leaf or foil square.
4. Folding — Fold over to form a parcel; tie with string or fold foil tightly.
5. Placing — Place dumplings in a pot of boiling water; cover and steam for 45–60 minutes.
6. Step 6 — Unwrap and serve warm — traditionally eaten alongside saltfish or smoked herring.

Tags: sweet potato, grated coconut, cornmeal or flour, brown sugar, vanilla extract · Source: Brittani's Almanac