How to make a popular West Indies treat

Conkies

Otherwise known as Pastels in some islands, or Dukanuu in Jamaica, are a sweet cornmeal based food item popular in the West Indies. Here is how to make these treats right in your own home.

 What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups corn flour


• 1/2 cup plain flour


• 1 cup grated coconut


• 3/4 lb grated pumpkin


• 1/2 lb grated sweet potato


• 6 oz melted butter or margarine


• 1 cup whole milk


• 1 egg (beaten)


• 3/4 lb brown sugar


• 4 ozs. raisins


• 1 tsp spice


• 1 tsp almond essence


• 1 tsp grated nutmeg


• 1 tsp salt


• Fresh Banana leaves (can be substituted with wax paper or foil.)


• Large bowl

What to Do:

1. Mix the coconut, pumpkin, sweet potato, sugar, spices, raisins, flour, corn flour, and salt together in a large bowl.


2. Add the beaten egg, melted butter or margarine, and milk. Mix thoroughly by hand to combine to mixture. You should have a thick mixture that drops slowly from a spoon. Add more flour if the mixture is not thick enough or add a more milk if it is too thick.


3. Fresh green Banana leaves are traditionally used to wrap the conkie mixture. If you have these, strip leaves from stalk with a knife then singe them over an open flame to make them more pliable. Cut the leaves into 8" squares.


4. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture into the centre of the banana leaf. Fold the leaf around the mixture, taking care not to rip the leaf.


5. Steam the Conkies on a rack over boiling water in a large saucepan for 1 hour or until they are firm.


6. Unwrap the conkies and enjoy.