Conkie [Kankee, as it is pronounced in Guyana] is a sweet dish made with cornmeal, pumpkin, coconut, sugar, and warm spices steamed in a banana leaf. This Caribbean dessert has many variations but this Guyanese conkie recipe is a winner!
Course Traditional Guyanese
Cuisine Caribbean
Keyword bajan conkies, conkie, conkie recipe, guyana conkie, guyanese conkie, how to make conkie, jamaican blue draws, jamaican dukunoo, steamed cornmeal, steamed cornmeal recipes, what is conkie
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Total Time 30 minutesminutes
Servings 6
Calories 180kcal
Author Althea Brown
Equipment
Banana Leaves optional
Parchment Paper optional
Aluminum Foil optional
Twine optional
Steamer Pot
Ingredients
1/2cupfine cornmeal or corn flour
1/4cupgranulated sugarmay substitute for coconut sugar
1cuppumpkin (calabaza squash)steamed then pureed (may use canned pumpkin)
1cupgrated coconuts
2tablespoonscoconut oilmelted
1/4cupfull fat coconut milk
1teaspoonfresh grated nutmeg
1/4teaspoonground cloves
1teaspoonground cinnamon
1/4teaspoon salt
1teaspoonalmond essence
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/4cupraisinsrinsed (optional)
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients (except the raisins) in a large mixing bowl and mix together well until mixture has a smooth paste-like consistency. If mixture is loose let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Then add the raisins and continue to combine until fully incorporated.
Using Banana leaves
Cut banana leaves into 8-10 inch pieces, ensuring that there are no tears or holes in the pieces selected. Carefully wash the banana release removing any cob webs or other insect residues. Dry the banana leaves then run them over an open flame for a few seconds to soften.
Alternatively you may place each piece of damn banana leaf in the microwave and microwave for 30 seconds then remove from the microwave and wipe dry with a towel. You may also run the leaves over an induction burner for a few seconds to soften.
Next place the banana leaf on a flat surface then add about 1/2 cup of the conkie mixture to the center of the leaf.
Then fold over (see video) concealing the mixture inside the leaf and tie with kitchen twine.
Using Parchment Paper and Aluminum Foil
Cut parchment paper and aluminum foil into 8-10 inch pieces. Then add the conkie mixture to the center of the parchment paper and fold to conceal the mixture within the parchment paper.
Next securely wrap the folded parchment paper in aluminum foil ensuring that there are no openings for water to get to the conkie.
Cooking the Conkie
Add enough water to a large saucepan on high heat and bring to a roaring boil.
If you are using banana leavesadd some reserved banana leaves to the bottom of the pot, then add the wrapped conkies. Then cover, reduce the heat to medium and steam for 15 minutes. Be sure to check on the conkies to ensure the water doesn't cook down before the cooking time is up. Keep a pot of boiling water going so that you can add hot water at any point if needed.
If using parchment paper and foil add a few sheets of aluminum foil to the bottom of the pot, then add the foil wrapped conkies. Then cover, reduce the heat to medium and steam for 15 minutes. Be sure to check on the conkies to ensure the water doesn't cook down before the cooking time is up. Keep a pot of boiling water going so that you can add hot water at any point if needed.
As a last resort you can add the conkie directly to the pot of boiling water, making sure that the water does not come more than half way up the conkie. Cover the conkies and steam for 15 minutes. And just like with the other two options check often to ensure that the water does cook off before the conkies are ready.
Notes
This recipe is naturally gluten free but be sure to read the labels on your cornmeal, coconut and canned pumpkin (if using) to ensure that there are no additives that don't work for you.For the traditional Conkie, substitute coconut oil with butter and coconut milk with dairy milk.For a refined sugar free version substitute granulated sugar for coconut sugar.