Kwakoko and banga soup

Par Engochan Che 2021-07-22

This is a Cameroonian meal made up of Kwacoco known in English as cocoyam (taro) grated and steamed in banana leaves, and the Banga Soup. The soup is made out of fresh palm nuts. It is very tasty, healthy and so good!

Ingredients

• 7 large cocoyam (taro)

• 10-12 banana leaves - cut into rectangles and warmed over fire or in hot water for wrapping

• 1 can palm nut pulp concentrate (28 oz/800 g) or 1 kg fresh palm nuts

• 3 small seasoning cubes (Maggi)

• ½ cup crayfish (coarsely ground)

• 1 habanero (hot) pepper

• 2 pounds smoked fish of choice (about 1 kg)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 medium onion - chopped

• 1 handful chopped spinach or any leafy green

Instructions

Kwacoco

Peel cocoyam then wash thoroughly. Grate or process in a food processor to a paste. Line a large pot with worn-out banana leaves or aluminum foil. Wrap about a cup of the cocoyam paste in each banana leave to form a log. Place all logs into the pot. Add two cups of hot water and steam for about 1 - 2 hours. Every 10- 15 minutes, add in more water until fully cooked.

Banga Soup

If using fresh palm nuts, boil until tender then place in a mortar and pound to extract the pulp. Add in 4 cups of hot water then sieve to separate the skin from the pulp. Place the pulp in a pot.
If using the canned palm nut concentrate simply pour it into a pot and add 2 cups of water. Add chopped onion and let it boil together with the palm nut pulp for about ten minutes. Then add salt, Maggi, pepper, crayfish and dried fish. Add in another 2 cups of water and let them simmer for another 10 minutes. At this point, check the consistency of your soup. If it is too thick, add in more water as needed. Also taste to ensure that the seasoning is perfect.
Add chopped spinach and let it simmer for 2 minutes. That's it! Kwacoco and Banga Soup is ready.
Enjoy with your hands because this is finger-licking good!