Barbadian Conkies

Barbadian Conkies

Conkies are a Barbadian dessert or snack made with a flavorful base of corn flour, coconut, pumpkin, and sweet potato, and seasoned with brown sugar, spices, and raisins. The mixture is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, which makes for a convenient unwrap-and-eat treat. Traditionally they’re made in November to celebrate Barbados’ Independence Day, however conkies are a popular treat all throughout the holidays. 

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups corn flour
• 1/2 cup white flour
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 3/4 lb grated pumpkin
• 1/2 lb grated sweet potato
• 6 oz butter or margarine, melted
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 3/4 lb brown sugar
• 4 oz raisins
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp almond essence
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• Fresh banana leaves, wax paper, or foil

INSTUCTIONS

1. Mix the coconut, pumpkin, sweet potato, sugar, spices, raisins, flour, corn flour, and salt together in a large bowl.
2. Add the egg, butter or margarine, and milk. Mix thoroughly with hands to combine. The consistency should be thick enough that it slowly drops from a spoon- add a little more flour to thicken or milk to thin the mixture if needed.
3. If using banana leaves, strip them from the stalk with a sharp knife, then briefly singe them over an open flame to make them more pliable. Cut the leaves, wax paper, or foil into individual 8″ squares.
4. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture into the center of a banana leaf, wax paper, or foil. Carefully fold the wrapping around the mixture.
5. Place conkies in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Let steam for 1 hour, or until they are firm.
6. Cool, unwrap, and enjoy.

Adapted from Barbados.