Banku with Okra Soup Recipe:

Banku is a traditional Ghanaian dish made from fermented corn and cassava dough, while okra soup is a popular West African dish. Here's a step-by-step process to make banku with okra soup:

Ingredients for Banku:

• 1 cup of fermented corn and cassava dough (banku mix)

• Water

• Salt

Ingredients for Okra Soup:

• 2 cups of fresh okra, sliced.

• 1 pound of meat or fish (e.g., tilapia or catfish or any protein)

• 1 medium onion finely chopped.

• 2-3 fresh tomatoes, diced (1can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz(411g))

• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.

• 2 gingers, blended.

• 2-3 tablespoons of palm oil or regular oil

• 1-2 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon ground crayfish (optional)

• Seasoning cubes or powder, to taste

• Salt to taste

• Water

• Spinach(optional)

NB: Okra soup is usually made with palm oil (red oil)

Instructions:

Making Banku:

1. In a large saucepan, salt the fermented corn and cassava dough (Banku mix).

2. Gradually add water while stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth, stretchy, and elastic consistency. You may need to add more water or dough as necessary to reach the right texture.

3. Once the banku is well mixed and smooth, let it cool slightly. You can also shape it into small balls or portions.

4. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then mold the banku into the desired shape. Traditional banku is often shaped into round or oval portions.

5. Serve the banku a long side the okra soup.

Making Okra Soup:

In a large pot, heat the palm oil /any oil of your choice over medium heat. Be careful not to overheat it, as it can become bitter.

1. Add the chopped onions and blended garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.

2. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften, and the mixture becomes fragrant.

3. Add your choice of meat or fish and stir. Allow the meat or fish to brown slightly.

4. Add the sliced okra and chopped peppers. Continue to cook and stir for a few minutes.

5. Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, and add the ground crayfish (if using), seasoning cubes or powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine.

6. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer over medium-low heat until the okra is tender and the flavors meld. This can take around 20-30 minutes. If the soup becomes too thick, you can add more water to reach your desired consistency.

7. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

8. Serve the okra soup with the prepared banku on the side.

NB: You can blend the ginger, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and pepper portions to season. The rest should be added to the protein (fish, meat, chicken), and use the rest after the oil stage 1(2 and 3 becomes 2). Leave it to simmer for about 10 mins then add your protein. You will need to leave it to simmer for 20 minutes before adding the Okra and Spinach(optional).

Enjoy your homemade banku and okra soup, a delicious Ghanaian meal.