Mangu

ducana

Next Dish: Tassot

Ducana is a traditional sweet dish from Antigua and Barbuda, often served during Easter and Christmas. It is a type of dumpling made from grated sweet potatoes, coconut, sugar, and spices, which are mixed together, wrapped in banana leaves, and then boiled. The dish is typically served with saltfish, a type of dried and salted fish. Ducana is considered a staple of Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine.

raisins

sweet potato

salt

flour

vanilla extract

banana leaf

cinnamon

coconut

ground nutmeg

powdered sugar

Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups grated sweet potato

  • 1 cup grated coconut

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 cup flour

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 cup raisins

  • Banana leaves or aluminum foil for wrapping


Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the grated sweet potato, grated coconut, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and raisins. Mix until well combined.

  2. Cut the banana leaves or aluminum foil into large squares. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the mixture onto the center of each square.

  3. Fold the banana leaves or foil over the mixture, wrapping it tightly to form a packet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

  4. Place the packets in a large pot of boiling water and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the ducana is firm and cooked through.

  5. Remove the packets from the water and let them cool for a few minutes before unwrapping. Serve warm.