Ekwang Dish Cameroon

Ekwang” is a traditional Cameroonian dish made primarily from grated cocoyam wrapped in cocoyam leaves and cooked with various spices and protein such as fish, meat, or crayfish. The mixture is typically seasoned with ingredients like crayfish, onions, and red palm oil. After wrapping the mixture in leaves, it is steamed or boiled until cooked through. Ekwang is popular in the Southwest region of Cameroon and is often served at special occasions and gatherings. It’s known for its rich flavor and unique texture, making it a beloved dish in Cameroonian cuisine.

Ekwang Recipe

Here’s a basic recipe for making Ekwang:

Ingredients:

• 4 large cocoyams (also known as taro or malanga)
• 500g of beef, fish, or any protein of your choice (cut into small pieces)
• 1 cup of crayfish (ground)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2-3 cups of red palm oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cocoyam leaves (for wrapping)

Instructions:

1. Peel and grate the cocoyams using a grater or food processor. Place the grated cocoyams in a large bowl.
2. Add the chopped onion, ground crayfish, salt, and pepper to the grated cocoyams. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Take a piece of cocoyam leaf and spread a portion of the mixture onto it. Place some pieces of the protein (beef, fish, etc.) on top of the mixture.
4. Wrap the mixture and protein tightly in the cocoyam leaf, forming a cylindrical shape. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up.
5. In a large pot, place some cocoyam leaves at the bottom to prevent sticking. Arrange the wrapped Ekwang in the pot, stacking them neatly.
6. Pour the red palm oil over the wrapped Ekwang, ensuring they are well coated.
7. Add water to the pot until the Ekwang is almost covered.
8. Cover the pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cocoyam is fully cooked and tender. You may need to add more water during cooking if necessary.
9. Once cooked, remove the Ekwang from the pot and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Ekwang!

Where Can I Get Powder?

Head to Afri Farm Abu Dhabi for your Ekwang powder or fresh coco yams and all the spices required for Ekwang.