Ducuna

Ducana is a type of dumpling made with coconut and sweet potatoes that is commonly boiled in banana leaves. The dish is typically served with salted or stewed fish and is a staple meal for many residents who enjoy the combination of savory and sweet flavors. Ducana is made with cornmeal, raisins, fresh spices, sugar, and coconut, then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked. It is claimed that sweet potatoes could not be used better than in the making of ducana, because sweet potatoes have been abundant on the islands since the time of the Arawak Indians.

Variations are also popular in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and other neighboring islands. Sweet potatoes, grated coconut, sugar, raisins (optional), spices, and flour are combined. Folded in banana leaves or foil, the mixture is cooked until hard. Serve this sweet dish with saltfish (recipe for Saltfish Buljolde) or other stewed fish and chop-up veggies for a complete supper (spinach, eggplant, and okra or other vegetables). This dish is very popular on Good Friday during the Easter season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely grated sweet potato, 3/4 cup fresh grated coconut, 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, 1/4 cup raisins optional, 1- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 1/4 cup water, Banana leaves and kitchen twine/foil for wrapping

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a boil.
• In a large bowl, combine the grated sweet potato and coconut. Mix in the sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and raisins.
• Mix in just enough flour to form a cohesive dough. If it is too dry, add about 1/4 cup water.
• Cut the banana leaves into squares, 6-10 inches depending on how large you want your Ducana. Rinse the banana leaves under hot water or heat lightly over an open flame until they are pliable.
• Transfer some of the dough into the center of a banana square and form into a rectangle/cylinder. Fold the banana over the dough to cover on all sides, then wrap with the twine to secure or wrap with foil. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Reduce the boiling water to medium-high for a gentle boil. Add the packets of dough and cook to desired doneness, 30 minutes for slightly soft and 45 minutes for more firm. Remove from the pot and allow to cool for 10 minutes before unwrapping.