Djenkoume (Tomato Cornmeal Cake)

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Servings: 6 servings

Country of Origin

Togo

Description

A traditional Togolese savory dish made from cornmeal cooked directly into a seasoned tomato, garlic, ginger, and red palm oil broth until thick, molded, and served warm with grilled or fried meats.

Presentation & How It's Eaten

Molded into small mounds or scoops on a platter, served warm alongside fried or grilled chicken, red tomato sauce, and fried plantains. Eaten by hand or with a fork.

Ingredients

• 2 cups yellow cornmeal

• 3 tbsp red palm oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 3 ripe Roma tomatoes, blended into a purée

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 3 cups chicken broth or water

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, left whole

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Directions

• Sauté Aromatics: Heat red palm oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.

• Build Tomato Base: Stir in tomato paste and blended purée. Cook for 10 minutes until oil separates from tomato mixture.

• Simmer Broth: Pour in chicken broth, paprika, salt, pepper, and whole Scotch bonnet pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove Scotch bonnet pepper.

• Cook Cornmeal: Gradually whisk in cornmeal in a steady stream to prevent lumps. Switch to a wooden spoon and stir continuously over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes as dough thickens and cooks through.

• Shape & Serve: Scoop dough into small oiled bowls to mold, invert onto plates, and serve warm with poultry or fish.

Optional

• Fish Variation: Substitute chicken broth with fish stock and serve alongside crispy fried tilapia.

Cooking Tips

• Prevent Lumping: Whisk cornmeal in slowly while broth is at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, for a smooth texture.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~240 kcal

• Total Fat: 9g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 310mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 36g

• Dietary Fiber: 4g

• Sugars: 3g

• Protein: 5g