Akwadu Recipe

Stewart Martha

15 May, 2024

Discover the joy of Akwadu with our easy-to-follow recipe. Indulge in the exotic flavors of Equatorial Guinea – a sweet culinary adventure awaits!

Akwadu

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Equatorial Guinean
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 80 calories

Akwadu is a delightful dessert originating from Equatorial Guinea, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of West Africa. This dessert is a fusion of flavors and textures, featuring ripe plantains or bananas bathed in a harmonious blend of coconut, orange juice, and lemon juice. The dish brings together tropical sweetness with a hint of citrus tang, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on the palate.

In the preparation of Akwadu, the plantains are cut and scored, embracing their natural sweetness and texture. The addition of shredded coconut adds a luscious and aromatic element, while brown sugar contributes a caramelized richness. The interplay of these ingredients creates a heavenly concoction that is both simple to make and indulgent in its taste.

Whether opting for the plantain version with skin or the skinless standard banana variation, Akwadu offers a journey into Equatorial Guinean cuisine, allowing individuals to experience the vibrant and diverse flavors without leaving the comfort of their homes. This dessert is a celebration of local ingredients and culinary traditions, providing a sweet conclusion to any meal and a genuine taste of West African culture.

Recipe

Dive into the exotic world of Akwadu! Uncover the secrets of this tantalizing Equatorial Guinean dessert—easy, flavorful, and a sweet escape for your taste buds!

Ingredients

4 ripe plantains or bananas
1 cup shredded coconut
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Juice of 2 lemons
Cinnamon (optional)
Honey

Method Instructions

Plantain with skin version:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) in convection mode.
Cut the plantains in half lengthwise without removing their skin.
Score the flesh of the plantains and arrange them in a baking dish.
Pour melted butter, drizzle orange and lemon juices over the plantains.
Sprinkle with cinnamon (optional), brown sugar, and shredded coconut.
Bake for 20 minutes, basting regularly with the banana juice flowing into the baking dish.
Remove the plantains from the oven, put a little honey on each.
Return to the oven in the grill position and brown the top (about 5 minutes, but watch closely).
Baste with juice again.

Recipe Video

Akwadu

This is a video about Akwadu.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 259 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Akwadu, Akwadu Recipe, Recipe

Discover the joy of African Akwadu with our easy-to-follow recipe. Indulge in the exotic flavors of Equatorial Guinea – a sweet culinary adventure awaits!

Akwadu

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Equatorial Guinean
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 90 calories

Ingredients

4 ripe plantains or bananas
1 cup shredded coconut
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Juice of 2 lemons
Cinnamon (optional)
Honey

Skinless plantain version

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the bananas into thick slices and arrange them in a baking dish.
Pour melted butter, drizzle orange and lemon juices over the banana slices.
Sprinkle with cinnamon (optional), brown sugar, and shredded coconut.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove the bananas from the oven, put a little honey on each.
Return to the oven in the grill position and brown the top (about 2 minutes, but watch closely).
Baste with juice again.
Enjoy your delicious Akwadu! Feel free to share how it turns out.

Akwadu

This is a video about skinless standard banana Akwadu version.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 247 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Akwadu, Akwadu Recipe, Recipe

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Servings

Akwadu is typically served as a delightful dessert, offering a sweet and flavorful conclusion to a meal. Here's a simple guide on how to serve Akwadu:

Presentation: Arrange the baked plantains or bananas on a serving platter, ensuring an appealing and inviting presentation.
Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, you can garnish the Akwadu with a sprinkle of additional shredded coconut or a dusting of cinnamon. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of extra flavor.
Accompaniments: Akwadu can be enjoyed on its own, but if you want to elevate the experience, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool and creamy elements complement the warm and caramelized notes of the dessert.
Drizzle of Honey: Just before serving, drizzle a bit more honey over the top of the baked plantains or bananas. This adds a final touch of sweetness and enhances the overall indulgence.
Serve Warm: Akwadu is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. The contrast of warm, gooey sweetness with any cool accompaniments creates a delightful sensory experience.
Pairing: Traditionally, Akwadu can be savored on its own, but if you'd like, you can pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting and satisfying conclusion to your meal.

Tips

Ripe Plantains or Bananas: Choose ripe plantains or bananas for this recipe. The natural sweetness of ripe fruit enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Coconut Variation: Experiment with different types of shredded coconut, such as toasted coconut flakes, to add varying textures and intensify the coconut flavor.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially with the coconut, as it plays a prominent role in the dish. Freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice will contribute to a more vibrant flavor.
Basting Technique: During the baking process, baste the plantains or bananas regularly with the juices in the baking dish. This ensures they stay moist and absorb the rich flavors.
Cinnamon Optional: If you enjoy a hint of spice, consider adding cinnamon to the recipe. It adds warmth and depth to the dessert, but it's entirely optional based on personal preference.
Honey Drizzle: The final drizzle of honey adds a luxurious touch. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
Serve Warm: Akwadu is best enjoyed warm. If preparing in advance, you can gently reheat in the oven before serving to regain the delightful warmth.
Accompaniments: While Akwadu is delicious on its own, consider serving it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
Watch Closely During Grilling: When browning the top under the grill, keep a close eye on the plantains or bananas to prevent burning. The goal is a golden brown finish.
Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste. You can adjust the sweetness, add more citrus for a tangy kick, or explore additional flavorings like nutmeg or cardamom.

Ingredient Substitutes

While Akwadu has its traditional ingredients, you can explore some substitutes based on availability or dietary preferences. Here are a few alternatives:

Plantains or Bananas: Substitute with ripe plantains or bananas of your choice. Ensure they are sufficiently ripe for sweetness.
Shredded Coconut: Use unsweetened shredded coconut or coconut flakes. You can also try toasted coconut for a deeper flavor.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is ideal, but you can use store-bought if needed. Alternatively, you can try a different citrus juice like tangerine or grapefruit for a unique twist.
Brown Sugar: Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.
Unsalted Butter: If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
Lemon Juice: Use lime juice as a substitute for lemon juice. The citrusy element is essential for balancing sweetness.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is optional, but if you don't have it or prefer a different spice, you can use nutmeg or cardamom for a distinct flavor.
Honey: Agave nectar or maple syrup can be alternatives to honey, especially if you're looking for a vegan option.