KOKONTE AND GROUNDNUT SOUP

THE FOOD  

Kokonte is a meal which is eaten in some parts of Africa like Togo, Ghana and others. In Ghana, to be precise, Kokonte is eaten by most of the ethnic groups like the Ga, Akan, Hausa and so on. It's actually eaten best with groundnut soup Most people like to refer to Kokonte as "Face The Wall" because it was initially associated with the low class, and one wouldn't want anyone see him it and also a popular term used by the Ghanaian locals. Kokonte usually is brown, grey and deep green depending on the type of ethnic group that prepares the dish. Kokonte is usually prepared out of dried cassava or yam then later grinded into powdering form in a cornmeal to have your complete Kokonte powder.

INGREDIENTS AND PREPARATION PROCESS 

 Ingredients such as  cassava flour, salt, water are needed  to make the meal. To start, one needs to place a saucepan on fire with water which is allowed to reach a boiling point. You then pour your cassava flour and stir gently till it's well mixed. You then paddle very well to prevent lamps .There should be another boiling water which will be poured on the Konkonte on fire. The hot water is then poured on the Konkonte and we'll paddled again  to get a uniformed mixture.

Groundnut soup is one of the favorite soups used to square up the Kokonte meal among Ghanaians. It is not only tasty but also healthy. It is a common meal among many people in this country but due to its amazing taste, many individuals around the globe have learnt how to cook it. 

Groundnut soup or peanut soup is a thick soup usually prepared by cooking peanuts with several ingredients. It is a staple food among Africans especially in West Africa. Often, people prefer eating it with carbohydrates such as fufu in Ghana.  

Ingredients such as half cup of groundnut paste, medium-sized onions, large tomatoes (must be very ripe), 500g of meat chopped into small pieces (can be chicken, fish or beef), 2L of water (approximately 8 glasses), salt, spices, pepper paste,1 stock cube are needed  for the preparation  of the soup.

PREPARATION PROCESS FOR GROUNDNUT SOUP

Put the chopped chicken and seasonings in a pot and mix thoroughly. Leave them to steam and from time to time, turn the food to ensure that all the contents are steamed properly. The time required to steam the food depends on the amount of heat used. It is recommended to use medium heat for around 10 minutes. Next, pour the groundnut paste in another pot and mix it with water. The mixture should be thick thus a considerable amount of water should be used. Heat the mixture while stirring until some oil starts forming. After the groundnut paste is ready, add water and mix thoroughly until it is light. Then add it to the steamed meat. Simmer the content. While simmering, add the onions and tomatoes without cutting them. You have to wash them well.

Once the content has simmered for a while, remove the onions and the tomatoes. Peel off the tomatoes, grind them and put them back to the mixture. It is often wise to use peeled tomatoes. You have to boil them first so that they can peel off easily. Grind the onions as well. Add the stock cube stirringly. Add salt.

CHALLENGES OF KOKONTE

Konkonte from it's processing is actually tedious it requires much attention to prevent sand and other particles from mixing with the dried cassava after it has been dried. Also when it comes to preparing it more strength and paddling is required to prevent lamps. Further more when it comes the  life span of Konkonte it can last for Two days. One must note that it should be eaten within the early hours of day to prevent indigestion. Preparing groundnut soup is time consuming compared to other soups and one should be very careful to make sure soup is well prepared before consumption  avoid stomach troubles.

BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSUMPTION OF THE DELICACY  

First and foremost it has carbohydrate based food which gives energy and it's very affordable for both the rich and poor. Groundnut soup  contains protein and helps promote fertility because of the groundnut. Besides, it's one of the delicious soups in Ghana and everyone can give it a try. END.

WRITTEN BY  WENDY