Ducana and Saltfish (Antiguan Sweet Potato Dumplings)
Local name: Ducana and saltfish
In short: Antiguan boiled dumplings of grated sweet potato, coconut and spice, served with saltfish sautéed with onion, pepper and tomato. It takes about 1 h 30 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Resting
- 12 h
- Total
- 1 h 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 470 kcal
Ducana and saltfish is Antigua's best known pairing: a sweet, spiced dumpling of grated sweet potato and coconut, boiled in a wrapper, served with savory saltfish sautéed with onion, pepper and tomato. The mix of sweet and salty is the point. Traditionally the dumplings are wrapped in banana leaves, but foil works. Ducana is eaten for breakfast and lunch, and it is a popular partner for stewed dishes.
Instructions
- Cover the salt cod with cold water and soak for 12 to 24 hours in the fridge, changing the water 3 times. Drain, simmer in fresh water for 10 minutes, then drain and flake, discarding any bones and skin.
- Soften the banana leaves over a flame or in hot water, then wipe dry. Mix the sweet potato, coconut, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt and raisins into a thick, sticky batter.
- Spoon about 1/3 cup of batter onto each leaf, fold into a flat packet and tie with string. Foil works too, but wrap it tightly.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Lower in the packets, cover and boil gently for 45 to 50 minutes, until firm.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet and cook the onion and bell pepper for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, tomatoes, thyme and hot pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the flaked saltfish and black pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Taste before adding any salt.
- Unwrap the ducana and serve hot, with the saltfish spooned alongside.
Tips
- Use the fine side of a box grater for the sweet potato, and mix the batter just before wrapping, so it does not turn watery.
- Ducana keeps well. Cool the cooked dumplings, wrap them and freeze for up to 2 months, then reheat by steaming or in a covered pan.
Questions and answers
What is ducana?
Ducana is a sweet dumpling made from grated sweet potato, coconut, sugar and spices, wrapped in banana leaf or foil and boiled. It is served with saltfish in Antigua.
Can I make ducana without saltfish?
Yes. Ducana is also eaten alone as a snack, or alongside stewed chicken, fish or vegetables. Leave out the saltfish and serve it with a sauce of choice.
Why are my ducana soggy?
The wrapper may not be tight enough, or the batter was too wet. Squeeze some liquid from the grated sweet potato if it seems very juicy.
How long does it take to make Ducana and Saltfish (Antiguan Sweet Potato Dumplings)?
About 1 h 30 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Ducana and Saltfish (Antiguan Sweet Potato Dumplings)?
About 470 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 63 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 470 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
