Zeenat’s passion for food has been a lifelong journey, nurtured by her Ghanaian and Nigerian heritage. Growing up in the western region of Ghana, she inherited her love for cooking from her mother and grandmother, a tradition passed down through generations. However, it was a school cooking class that introduced her to the art of making Kakro, a beloved Ghanaian snack made from ripe plantains, flour, and seasonings. This experience solidified her appreciation for the ingenuity and cultural depth of her home country, where traditional skills are woven into the fabric of education.
Zeenat’s Kakro recipe isn’t just a culinary delight, it’s a window into her heritage. When preparing this dish, she proudly wears a coral bead bracelet, a symbol of her royal lineage. This traditional adornment, passed down through generations, signifies her connection to her ancestry and the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture.
The Kakro recipe itself is as heartwarming as the story behind it. Zeenat vividly remembers the excitement of making Kakro for the first time at the tender age of nine or ten. She would use her pocket money to buy plantains from the market, mash them with her hands, and fry them using oil from her home. It was a moment of culinary independence that sparked a lifelong love for this simple yet satisfying dish.
Zeenat’s recipe goes beyond the traditional method. She has added her own touch by incorporating oregano and sage, enhancing the aroma and flavor of the Kakro. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, reflecting her culinary evolution.
The Kakro recipe is simple, yet deeply meaningful. It requires just a few ingredients – ripe plantains, flour, seasonings, and vegetable oil – and can be whipped up quickly. The process involves mashing the plantains into a smooth paste, adding flour to create a sticky dough, and then frying the mixture into small, golden brown balls. The final step involves adding a sprinkle of oregano, sage, and salt, creating a delightful burst of flavor.
While Kakro can be enjoyed on its own, Zeenat recommends pairing it with her famous Shito sauce, a blend of Ghanaian spices. She offers variations for vegans, vegetarians, and those who prefer a spicy kick. This adds another layer of cultural richness to the experience.
For Zeenat, Kakro is more than just a snack; it’s a culinary embodiment of her heritage and a testament to the power of food to connect us to our roots. She shares this recipe with the world, not only as a way to introduce people to Ghanaian cuisine but also to share the story behind the food and the rich tapestry of her culture. Her passion for cooking and her desire to share her heritage are evident in everything she does, inspiring others to appreciate the culinary traditions of Ghana and beyond.
You can find Zeenat’s Shito sauces available for purchase or sampling on her Instagram. While she has graduated from teaching Migrateful classes, the charity continues to offer workshops and classes that introduce people to a diverse range of cuisines and cultures, showcasing the power of food to bring people together.