Donkwa (dodonkwa) or Tanfiri is a Nigerian savory snack that is native to Northern Nigeria. It is made with cornmeal (milled corn) and groundnuts (peanuts). It is one of the snacks that do not require cooking. It is soft and melts in the mouth, and it is often confused with kuli-kuli. Donkwa also looks like peanut burger and is one of the snacks children from the Northern parts of Nigeria, especially, can’t do without. It is popular on the Nigerian street, though eaten as snacks. It is actually perfect served as a starter or party canapés. The main ingredient for this snack is milled maize and groundnuts. Anything short of these is not donkwa. The ingredients for these savory snacks can be found in the markets (Northern especially or Northern traders).
INGREDIENTS
The ingredient includes corn meal (made from roasted corn), groundnut or groundnut powder, ground chili powder (it is optional but can be added to get the classic Donkwa taste), sugar, ground clove, peanut or sunflower oil, and a little quantity of water.
PREPARATION
Sieve the corn powder to remove lumps, chaffs or other impurities. Pour the cornmeal, groundnuts, sugar, ground chili powder, and ground clove into a blender. Grind until all the ingredients are well combined to form a smooth fine powder. Transfer the fine powder into a large bowl. Add drops of water and oil gradually, mix well and mold into balls (using your hands, miniature jelly or cake molds). Don’t add too much water or oil so that it doesn’t look soaked or sodden. The Yoruba-style tanfiri can be prepared without water but the combination of a little water and oil gives the perfect paste. You can serve your favorite savory snack with some crunchy peanut butter. Enjoy your Donkwa, feel the rich taste and thank me later. Bon appetite!
