About this dish
A firm, savory cake made from ground wild orchid tubers and groundnuts, sometimes called African polony.
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Ingredients
🌿2 cups dried orchid tubers (kinaka), ground
🥜1 cup groundnuts, ground
🌶️1 tsp chili powder
🥔1 tbsp baking soda
💧Water, as needed
Method
Serves 31
Soak the ground orchid tuber powder in water until it forms a sticky paste.2
Mix in ground groundnuts, chili, and baking soda.3
Knead the mixture thoroughly with warm water until smooth and elastic.4
Shape into a log and wrap tightly, or place in a mold.5
Steam for about an hour until firm, then cool, slice, and serve.✓ What Makes it Authentic
Chikanda is a distinctive traditional Zambian dish, particularly associated with the Bemba people, valued for its unusual firm, meat-like texture despite being fully plant-based.
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