Conkies are a traditional Barbadian dessert made with corn, squash, coconut, and sweet potatoes, wrapped in green banana leaves and steamed. They are served during November to celebrate independence and are a labor-intensive delicacy associated with national pride and family tradition.
Conkies are an integral part of Barbadian cuisine and are usually served during the month of November to celebrate independence. They’re made with corn, squash, coconut, and sweet potatoes and are baked wrapped in green banana leaves. They are quite labor intensive to make and are therefore a valuable addition to any meal.
Conkies are thought to have originally been served during the 18th century, when Barbados was still under British rule, to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day on November 5th. Following independence from the British colonies on November 30, 1966, conkies became a delicacy associated with independence celebrations. They are served almost exclusively during the independence celebrations in November each year.
The process of making conkies takes time, as all ingredients need to be finely grated to reach the desired texture. The squash, sweet potato, and coconut are all grated finely and mixed with cornmeal, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Raisins or cherries can be added to the mixture.
When the ingredients are all mixed together smoothly, the individual parcels are made into green banana leaves. The leaves are first singed by holding them over a flame for a couple of seconds. This makes them soft enough to bend easily. Conkies are usually served still wrapped in the banana leaves.
Once wrapped, the conkies are then steamed until firm to the touch and served. The result is a beautifully yellow-orange cookie that is sweet and fragrant. A similar delicacy is made in Jamaica, which is called duckanoo or blue drawers. These are usually boiled rather than steamed.
Independence in Barbados is not only celebrated with the consumption of delicious desserts like conkies, it is a month-long celebration of national pride. Important buildings such as Parliament buildings, businesses and traffic circles are illuminated in the national colors of gold and blue throughout the month of November. An arts festival to celebrate the country’s talents and various community fairs and events are held throughout the month.
Family tradition and togetherness play a big part in Barbadian culture and the making of conkies is included in that. The recipes are handed down from generation to generation and the whole family is involved in the making of the conkies: from the grating to the singing of the banana leaves to the packaging. All are included in this celebration of independence.
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