Meet Akple
Akple is a traditional Ghanaian dish indigenous to the people of the Volta and Oti regions. It is made primarily from corn flour (maize flour) with or without cassava dough. Akple is known for its simple taste and soft texture that makes it easy any one to enjoy it. Eworkple, that is akple without cassava dough, is especially renown for being light and easy to digest. This makes eworkple a favourite evening meal for health conscious eaters. Akple pairs well with various soups and stews, making it a beloved meal for many. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of akple and provide a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it.
Health Benefits of Akple
Akple is a traditional Ghanaian dish indigenous to the people of the Volta and Oti regions. It is made primarily from corn flour (maize flour) with or without cassava dough. Akple is known for its simple taste and soft texture that makes it easy any one to enjoy it. Eworkple, that is akple without cassava dough, is especially renown for being light and easy to digest. This makes eworkple a favourite evening meal for health conscious eaters. Akple pairs well with various soups and stews, making it a beloved meal for many. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of akple and provide a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it.
1. Nutrient-Rich
Akple is made from maize (corn) and cassava, both of which are rich in essential nutrients. Maize is high in carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (such as B vitamins), and minerals (like magnesium and phosphorus). Cassava, on the other hand, is a great source of vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber.
2. Gluten-Free
Since akple is made from corn or cassava, it is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
3. Probiotic Properties
The fermentation process involved in making the cassava dough or agbelima introduces beneficial bacteria into the food. These probiotics can aid in digestion and improve gut health.
4. Energy Boost
Due to its high carbohydrate content, akple provides a quick and sustained energy boost, making it an ideal meal for those with active lifestyles or labor-intensive jobs.
How to Prepare Akple
Ingredients
– 2 cups of Edmass Maize Flour
– 1 cup of Edmass Cassava Flour Agbelima
– 4 cups of water
– Salt to taste (or salt-less if preferred)
How to Prepare Akple
- Bring two cups of water to boil
- While the water is on fire fetch 2 tablespoons of the maize flour and mix in a quarter cup of cold water
- Pour the mixture into the boiling water to form a slurry
- Bring the slurry to boil. In the meantime, mix the rest of the maize flour with the cassava flour
- Add the mixed flour to the boiling slurry gradually while stirring and kneading with a wooden spatula to achieve a smooth paste, avoiding lumps.
- Continue to knead with the spatula for about 8 to 12 minutes. If the paste is too hard or you prefer a softer paste, add some hot water and continue kneading until the paste is smooth and consistent.
- Mould with a calabash or any other moulding bowl or ladle of your choice
- Serve with a sauce, soup or stew of your choice.
Conclusion
Akple is a cherished part of Ghanaian cuisine because of its nutritious and versatile nature that offers numerous health benefits. Its rich nutrient profile, probiotic properties, and energy-boosting capabilities make it a fantastic addition to any diet.