Bold, Comforting & Deeply Traditional
Djenkoume is a classic Togolese comfort dish, rich, savoury, and deeply satisfying.
Made with tomato, maize meal, and spices, this beautifully coloured red corn dough is often enjoyed with grilled chicken, fried fish, or spicy tomato stew.
It’s the kind of meal that fills the home with warmth and reminds you of weekend family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday joy in Togo. 🇹🇬✨
🍽️ Servings
Serves 4 people
📝 Ingredients
- Fine cornmeal (maize flour) – 450 g
- Fresh tomatoes, blended – 400 g
- Onion, chopped – 1 medium
- Palm oil – 40 g
- Fresh chilli pepper, blended – 1–2 (to taste)
- Garlic, crushed – 2 cloves
- Salt – to taste
- Water – 800 ml
For Serving (Optional but Traditional)
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Pepper sauce
- Fresh vegetables or salad
👩🏽🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the tomato base
Heat palm oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant. - Cook the tomatoes
Add blended tomatoes and chilli pepper.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces and the oil begins to rise slightly. - Add water and season
Pour in water and add salt. Bring to a gentle boil. - Add the cornmeal
Reduce the heat to medium.
Gradually sprinkle in the cornmeal while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. - Cook and stir
Stir firmly for 8–10 minutes until the mixture thickens, becomes smooth, and pulls away from the sides of the pot. - Shape and serve
Shape into portions using a wet spoon or spatula.
Serve hot with grilled chicken, fish, or pepper sauce.
🌸 Mani’s Tips
- Always add cornmeal gradually and stir confidently to keep Djenkoume smooth.
- Let the tomato base cook well before adding cornmeal; this deepens the flavour.
- If it becomes too thick, add a little hot water and stir gently.
- Djenkoume is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
🤍 Mani’s Blessing
May this hearty dish bring strength to your body and warmth to your heart.
As you gather around the table, may peace, gratitude, and shared joy fill your home. 🍅🤍