Conkies
The dish
Conkies are a favourite treat for many Bajans! They are traditionally made during the month of November to celebrate Barbados' Independence.

Recipe
- 2 cups corn flour
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 3/4 lb grated pumpkin
- 1/2 lb grated sweet potato
- 6 oz melted butter or margarine
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 3/4 lb brown sugar
- 4 ozs. raisins
- 1 tsp spice
- 1 tsp almond essence
- 1 tsp grated nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- Fresh Banana leaves
Mix the coconut, pumpkin, sweet potato, sugar, spices, raisins, flour, corn flour, and salt together in a large bowl.
Add the beaten egg, melted butter/margarine, and milk. Mix thoroughly by hand to combine. You should have a thick mixture that drops slowly from a spoon. Add more flour if the mixture is not thick enough; add a bit more milk if it is too thick.
Fresh green Banana leaves are traditionally used to wrap the conkie mixture. If you have these, strip leaves from stalk with a sharp knife then briefly singe them over an open flame to make them more pliable. Cut the leaves into individual 8" squares.
Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture into the centre of the banana leaf. Fold the leaf around the mixture, taking care not to rip the leaf.
Steam the conkies on a rack over boiling water in a large saucepan for 1 hour or until they are firm.
Unwrap and enjoy!
Substitutions
- The Banana leaves can be substituted with wax paper or foil.
Barbados Cooking Classes

Save time & money: You won't find it cheaper online or anywhere else.
Don't be disappointed: Book ahead to guarantee you don't miss out on the best tours & activities.
- At Bajan Car Rentals we know that a satisfied customer is a happy customer. We offer a range of vehicles in excellent condition. Discounts also available on online bookings.
- A-Team Automobile Rentals makes car renting a breeze with its exceptional service and wide array of vehicles at competitive prices.
- Our modern, well-maintained fleet of vehicles includes offerings suitable for any budget, and boasts probably the most SUV's available. Choose Direct Car Rentals for your transportational needs.
- The Barbados Car Rental Company. Car rentals with good old bajan hospitality
- At Chelsea Motors we are committed to providing excellent quality vehicles with a service second to none. We go that extra mile for client satisfaction.
- Drive-A-Matic Car Rentals makes car rental easy, convenient and cheap in Barbados. With over 300 vehicles, we offer the largest fleet of rental cars, jeeps and vans island wide.
- Explore Barbados in a Top Car Rentals vehicle! For over 30 years we've been providing great vehicles, super rates, and service that's as smooth as a Barbados rum punch!
- Let's explore Barbados one parish at a time with our range of well-maintained vehicles. Whether you cruise in Luxury, or prefer a versatile SUV, Voyager provides the perfect island experience.
- Enjoy the convenience of picking up your vehicle at the airport, and selection from an exceptional range of cars, jeeps, trucks & vans, with National Car Rentals.
- GL Rentals extends warmest greetings and welcomes you to our shores! Hire an air-conditioned car or jeep from GL Rentals. New vehicles, great rates & full insurance coverage available.
- Tour the island at your pace with a car from Courtesy Rent-A-Car. We offer all the services you would expect from a leader in the car rental business.
- With an office conveniently located at the airport, Stoutes Car Rental offers impeccable service and delivery of a wide variety of vehicles to any local address.