Koba

Koba

Koba (KOO-bah)

Banana Peanut Cake

Prep Time 1h 30min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
8
🔥 Calories 358 kcal

A dense, sweet Malagasy cake made from ground peanuts, mashed bananas, rice flour, and honey, steamed in banana leaves.

Nutrition & Info

350 kcal per serving
Protein 10.0g
Carbs 48.0g
Fat 14.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ peanuts

Equipment Needed

steamer or large pot with rack mixing bowl banana leaves

Presentation Guide

Vessel: banana leaf

Garnishes: sliced banana

Accompaniments: vanilla tea

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine ground peanuts, rice flour, and salt.

  2. 2

    Mash bananas and mix with sugar and vanilla.

  3. 3

    Combine wet and dry mixtures into a thick paste.

  4. 4

    Lay out softened banana leaves and spread mixture into a log shape.

  5. 5

    Wrap tightly in banana leaves, tie with string.

  6. 6

    Steam for 1 hour. Cool before slicing into rounds.

💡

Did You Know?

Koba is the quintessential Malagasy dessert and is sold in slices at markets and bus stations across the island.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • steamer or large pot with rack
  • mixing bowl
  • banana leaves

Garnishing

sliced banana

Accompaniments

vanilla tea

The Story Behind Koba

Koba is among the oldest Malagasy recipes, combining the island's native bananas with peanuts introduced via East Africa. The banana leaf wrapping and steaming technique echoes the Austronesian origins of Malagasy culture. It remains a celebration food at weddings and festivals.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed dessert, special occasions 📜 Origins: Pre-colonial

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