Ayaka
Authentic Curaçao Recipe

Ayaka

Holiday ayaka: spiced meat and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves with annatto-tinted corn dough. Slow island cooking, bright citrus, and warm spice make this dish feel like a Sunday table that never ends.

Prep60 min
Cook90 min
Serves10
DifficultyIntermediate

Portions

Adjust the recipe to your group size.

Ingredients below are for 10 people

Ingredients

  • 1 kg masa harina or fine cornmeal
  • 750 ml warm broth
  • 3 tbsp annatto or paprika oil
  • 800 g stewed beef or chicken, shredded
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 80 g raisins
  • 80 g olives and capers
  • Banana leaves and kitchen twine
  • Salt, pepper, cumin, oregano

Estimated calories

Based on typical ingredients for this dish.

≈ 4200 kcal

420 kcal per person

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. 01Soften banana leaves over heat; cut into squares.
  2. 02Mix masa with warm broth, annatto oil, salt, and spices until a soft dough forms.
  3. 03Sauté onion and pepper; add shredded meat, raisins, olives, capers, and seasonings.
  4. 04Spread dough on leaf, add filling, fold tightly into a parcel, and tie.
  5. 05Steam or simmer the parcels 60–75 minutes until dough is set and fragrant.

Chef's Note

Serve with something crisp and simple on the side so the main flavors stay front and center.

Serving Tip

Make ahead and freeze; reheat by steaming. Add a strip of bacon to the filling for extra depth.