The seeds of the African Breadfruit Tree (Treculia africana) may either be roasted and eaten as a nutty-tasting snack, or boiled with other ingredients to make a highly nutritious pottage, eaten mostly by the Igbos. The seeds contain high levels of protein and carbohydrate, but relatively low fat and fibre. Widely believed to be good…
Archives for August 2015
Ukpor Ogede
Save Print Ukpor Ogede (Steamed Plantain Pudding) Serves: 8-10 puddings Devised to use up over-ripe plantains, ukpor is from the Eastern states of Nigeria, and is eaten with tomato stew. Akamu (ogi) and ‘drinking garri’ are also popular accompaniments. Traditionally, steamed in leaves, I have used ramekins. Serve one per person with tomato and cucumber salsa…
Food-on-the-Go
Street food plays a large part in the snacking habits of Nigerians. Makeshift kitchens with wood fires offer crunchy bean fritters (akara) to be eaten on their own or stuffed into soft white bread; slices of yam (dundun) fried in palm oil (preferably) or vegetable oil, wrapped in newspaper and accompanied with a spicy tomato…
Mango & Moringa (Zogale) Smoothie
About three or four years ago, when I started researching into the medicinal properties of Nigerian food, I came across Moringa oleifera (known as Zogale in Hausa). I was very excited reading about its nutritional value. The entire tree is useful to man: the nutrient-packed leaves and seeds are edible; the roots can be used to purify…
Chinwe’s ‘White’ Okro Soup
I was intrigued when my friend, Chinwe, first told me about ‘white okro’ – stir-fried and cooked without any palm oil. It has gone on to become a firm favourite, not least because of the speed at which it can be prepared. Save Print Chinwe’s ‘White’ Okro Soup Serves: 4-6 With its low oil content,…
My Grandmother’s Colonial Style Chicken Curry & Rice
This was a great favourite of mine, growing up as a little girl in Nigeria. It was a speciality of my Yorkshire granny. Served with an array of accompaniments (shredded coconut, peanuts, diced cucumbers and tomatoes, fried onions, raisins, dried shrimp and more), there was nothing I loved better than spinning the ‘Lazy Susan’ to…
Plantain Chapatis
Inspired by Ghanaian Tatale (gluten-free plantain pancakes), these are made with two types of flour to produce a dough which can be rolled out. I used cookie cutters to form small round shapes. Alternatively, line muffin tins with the dough to create ‘plantain cups’, as my children call them. bake for about 5 minutes in a…
Chicken with Spicy Peanut Dip
Inspired by satay from South-East Asia, my version includes ground crayfish and one of my favourite spices, ehuru, which gives the dip a slightly citrusy tang. Save Print Chicken with Spicy Peanut Dip Serve this as a starter or Small Chops. Ingredients 450g chicken thigh or breast fillets (thigh is more flavoursome) 30 small wooden skewers…
Spicy Chicken & Prawn Noodle Soup
Instant noodles are currently very popular across all Nigerian social classes, albeit with additions such as diced chicken or meat, and vegetables. Save Print Spicy Chicken & Prawn Noodle Soup If you already have some chicken stock to hand, this soup can be made in the time it takes the chicken to cook. Use any…
Sweet Potato Soup
Nigeria is blessed with so many different types of vegetables; any of which can be used to make tasty soups. The sweet potatoes used here may be substituted with pumpkins or potatoes (known locally as “Irish potatoes”). Save Print Sweet Potato Soup Serves: 4-6 This is a fairly thick and hearty soup, so thin it down…