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…
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…
Ofe Nsala
I love this soup. It’s one of the easiest and quickest Nigerian soups to make, particularly if you make it with fish (as is traditional in Igbo land). Amongst the Igbos, it is regarded as particularly beneficial to new and nursing mothers and is viewed by the people of my maternal hometown, Onitsha, (South of…
Coconut Rice
The traditional way of making coconut rice is as a one-pot dish with goat meat, crayfish and smoked fish which can sometimes mask the delicate flavour of the coconut. This non-traditional version allows the coconut notes to shine through, with colour and interest provided by the mixed vegetables, toasted nuts and fresh herb. Save Print Coconut Rice…
Egusi Soup
There are several ways of making egusi soup depending on which part of Nigeria you come from. Some people like their egusi thick and clumpy; others prefer a smoother sauce. Some add tomatoes (generally in the West of Nigeria), whilst Southerners would balk at adding tomatoes. Still others form the egusi into little dumplings and add…
Okro Soup
Save Print Okro Soup Okra, okro, lady’s fingers – opinion is often divided on the attractiveness of this vegetable, however it is one of the most popular soups in Nigeria. It is often one of the first soups given to weaning children as it is easy for them to swallow. It is referred to as…