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…
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…
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…
Corn Fritters
These fritters are incredibly easy and quick to make. They are a good after-school snack for children, or serve with a fried egg and some salsa for nutritious breakfast or light meal. Save Print Corn Fritters Serves: 4-6 Packed with nutrients, children (and adults too) will love these fritters. Ingredients 150g sweetcorn (canned is fine) 200g…
Nigerian Scrambled Eggs
Traditionally, chickens were not raised for eggs, and indeed it was believed that giving eggs to children would result in their growing up to become thieves! These days, eggs are enjoyed by all. Save Print Nigerian Scrambled Eggs Serves: 4 Eggs scrambled in a spicy and colourful medley of tomatoes and other vegetables are a…
Jollof Rice
Jollof rice, a mixture of rice, onions and tomatoes at its very basic, is almost everyone’s favourite rice dish. Ceremonies, social occasions, Sunday lunch, or just because one fancies some – there is always a reason to eat some jollof. The word is so synonymous with celebrations that it has entered popular parlance: ‘jollofing’ means…
Bean Casserole aka ‘Beans’
Known simply as ‘Beans’, I love this best made with honey beans although black-eyed beans work perfectly well. An English friend once declared Nigerian beans one of the world’s greatest culinary inventions! Leave out the crayfish for a vegan version. Save Print Bean Casserole (Agwa, Ewa) Serves: 4 As a rich source of protein, Agwa is…
Moi-Moi (Steamed Savoury Bean Pudding)
So good, we named it twice! Moi-moi is a steamed bean pudding made from a smooth mixture of beans, ground crayfish, onions and fresh chillies at its most basic. Many people add extra whole ingredients such as hard-boiled eggs, chopped meat and fish. Indeed, the Yorubas have a term they use for some types of…
Akara (Bean Fritters)
Save Print Akara (Vegan Version) Eaten across West Africa, akara is a popular breakfast option in Nigeria. The Hausa refer to it as Kosai. In many parts of the country, it is possible to buy it on the street in the mornings and evenings. In its purest form, it is simply a blend of peeled…