With over 400 ethnic groups Nigeria has one of the biggest and most exciting culinary delicacies in West Africa. The local delicacies are craved and cherished by Nigerians home and abroad, this is one reason why Nigerians in diaspora always feel the urge to have a taste of the Nigerian delicacies not available to them often. With ever-developing tastes and a proliferation of available culinary options, Nigerian foodies no longer need to choose between luxury and necessity. Evolving from kitchens that fuse varying cultures and influences, these range from basic sustenance to a tummy filling adventure. So here are ten delicacies out of a whole lot which you must try on your next visit to Nigeria. When you meet Nigerians, besides their warm, positive and playful personalities, you haven’t really met one if they have not introduced you to anyone of these mouth-watering dishes. Just because we are your best bud
1. Edikangikong
Essentially, a "dry" leafy vegetable soup from the Cross River region of Nigeria. The (iron-rich) greens are a mixture of Ugwu (a fluted pumpkin leaf) and Gbure (waterleaf). In places where these leaves are unavailable, people substitute spinach. Stemming from the riverine people also use a mix of meats and fish, and for authenticity, periwinkles. Served hot, with pounded yam or fufu, it's a party in your mouth. Best cooked when you get a friend from Calabar to cook it for you, there's nothing like it.
2. Banga Soup
A palm fruit-based soup that is most commonly associated with the Delta region, and particularly the Urhobo ethnic group. There are variations across the country – and indeed West Africa and beyond – but they all include regional spices and elevated fresh ingredients (fish and seafood, assorted meat and the palm fruit itself) above all things. It tastes like no other Nigerian soup. The palm fruit, shellfish, and meat create delicious textures and an explosion of taste, and while it goes with anything, we strongly urge you to have it with "starch" or eba.
3. Nkwobi
Spicy cow foot served in a thick palm oil-based sauce.
Why it's awesome is "cow foot" may not sound like a delicacy, but you'll just have to blindly trust that it is. For that authentic taste, you must use utazi leaves and palm oil. The Eastern people of Nigeria have mastered the art of making "cow foot" as appauling as it sounds become appealing.
4. Afang Stew
A leafy vegetable stew from the Efik people, cooked in palm oil with stock, cuts of meat and seafood. Afang is a rich (in nutrients and flavors) stew and gets its name from the leaves used. You must use afang or okazi for it to qualify as afang stew. Afang leaves are more bitter and a little tougher than the water leaves that are also a component of this dish, and when blended (or chopped finely) create a lovely texture and taste. It goes great with usi (cassava starch), pounded yam or Eba.
5. Ewa Agoyin
These Togolese beans, which have been embraced and adapted into new forms by Nigerians, are simple to prepare. One easy method to make your colleagues salivate is to boil the beans and combine them with pepper stew, tomatoes, and onions. For a foodie it is best matched with the famous agege bread, this is a match made in heaven.
6. Ofe Onugbu
Popularly known as "bitter leaf soup" which ironically when prepared properly, is not bitter at all, instead, it tastes mouthwatering. Brought to you from the Eastern parts of Nigeria, tt is made with the bitter leaf which it is named after. Cocoyam can be used as a thickener.
7. Ora (Oha) soup
The soup is named after the oha leaves used in preparing it. A taste of this soup will keep you testifying. Best believe that this soup can totally lighten the mood on a gloomy day. This also comes from the Easten part of Nigeria. We totally have to give it to our Eastern brothers and sisters they bring us mouthwatering diverse dishes.
8. Efo Riro
A Yoruba delicacy that originates from Western Nigeria. This is a delicious vegetable stew made using vegetables and meat, it includes a mix of meats like chicken, ponmaa, and offal. Vegetables like pumpkin leaves and spinach are used as the base ingredients. Locust bean can sometimes be added for a twist and the ultimate tasty experience.
9. Pounded Yam
Pounded yam is a sought-after delicacy among many Nigerians. It usually accompanies various kinds of soups such as Okra ewedu, Okro, Egusi, Ogbono among many others. It requires experience to prepare, and its presence is overemphasized in many social occasions. This is prepared literally by pounding yam but takes expertise and years of practice to ensure this comes out as a smooth paste with no lumps or bubbles.
10. Jollof Rice
Jollof rice is a colorful delicacy not just peculiar to Nigeria, but other African countries. Nigerian Jollof will send your taste buds into an unending adventure of sweetness. It can be spiced up with beef, chicken, turkey or fish and also garnished with fried plantain. It is commonly served in occasions and social events. African Twitter has certified that Nigeria has the best Jollof in the Jollof Wars.... no shade to our African brothers but did you really experience Nigeria if you missed out on the famous "Nigerian Jollof" ?
These are our top 10 dishes. Have you tried any of them? Which is your favourite? Which would you recommend? Did we leave out any must-have dishes?
The comments section is your court....make good use of it.
Living Life to the Fullest,
The La Vida Loca Group
- Monday, February 12, 2018
- 1 Comments
