Okpa : How to make Okpa

 

Okpa (made with Bambara nut flour)

   Okpa is a traditional Nigerian food; very popular in the eastern parts of Nigeria  and tastes really good. It is made with Bambara flour(Vorandzeia subterranean (L.) thouars). 
   The flour can be made from scratch by grinding dried Bambara nut/beans.

   The taste cannot be compared to anything I've ever eaten (it has a unique taste that grows on you). 
My granny always prepared this yummy delicacy whenever my siblings and I visited(miss you granny ❤ ).
  It is also called the Lion's food OR the kings meal by the Igbos (in eastern Nigeria).
Well, I don't know how they came about those names but Okpa is simply tasty and delicious ☺ .

Ingredients for Okpa

* 500grams Okpa flour (Bambara nut flour)
* 50ml Palm oil(more or less)
* 2 tablespoonful Ground Crayfish(optional)
* 2 Stock cubes (crushed)
* 1 small onion(minced or chopped into tiny bits)
* Ground chili Pepper (to taste)
* Salt( to taste)
* Warm water (as needed)
* Container (could be bowls, Aluminium Foil Bags, Banana Leaves, Uma Leaves(Thaumatococcus Daniellii) or heat proof nylons)

Tip: the bambara nut flour is usually made industrially by grinding the nuts(with the skin on). But if you want to make the paste, simply soak the nuts, peel the skin and grind until smooth.

Preparation:

* Pour the okpa  flour into a bowl, add the palm oil and mix thoroughly, until the flour changes from white to orange or yellow.

* Next, add the warm water and mix thoroughly until there is no lump, but it shouldn't be too watery.

* Add the ground crayfish,stock cubes, onions, pepper and salt to taste.Mix thoroughly.

* Pour the mixture into your container of choice and place in a pot of boiling water(just as you do with Moi Moi). Leave to boil for 45 minutes. 
 You might need to add some water to the pot as the water dries up.

* The Okpa should be ready after 45 minutes.But if you're not sure, let it boil for 1hr.

Leave to cool a bit. Serve  and enjoy!

''In Hausa language it is variously referred to as "Gurjiya" or "Kwaruru". In Goemai language of Plateau State of Northern Nigeria it is known as "Kwam", and Kanuri people refer to it as "Ngamgala". In the Ibo language in eastern Nigeria, it is commonly known as "Okpa". In the Northern part of Yoruba, it is commonly known as "Epa-kuta". (quoted from wikipedia)