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African Salad In my last post , I provided some ingredients and asked you to guess what the next recipe will be. One person was very close, and said ''Ukpaka sauce''( recipe coming soon ), but I got some correct answers too and for those who got it right... here's a cute thumb up for you. Continue reading »

Ofe Di Na Nwayi literally means '' husband and wife soup '' in Igbo language. This Nigerian soup is not so popular among the young easterners of Nigeria (where the soup originated from). But, a ccording to grandma, it is a traditional ''Lovers soup'' that is served to newly weds as their first meal together, during or right after their traditional marriage. One of the ingredients for Ofe Di Na Nwayi is the ''heart of a cow'' which is said to signify love ☺ . This soup can also be served on Valentine's day. Trust me,this is a tasty soup,you'll surely enjoy. Continue reading »

Ogbono and Egusi soup is a delicious combo you'll surely enjoy. It is a very common way to merge these two Nigerian soups ( Ogbono soup and Egusi soup ) together without having to cook two separate pots of soup. So if you love egusi and ogbono and can't decide which you'll love to prepare, then do try out this ''combination soup'', you'll be glad you did. Continue reading »

Ofe Owerri Soup Ofe Owerri, is a delicious traditional soup from Owerri, Imo state(Eastern Nigeria). Continue reading »

Plantain Moi Moi ( Ukpo Ogede ) is a delicious Nigerian recipe that was born out of plantain surplus. It is a great way to use up overripe plantains instead of throwing them away. Continue reading »

Nigerian Plantain Porridge Nigerian Plantain Porridge is a rich meal that all plantain lovers will surely enjoy. It can be prepared with either ripe or unripe plantains or a combination of both. Even if you're not a plantain lover, you should give this meal a try, because plantains are rich in fiber, minerals( potasium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous ) and Vitamins( A, B6 and C ). The green plantains is said to contain more healing properties than the ripened ones, but all the same, they are both okay for this recipe. Here's how to prepare Nigerian Plantain Porridge Continue reading »

Catfish Pepper Soup a.k.a ''point and kill'' is another delicious Nigerian Pepper soup recipe. It is one of my favorite comfort food and is also easy to prepare. Catfish Pepper Soup is called 'point and kill'' , because of how the fish is picked up at the local Nigerian market . At the market, you'll be told to point out your fish of choice from a large bowl of tight swimming fishes; the catfish is then killed, wrapped up for you and ready for the kitchen. Interesting right? ☺... Enjoy! Ingredients for Catfish Pepper Soup(Point & Kill) Soup: * 1 medium sized Catfish. (use conger eel as substitute if you can't find catfish) * 2 spoonful Ground pepper soup spices * Habanero/Chilli Pepper/ (to taste) * 2 teaspoonful Dry Uziza/basil leaves (optional) * 1 tablespoonful of ground Crayfish *1 large Stock cube /1 tablespoon seasoning powder *1 medium Onion bulb(chopped) * Salt - to taste *Water (as needed) Continue reading »

Corn Moi- moi also known as Nni Oka, Igbankwu Oka, Ekoki, Ukpo Oka Or Sapala, is the Nigerian- style '' Tamales ''(steamed corn Pudding). It is a meal that is native to the eastern part of Nigeria. It is usually served during traditional engagements and taste really good. Corn Moi- moi is also a healthy meal and quite filling due to its high fiber content, so if you're on a weight loss program this is a meal you can add to your diet, simply substitute the palm oil for tomato stew or your favorite oil and enjoy ☺. So, without further ado, here's the recipe . Continue reading »

How to Make Pounded Yam in a Blender Pounded yam is one of the swallow recipes I enjoy. It is popularly prepared by pounding boiled yams in a mortar and pestle until smooth, firm and stretchy, but if you'll rather not pound, here's how to prepare Pounded Yam in a Blender... yes! you heard right... a blender ☺ ! this method also works for Cocoyam (ede ofe ). To make Pounded Yam in a Blender, you don't need any particular brand; a good blender with sharp blades will do the job. Here are the steps. You'll need: Continue reading »

Ofe Akwu is a palm nut stew that is native to the Igbo s in Nigeria. It is similar to the Efik's Banga Soup ,which is traditional prepared with native spices, known as Banga spices .These spices gives the soup a unique taste and flavor, which makes it a bit different from the Igbo's Ofe Akwu. It's common to see Ofe Akwu served as a sauce for boiled Rice or yams ,but you can also enjoy it with boiled plantains and a lot more. Here's how to prepare it. Ofe Akwu Ingredients: Continue reading »

If you've ever prepared Moi moi or Akara from scratch, you know that peeling or dehulling the beans is one of the cooking tasks that discourages a lot of people from cooking these delicious meals. The traditional method of peeling beans, is done by soaking the beans in water for about 30 minutes to a few hours, then scrubbing the beans in between your palms to peel of the coat. This method is okay, but could be time consuming and discouraging, especially if you're new to cooking. But,here's an easier method, you'll surely like, no more long soaking; no more scrubbing! no more planning ahead to eat moi moi , now you can have peeled beans in less than 10 minutes. Enjoy! Continue reading »

Ofe Nsala (Nsala Soup) is a delicious soup, popular in the eastern part of Nigeria. It is also known as ' 'white soup '' because of its light color , due to the absence of palm oil. The authentic Nsala soup recipe calls for fresh whole Cat Fish, which gives this soup its unique taste. But in the absence of whole catfish, catfish fillets or conger eel can be used. Ofe Nsala is also similar to Afia Efere, which is the Efik-style white soup, but the extra condiments added to Afia Efere is what differentiates it from Nsala. So here's a simply Ofe Nsala recipe, using Fish only, I also included some tips on how to cook this delicious soup, with assorted meat and dried fish. Hope you enjoy! Continue reading »

Nigerian Goat Meat Pepper Soup is one of the popular Nigerian Pepper Soup recipes. Like most Nigerian pepper soups, it is hot and spicy. The only difference is the use of goat meat( as the name implies ). Goat meat has a distinct smell, that differentiate it from other meat. To prepare this soup, all edible part of the goat can be used. It is very common to see assorted part of the goat used for making pepper soup,such as the offals ( tongue,liver, kidney or heart ) but in the absence of assorted parts, you can make use of the red meat alone. Goat meat is known as '' chevon / mutton '' in international markets. Here's how to make a tasty Nigerian Goat Meat Pepper Soup: Continue reading »

Nigerian Pepper Soup Spice Mix is so easy to make and the aroma is a lot better than the pre-packed ones you get at the stores. Apart from the fresh aroma , you also know what goes into your Pepper Soup Spice mix , with no additives or preservatives added into it. Here's how to prepare it. Continue reading »

Ogbono soup served with wheat meal Ogbono Soup or Draw Soup , is a popular Nigerian soup prepared with Ogbono Seeds.  It is common to see ogbono soup prepared with Ugwu( fluted pumpkin leaves ) or Spinach( as in this recipe here ), but my grandma always prepare hers' with Bitter leaf, and trust me... it's surprisingly delicious.  Here's how to prepare it...Enjoy. *Must Read: Health Benefits of Bitter lea f Ingredients •  2 handfuls of Ogbono Seeds/3 handfuls ground Ogbono powder • Assorted Meat and Fish: ( could be a mixture of any of these :Beef, cowfoot, Shaki(tripe), DryFish,Ponmo(cow skin) or Stock Fish) • 3 Cooking spoonful Palm Oil • 1 handful washed Bitter leaf(onugbu) ..or a mixture of bitter leaf and ugwu (fluted Pumpkin leaves) • Meat Stock •Crayfish( as you like it, but not more than a handful ) •1 Onion bulb, minced •2 bouillon cubes ( Maggi, Knorr or any brand you have ) •Chilli Pepper or scotch bonnet(atarodo) (to taste) • salt (to taste) • Water(as ne...

Oha Soup Oha soup( a.ka;Ora/Uha soup or Ofe Oha/uha/ Ora) is a delicious Soup recipe from the eastern part of Nigeria. It is one of those native Igbo soups that you taste and just can't forget. This rich and nutritious soup is usually prepared with the leaves of the African Pterocarpus soyauxii / Pterocarpus mildbraedi tree , known traditionally as Oha leaves. It is also thickened with either cocoyam paste , Achi, Egusi or Ofor, to give it it's unique consistency. If you live in Nigeria, you'll be able to get the leaves at your local market, but for those of us in diaspora, we have to either pray that a relative comes visiting or settle for the frozen or dried Oha leaves; but whichever one you source, I can assure you that the soup will come out...D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S ! ☺ Here's how to prepare it. Continue reading »

Yam and Fresh Fish Pepper Soup is one of the easiest Nigerian food to prepare. It is a bit spicy but undeniably, a delicious meal for any time of the day.   This delicious meal is also regarded by many, as a remedy for common cold and flu.  B elow is an easy to follow recipe.Hope you Enjoy!   *Here's a Video demonstration on How to Cook Nigerian Yam and Fresh Fish Pepper Soup   Ingredients for Nigerian Yam and Fresh Fish Pepper Soup - 150grams Yam (you can use the hard sweet potato as a substitute ) - 500 grams Fresh Fish( You can use Catfish, Conger eel, Tilapia or any tasty fish of choice) - 1 tablespoonful Ground Crayfish - 1 medium onion (chopped) - 1/2 Scotch bonnet Pepper ( atarodo) (chopped)(use ground chili peppers as substitute) - 1 tablespoonful pepper soup spice mix - 1 tablespoonful chopped uziza leaves or Basil leaves (known as scent leaf,efirin or Nchuawun - 1 seasoning/stock or Bouillon cube - Salt to taste   Cooking Directions * Slice the ...

Questions - Utazi,Okazi / Ukazi and Uziza leaves..are they all the same? If not what is the difference between these vegetables. I'm confused.. . from Iboman's wife(via email) - I am having difficulty knowing the different use for Okazi/Ukazi, Uziza and Utazi..They sound so alike and not helping matters.. can you help me with the different uses? :).. from Somto (via youtube ) Answer Hi ladies, You are not alone in this one .These names are quite confusing.  Years back ,I also had to ask my mum and a friend before getting it all right...*Giggles*   My mum actually told me a kitchen tale about a newly wed( a.k.a Cathering practical) who wanted to impress her mother-in-law and decided to cook Ofe Nsala , but instead  of Utazi leaves , she made use of Ukazi; unknowingly converting the soup to Afang soup ... ☺ ..  her mother-in-law, chewed and chewed on the hard leaves and when she couldn't take it any more, made a big sigh and  said'' Chai, Nnem iga ji ini g...

  Nigerian Pepper Sauce Nigerian Pepper Sauce is a tasty, spicy sauce made with hot peppers.  I love the versatility of this sauce and it is so easy to prepare. You can use it as a dip for roasted/grilled plantains, yams, potatoes and spring rolls(yes , spring rolls) ☺ . I also add it as a topping for  boiled rice , potatoes and plantains. Below, you'll find two (2) different recipes; one that you can prepare with heat and the other with little or no heat. So, here's a video recipe on How To Make Nigerian Pepper Sauce. Recipe 1 Nigerian Pepper Sauce Ingredients  * 3 Scotch bonnet peppers (atarodo)  * 1 tomato (optional, but it balances the heat of the pepper)  * 1 small Onion Bulb  * 1 teaspoonful Ground Crayfish(optional but I love the taste it gives this sauce)  * 2 tablespoonful Vegetable oil or Palm oil(depending on your preference)  * 1 small stock cube  * Salt to taste   Preparation * Chop the onions into small bits and set as...

Nigerian Okra Soup with Assorted Meat and Fish Okra soup ( also known as Okro soup or Lady's finger soup ) is a delicious soup popular in several parts of the world. It is also a popular Nigerian Soup and known as Ofe Okwuru   (Igbo), Obe Ila (Yoruba ), Miyan Kubewa in Hausa  language. Some folks love their okra soup chunky, while others want it smooth, but all that really matters is that the soup comes out tasty and delicious. Okra soup is very easy to prepare and you don't need to break the bank or have any cooking skills  to make a delicious sizzling pot of okra soup. Below you'll see how easy it is to make this soup. Okra is also great for weight watchers and has lots of health benefits. Some of these benefits can be found here . Here's a video recipe on How to Make Nigerian Okra Soup Ingredients    * 300grams Okra (Ladyfingers)    * 2 cooking spoons Red Palm Oil     *500grams Assorted meat(Beef, Shaki(Cow's Tripe), Ponmo(cow's s...