5 Nigerian National Dishes You should Never Miss: And Their Recipes

Are you passionate about Nigerian food, culture, or people? interesting! Or maybe you want to know the combination and little secrets behind that delicacy you had the last time. This post is for you, we will talk about some delicious and mouth-watering Nigerian national dishes and all you need to get them ready served at your dining table. Read on!

Nigerian national dishes are a diverse blend made from vegetables and fruits, grains, beef, nuts, and flour. It takes some abilities to turn these natural given into consumables. Nigerians so much value their food, In fact, cooking skills are a quality expected of Females who intend to build a family…Now you get a tip to make him stay (Wink)

Food in different regions of the country is influenced by agricultural factors as farm produce thrives differently in regions of the country,  for instance, fruits, Nuts, and grain thrive in the North, yams, and cassava in the west, and Palm and cassava in the East. This will one way other affect how people feed in certain regions.

Some Delicious Nigerian National Dishes

1. Pounded Yam and White soup
2. Amala And Ewedu
3. Akara And Ogi
4. Suya
5. Jollof Rice

1) Pounded Yam and White soup

Pounded yam and white soup is a local Nigerian delicacy enjoyed across the nation and beyond, this healthy combination are so appealing to the eyes and rich to the stomach.

Originally, pounded yam are made with boiled yam squashed with mortar and pestle till it gets sticky and smooth, but recently a lot of invention has been made to the whole idea of pounded yam, all refined in nice looking package and sizes, some call it poundo Yam, Pounded yam flour, etc, these are made by stirring the powdered yam in hot water as opposed to old ways of making pounded yam By originally pounding the boiled yam with mortar and pestle till it gets soft, steaky and consumable.

The buddy, white soup is on a level of its own, this mouth-watering combination is so inviting and always calls for a taste, Nigerians choose to prepare theirs differently, and if prepared right it still remains the White soup and to be accompanied by the All Mighty Pounded Yam.

 

 

 

2) Amala And Ewedu

Amala is a traditional Nigerian national dish that is very popular in the southwestern part of Nigeria, particularly among the Yoruba people. It is a starchy food made from the flour of yam, cassava, or unripe plantains, which are all popular staple crops in the country.

To make amala, the yam, cassava, or plantains are peeled, sliced, and sun-dried. Then, the dried slices are ground into fine flour using a mortar and pestle or a mill. The flour is then mixed with boiling water and stirred vigorously until it forms a smooth, stretchy dough with a consistent texture. This process can take up to 30 minutes depending on the quantity and requires some effort and skill to achieve the right consistency.

Amala is typically served with an Ewedu soup and stew, (made from jute leaves), It can be eaten with a variety of meats, fish, etc.

In addition to it being rich, tasty, and satisfying, amala is also considered a healthy food due to its high fiber content it is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy, and is also rich in vitamins, and minerals.

 

 

3) Akara And Ogi

Akara and Ogi are both popular Nigerian national dishes that are often eaten together as breakfast meals.

Akara is a deep-fried bean cake made from a mixture of black-eyed peas, onions, and spices. The mixture is ground into a paste and then deep-fried in hot oil until it is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Akara is typically eaten with Ogi, a thick, smooth, and creamy porridge made from fermented corn or sorghum. Ogi is often eaten as a breakfast food and is usually served hot and topped with sugar, milk, or honey.

Akara and Ogi are popular breakfast foods in Nigeria and can be found at many roadside stalls, local markets, and food vendors. They are also sometimes eaten as a snack or light meal throughout the day.

Both Akara and Ogi are considered healthy foods due to their high nutritional value. Akara is a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, while Ogi is a good source of carbohydrates, probiotics, and antioxidants. Together, they provide a balanced and filling meal that can help to fuel the body and boost energy levels.

 

 

4) Suya

Suya is a popular Nigerian street food made of grilled meat that has been marinated in a spicy peanut-based sauce. It is commonly found in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

The meat used to make Suya can vary, but it is typically beef, chicken, or goat meat. The meat is thinly sliced, rubbed with a spice mixture made from ground peanuts, cayenne pepper, and other spices, and then grilled over an open flame until it is cooked to perfection. Suya can be eaten as a standalone snack or as part of a meal and is often served with sliced onions, tomatoes, and spicy pepper sauce.

Suya is a popular food because of its delicious smoky and spicy flavor, and it is also considered a healthy food due to its high protein content. The peanuts used in the spice mixture are a good source of healthy fats and proteins, and the lean meat used in Suya provides additional protein and important nutrients. Suya is also a great option for those who are following a low-carb or keto diet, as it is typically low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats and protein.

 

 

5) Jollof Rice

Jollof rice is a popular Nigerian dish that is typically made from long-grain rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a variety of spices. It is a flavorful and colorful dish that is loved by many in West Africa and beyond.

To make jollof rice, the rice is first washed and then cooked with a blend of pureed tomatoes, peppers, and onions, along with spices such as garlic, ginger, and thyme. The mixture is simmered until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the flavors from the sauce. Jollof rice is often served with a variety of sides, including fried plantains, coleslaw, or a spicy chicken or beef dish.

Jollof rice is a staple food in Nigeria and is often served at weddings, parties, and other special occasions. It is a beloved dish that has many regional variations, with each region adding its unique twist to the recipe. Jollof rice is also a popular dish in other parts of West Africa, including Ghana, Senegal, and the Gambia.

In addition to being delicious, jollof rice is a healthy food that is high in nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a great source of carbohydrates and can be combined with protein and vegetables to make a balanced and nutritious meal.

 

Wrapping Up

Now that you have a good idea of some Nigerian national dishes, their recipes, and how to combine them. you can confidently walk into any Nigerian restaurant and say “Madam u get Amala and Ewedu?” in Nigerian pidgin ( madam do you have Amala And Ewedu?) or your other favorite Nigerian meal mentioned above.

These Nigerian national dishes are typically local and are appreciated by most in Nigeria and beyond, they promote Nigerian culture and heritage, and if prepared rightly these Nigerian national dishes are a rich and good sources of supplements for the body.

So, keep calm and enjoy all the dishes, and don’t hesitate to let me know in the comment how you feel about them!