Puff Puff. Bouncing up and down like I’m on a trampoline. You’ve spoken. And the winner is Puff Puff. For emphasis and for good reason. Puff puff has emerged as the most popular item in any pack of small chops. Proof that deep-fried dough balls are the ‘ish. Combine that with spice and/or smoke and...
Category: Nigerian Cuisine
A Possible History of Nigerian Small Chops [In Their Present Form]
Or The Evolution of Nigerian Small Chops. And how Indian Samosas and Chinese Spring Rolls became Nigerian Small Chops Essentials. Foodways and food mapping are amongst the things I love about food – all the things that lie on and beyond the plate, somewhat unseen but present, shaping, defining the plate. These fascinate me. Like small...
In Season: Bambara Groundnuts
It is the season of Bambara groundnuts which make world-famous, Okpa. People are ringing relatives in Enugu (where the best ones are made) to send some down west, south, north and all across Nigeria. I’m sure there have also been international requests fulfilled too. I’d never had it before – only heard from friends and...
Guest Post: Girl Meets Jollof
This piece – which I absolutely love – is by Fara who has a long relationship with my Beloved – Jollof. Girl meets Jollof is her story, and I’m reminded about how food shapes us, comforts us, uplifts and nourishes us. Read and enjoy xxx Before there were Jollof Wars and way before there was...
Soundbites | Dog meat: Specialty Eats in Nigeria
I have the most random conversations with friends and strangers and I kick myself sometimes because I wish I could record it all and share. Why? Well, I find my thoughts challenged, my perspectives stretched. I learn and see people in ways I might not have prior. Like this conversation around dog meat which occurred...
Sunday Lunch: Omoebe, Edo Black Soup
Though dark green is more appropriate a colour but who are we to blame for naming our foods. Who are we to blame for pepper soup? And other names? Anyway, don’t you dare let the name put you off this absolutely, good-for-you deliciousness that is Edo Black soup with all the nutritional goodness of bitter...
Infographic: An Introduction to Nigerian Soups
…because it’s worth it :). And there’s a free infographic to show. It’s important, because we’re building our vocab, understanding the lexicon and language of our food that we might show forth its glory…as in The New Nigerian Kitchen and beyond. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to download and share – An Introduction...
Infographic: A Brief History of Stockfish in Nigeria
Mapping Nigerian-Norwegian Relations through the ages and there is a lot of information on the interwebs with some digging. I’ve put it all together in a timeline because specific events were time-bound and mapped key events. This is one of my favourite research pieces because it connects so much – from the state of nations...
Interesting Names Nigerians Call Meat & Other Animal Parts
…or Around Nigeria in Peculiar ‘Meat/ Protein’ Names! Still celebrating our peculiarities ahead of Independence day! When it comes to naming a dish, North Americans and Europeans tend to use simple words that may not reveal how daunting the meal may appear on paper. Caviar, haggis, stargazey pie, jellied eels and black pudding in my...