By Okoro Kizito
Nigeria is populated by hundreds of ethnic groups, and they all have different foods and styles of cooking them. Igbo dishes are not an exception! You can try different tasty foods of the Igbos!
Her is a list of top10 traditional Igbo dishes for you! You can’t say that you know Igbo cuisine if you have not tried the following dishes! They range from locally cooked food to local snacks, in no particular order.
1.Ora/Oha Soup
This undoubtedly, one of the most famous recipes for Igbo dishes! You can`t say that you have tried Igbo cuisine without trying Ora soup! This soup is dearly loved by all Igbos. What makes this soup so special? The Oha leaves! They provide the delicious taste t at you will never forget! Most importantly, this soup is super nutritious.
2. Ofe Onugbu
It’s also called the bitter leaf soup! Don’t mind the name, this dish is not bitter at all. It’s only called bitter leaves because of the bitter leaves used for its preparation. Igbo people say that bitter leaf soup shouldn’t be bitter at all. Also, this soup can’t be complete without the addition of cocoyam! Of course cocoyam (ede in Igbo) is the main oga of the soup. You just have to try this soup.
3. Okpa
Bambara nut seeds are the main ingredients to make this fantastic dish. A lot of Igbo people know this dish from their childhood. Some Nigerians might say that this dish will send you to the highest heavens of pleasure. You should definitely try Okpa! It contains all the necessary nutrients that you need for one whole day of work! Plus this is a real life saver for UNN students in particular (don’t say i told you oh lol).
Most of all, you don’t need too much money to get it .
4. Abacha
African Salad is the number one dish that you should taste if you want to try Igbo cuisine! This salad consists of small pieces of condiments which you will find appealing when it comes to Igbo cuisine! Also, it has different variations and preparation styles in different parts of Igbo land! That`s why you will not taste the same African salad twice.
5. Oto
Do not forget to taste these water-yam porridge whenever you travel to Igbo land! The cooking process for this tasty dumplings is similar to yam porridge. Nevertheless, there are some differences which can help you to create the perfect porridge. You don’t need much time to prepare this food, but you will never forget its taste! Try it at least once!
Oto
6. Akidi
The name can be translated as black beans. Therefore, it`s very easy to guess what is the main ingredient for this delicious dish! You can either prepare it as a sole food, or you can use it as an addition to Abacha. It’s an uncommon Nigerian food, but it’s still very delicious and nutritious as well. You just need to get at least one bite of this dish to fall in love with it!
7. Ofe Ukpo
The major ingredient for this soup is dried okra. This soup is very light, and that`s why it’s good for new mothers. The reason for that is the ingredient called “uda.” It has fantastic medical properties which can help new mothers get back their strength.
Ofe Ukpo Soup can also be given to patients for medicinal purposes! It has a lot of ingredients that can help patients recover from surgery or just minor illness.
8. Ayaraya Ji
If you can’t live without the flavor of yam and beans, then you will certainly like Ayaraya Ji. It may sound like one of the simple Igbo local dishes, but it certainly has its taste. Just don’t forget about the four main ingredients needed to make this dish:
*Ugba topping (this is essential! Ayaraya Ji is somehow incomplete without Ugba topping);
*Onions – a lot of onions is needed for this dish;
*Mashed yams;
*fio-fio (pidgeon peas)
A Typical Look Into The Igbo Tribe And Culture
From the list of ingredients, it wouldn’t be a good idea to kiss anybody right after downloading this dish. However, this food is very tasty, and you will want more of it right after the first bite!
Ayaraya ji
9. Coconut and Cassava
It’s a simple dish that you can fix at home if you have cassava and coconut. Many are not big fans of this food, but i have to admit, it is one of the simplest Nigerian recipes and you have to at least give it a try. Just a combination of coconut and cassava – that`s all! You don`t need much to make this dish extremely delicious. This dish also work as a body coolant under hot weather.
10. Oka na Ube
Do not hesitate to taste the delicious Oka na Ube combo. The golden color of roasted Oka should draw your attention to its sweetness and richness. Do not forget about the purple color of Ube that will also make your tongue dance in your mouth. Thumbs up to this multipurpose edible. Available by the roadside, you can enjoy it either as an appetizer or a snack on its own.
So there you have it! If you haven’t tasted any or all of this delicacies , i challenge you right now to embark on a food journey today!!!
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