Nigerian Food - Ukwa (African Breadfruit)

I recently had a conversation with a colleague on one of my favorite topics, food. He was of the opinion that there are not many food options in Nigeria. This led him to conclude that he had no option than to eat rice most days.

I disagree. Nigeria is rich with so many types of food. Although, i do agree, rice is easy to cook and it tastes great too.

On a recent trip to Balogun market, i bought Ukwa, also called African breadfruit. I had been craving it for a while. Ukwa is not readily available in every market in Lagos. It is one of those delicacies favoured by the Ibos of South East Nigeria. It is rich in protein. It can be eaten, boiled and as a fried snack.

Source: www.therenaissanceng.com

RECIPE FOR UKWA (African Breadfruit Porridge)

Ingredients:

1 derica cup of Ukwa
one large chunk of Pottash (Akaun)
Cameroon Pepper
Crayfish
Salt
Seasoning cubes
1 cooking spoon of palm oil
Onions
Dry Fish
Sweet corn (optional)

PREPARATION

Clean the Ukwa and wash in water.
Boil with plenty water.
Add the Pottash as the water heats up. A helpful tip: pottash often contains sand, grind it dry and add some water to it. Strain it through a sieve. Don't add the ashy sediments.
You must boil Ukwa with pottash, otherwise you will boil it for hours and it will not soften.
When The Ukwa grains start to soften, strain the excess water into a bowl. This will be taken as a thick drink called Mmiri Ukwa.
Add the crayfish, pepper, salt, seasoning cubes, onions and sweet corn.
Wash the dry fish and add it to the pot.
Pour in the palm oil and stir.
Food is served. Accompany it with your Mmiri Ukwa.