Pap, internationally known as corn gruel or locally as akamu for igbos or ogi(yoruba) is a meal made from corn. It is mostly consumed as breakfast. This food is more healthy and nutritious than the likes of custard,golden morn and even cornflakes. It's distinctive taste increases craving for it. The paper is eaten with either bread, fried plantain or akara. But some people do like it together with their beans.
One advantage of this food is that it is very easy to prepare. All you need is your processed wet corn starch, hot water, milk and obviously sugar. I'll give a little rundown of how all these are used. Get a big bowl and place some lumps of the corn starch, add little bit of cold water and stir till it is dissolved,get you boiling hot water and pour gently into the pap, stir as the water is turned into the corn starch till its sets. If it is too thick, more hot water can be added. Now add your sugar and milk, then stir to mix. Just these few steps,and you have yourself a nourishing meal.
I would like to write a little about the nutritional and health benefits of consuming akamu.
-this meal is totally natural, there is no additive. We know how our body needs natural food.
-corn as we know is a very good source of carbohydrate. It's provides adequate carbohydrate for our body.
-akamu has a high fluid content,making it a good choice meal to replace lost body fluid.
-akamu has a high potassium content, making it a good meal for those with high blood pressure. It tends to reduce blood pressure.
-with regards to pregnancy, akamu helps nursing mothers increase breast milk flow. It is a highly recommended meal for women.
-babies and children should also consume akamu because of its rich vitamin and minerals content. Riboflavin, thiamine, pantothenic acid,potassium, selenium, zinc and calcium are all present. They are needed for healthy growth.
Try this meal today,the health benefits and savoring taste will keep you wanting for more.