Hi everyone ☺️.
Today I'll be participating in this week's topic, I didn't participate in the last two, find it interesting to participate, although it wasn't the topic I voted for, but they say the topic with the highest vote wins and this topic got the highest votes, so here I am.
Every tribe has that particular dish that is unique, that dish that is peculiar, that dish that represent them.
The traditional dish I'll be talking about is called "onunu".
Onunu is a local delicacy which form part of the cultural heritage of the ikwerre people in Rivers State Nigeria. It is also peculiar to both the ikwerre, kalabari and ijaw people. it is a dish also served in traditional wedding ceremonies among the people in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria.
In history the onunu is only made available only at the gathering of influential Kings. And it will be made by the Queen's who plans and intends to soften the hearts of the kings.
Currently onunu has gotten beyond just preparing in an accasion or during festivals, it is being prepared in homes as a normal meal. It is yam pounded with ripe plaintain and then finished off with Palm oil.
Ingredients
- Yam
- Ripe plaintain
- Palm oil
- Salt
You can add pepper if you want but it's optional.
Onunu is mostly served with fresh spicy pepper soup and palm oil stew.
How onunu is been prepared
You'll have to peel and cut up the yam into small cubes and peel the ripe plaintain cut into three pieces then wash and boil together in the same pot, you'll allow it to boil for ten minutes.
Then add salt when yam and plaintain are almost cooked.
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Then you pick out the yam first with your fork and put it inside a mortar then use it's pestle to Start pounding, the yam comes out first because of its pulp and stretchy nature, once it's almost smooth then add the plaintain. You can also use food processor.
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Once you've gotten both ingredients to a smooth consistency, it must be lumps free, add Palm oil when the mash is still hot Which will take away the curdling taste of the palm oil. Finish off the pounding until the palm oil is properly combined or well mixed, it will change it's colour to yellow. Mould into small balls, you have gotten onunu.
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The first time I had it was early part of last year and it was amazing, so delicious. After eating it for the first time I've always wanted to eat it again and again. It can actually make the satisfied to be hungry.
It can be stressful to make but the stress is actually worth the taste
Onunu is enriched with alot of health benefits. It is recommended for both young and old. It is Rich in minerals, it enhances growth.
Onunu brings delight to the sight and ears of the riverine.
Thank you for reading.