Food is one of the important identities of a culture. Our cultural diversity is decorated by our various delicacies. The background from which we hail sometimes makes us find it difficult to adapt to the traditional dishes of other countries and cultures. But despite the differences in the acceptability of other people’s cultural heritage, every culture’s delicacy is unique and perfectly adaptable to the culture it belongs to.
Most of us are fond of discrediting other cultures’ dishes. We sometimes make it look like they are eating what animals should eat. These attitudes aren't good. That we don't eat worms in our culture does not mean that those who eat are animals. Looking down on others because of their cultural norms and way of life is inhuman. We are blessed with several forms of delicious delicacies in our various cultures.
This is a post I am creating in response to the #iucontest week 8. It is fun sharing our various cultures and the delicacies we delights in. The link to the contest is here
I am from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. There are several types of dishes in my culture. One of the best dishes among my people is amala and Gbegidi. It is among our favorite dishes. It is so much cherished such that it has become the prestigious dish in outstanding ceremonies.
Amala
Amala is prepared from yam and cassava. The cassava is harvested and peeled. After the peeling, it is soaked in water for about 3 to 5 days for it to ferment and soften. When the cassava has softened, it is drained and sun dried. The elubo which is used in making the amala.
Using yam to prepare the amala will involve the same process. Only that in the case of yam, water yam is used and it is soaked with warm water. Amala is a gelatinized soft solid.
When elubo is ready, after proper drying, it is grinded into powder. The powdered elubo is what will be used to prepare the amala.
To prepare the amala, we boil water. When the water is still boiling on the fire, we add the powdered elubo and stir it gently. The elubo will gelatinize and will be ready for consumption.
Gbegidi
Gbegidi is a beans soup. It is prepared by cooking the bean and smashing it into liquor. We add salt, seasoning, dried fish, meat, vegetables, red pepper, onion, and other spices.
Amala and Gbegidi is served in festive seasons and in ceremonies like naming ceremonies, birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, etc.
Thank you for reading my blog. I do wish you appreciate my cultural delicacy.