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8 Nigerian Foods For Cold Weather

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8 Nigerian Foods For Cold Weather | Fab.ng

Nigerian food for cold weather is inspired by the rainy season in Nigeria, bringing about changes in the weather, and it’s a time when you need to adapt to the cold conditions.

During this season, it’s common to wear thicker clothing to stay warm because light clothes won’t provide enough insulation. However, it’s not just about what you wear; it’s also important to consider what you eat.

While warm clothing helps on the outside, you can further enhance your comfort by consuming foods that generate warmth from within. In this article, we will explore some foods that are particularly suitable for cold weather.

1. Hot Tea

Enjoying a warm cup of tea is a great way to start or conclude a chilly day. Tea offers medicinal properties and can induce a soothing effect. It’s also effective in relieving congested nasal passages, making breathing easier.

Hot beverages help Indians keep cool in Covid summer - The Economic Times

Hot tea is particularly convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for breakfast due to its minimal preparation time. Another advantage of consuming hot tea is that it doesn’t contribute to your calorie intake. This means that even if you’re following a special diet, incorporating hot tea without milk and sugar won’t disrupt your routine.

2. Akara 

During the rainy season, Akara sellers are in high demand, and it’s no wonder why. Akara is a delicious treat suitable for any day and season, but it becomes even more special during cold weather.

How To Make Akara (Bean Cakes) | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News — Guardian Life — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

The warmth of freshly cooked Akara is particularly satisfying when the weather is chilly. Additionally, Akara often has a spicy kick to it, making it an ideal choice for cold days when hot and spicy foods are especially comforting.

3. Pap (Akamu or Ogi)

For the ultimate cold-weather comfort, consider pairing Akara with pap. Pap, made from fermented corn, is traditionally served hot and is an excellent choice when the weather is chilly.

Your Saturday Morning Breakfast Isn't Complete Without This! | BN Style

Pap is also known as Akamu or Ogi in Nigeria, and it’s a versatile meal that you can enjoy in various ways, as long as you have it while it’s hot. You can eat it alongside Akara, enjoy it on its own, or have it with your favourite dishes. Additionally, pap is nutrient-rich and offers several health benefits.

4. Pepper Soup 

Pepper soup is a great choice for cold weather. It’s hot, spicy, and packed with nutrition. Many of its ingredients offer health benefits, making it perfect for the rainy season.

Enjoying a bowl of pepper soup can help keep you warm and cosy on a rainy day. You can enhance its protein content by including ingredients like catfish or goat meat.

5. Yam Porridge

Yam porridge, also known as Asaro, is a delicious and popular yam dish in Nigeria. It’s easy to prepare and loved by many.

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Hot yam porridge is an excellent choice for cold weather, and you can make it spicy and nutritious to keep you warm and satisfied.

6. Suya

Suya is a traditional Nigerian dish made from skewered beef, ram, or chicken. It’s famous for its spiciness due to the use of peppers, which makes it an ideal choice for cold weather. Suya is not only spicy but also highly nutritious and delicious.

7. Peppered snails

How To Make Peppered Snail — Guardian Life — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News

In Nigeria, snail meat is a versatile ingredient used in various dishes, and one of the spiciest preparations is known as peppered snails. This delightful dish involves boiling snails and then stir-frying them with a blend of onions, garlic, peppers, and spices.

Peppered snails can be enjoyed as a flavorful finger food or appetizer, leaving you savouring every bite. Additionally, snail meat is highly nutritious, making this dish a healthy choice.

8. Corn and Pear

Eating corn and pear during the rainy season is a common tradition in Nigeria. This combination of boiled corn and salted pear makes for a perfect, warming snack, especially on chilly evenings. The warmth of the boiled corn, when paired with the salted pear, creates a satisfying treat for the season.

When considering foods for cold weather, opt for hot or spicy options that require heating or cooking. Avoid consuming cold foods during chilly weather to keep warm and cosy.

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FOOD

3 Delicious Recipes For Making Akidi (Black Beans)

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3 Delicious Recipes for Making Akidi (Black Beans) | fab.ng

Akidi (black beans) recipes are a cornerstone of Enugu State’s culinary heritage, enjoyed widely across Nigeria and Africa. This versatile legume, rich in protein, fibre, and essential vitamins, makes it a nutritious staple in many homes.

Originating from Enugu, akidi holds a special place in traditional dishes, offering robust flavour and health benefits.

If you’re looking to expand your cooking repertoire, these three delicious akidi (black beans) recipes will elevate your meals.

Whether you’re an experienced chef or a kitchen novice, each akidi (black beans) recipe provides a unique taste experience.

Embrace the richness of Enugu’s culture and impress your family with these flavourful and nutritious dishes featuring the beloved black beans.

Recipe 1: Classic Akidi Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried black beans (akidi)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons palm oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried crayfish
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 stock cube
  • Water

Instructions:

  1. Soak the beans: Rinse the black beans and soak them in water overnight.
  2. Cook the beans: Drain the soaked beans and add them to a pot with fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the beans are tender.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the palm oil in a separate pot. Add the chopped onion and scotch bonnet peppers, and sauté until fragrant.
  4. Combine the ingredients: Add the sautéed ingredients to the pot of cooked beans. Stir in the dried crayfish, salt, black pepper, and stock cube.
  5. Simmer and serve: Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the flavours are well combined. Serve hot.

Recipe 2: Akidi with Spinach and Plantain

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked black beans (akidi)
  • 1 bunch spinach, chopped
  • 2 ripe plantains, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pot and stir until wilted.
  3. Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked black beans, curry powder, and turmeric powder to the pot. Stir to combine.
  4. Fry the plantains: In a separate pan, fry the plantain slices until golden brown.
  5. Serve: Serve the akidi and spinach mixture with the fried plantains.

Recipe 3: Akidi with Smoked Fish and Vegetables

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked black beans (akidi)
  • 1 smoked fish, crumbled
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper, and sauté until softened.
  2. Add the beans and smoked fish: Add the cooked black beans and crumbled smoked fish to the pot. Stir to combine.
  3. Season and simmer: Season with thyme, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the flavours are well-combined.
  4. Serve: Serve the akidi with smoked fish and vegetables hot with rice, yam, or bread.

These three akidi (black beans) recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to create your own unique dishes.

Remember, the key to a delicious akidi dish is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook slowly to allow the flavours to develop.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these akidi (black beans) recipes are a great way to enjoy this nutritious and flavourful legume.

For more articles on food recipes, visit here.

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FOOD

5 Health Benefits Of Cooking With Garlic

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5 Health Benefits of Cooking With Garlic | fab.ng

Garlic is more than just a flavour enhancer; it offers numerous health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries. Incorporating garlic into your meals not only enriches the taste but also boosts your overall well-being.

Let’s explore five key health benefits of garlic, emphasising why this simple ingredient deserves a spot in your kitchen.

1. Boosts Heart Health

Garlic is renowned for its heart-protective properties. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels, which are crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Allicin, a compound found in garlic, relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption of garlic may also prevent artery hardening, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of garlic is its contribution to a healthy heart.

2. Strengthens the Immune System

Garlic acts as a powerful immune booster. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help the body fend off infections. Rich in antioxidants, garlic combats free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to illness.

Cooking with garlic regularly can support your immune system, making it more resilient against common colds and flu. This vital health benefit of garlic makes it a natural defence mechanism.

3. Improves Digestive Health

Garlic promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Its antimicrobial properties can help balance gut flora, reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.

Additionally, garlic may reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Including garlic in your diet can improve overall digestive function, emphasising another essential health benefit of garlic.

4. Enhances Bone Health

Surprisingly, garlic may also support strong bones. It contains minerals like calcium, manganese, and selenium, which are vital for bone density and strength.

Some studies suggest that garlic consumption can increase estrogen levels in women, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

This lesser-known health benefit of garlic highlights its role beyond the kitchen, contributing to long-term skeletal health.

5. Supports Detoxification

Garlic aids the body’s natural detoxification process by activating liver enzymes that help eliminate toxins. Its sulfur compounds enhance liver function, enabling the body to flush out heavy metals and harmful substances more efficiently.

Regularly cooking with garlic can provide a natural cleanse, supporting overall vitality. This detoxifying health benefit of garlic underscores its importance for maintaining internal balance.

Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet

Maximise these health benefits by adding garlic to soups, stir-fries, and sauces. Crush or chop it and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking to enhance its beneficial compounds.

Remember, the health benefits of garlic are most potent when it’s used fresh and minimally cooked.

Cooking with garlic not only elevates your culinary creations but also offers significant health advantages. Embrace this versatile ingredient and enjoy the multiple health benefits of garlic with every meal.

Would you like more articles or additional tips? Check here.

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How To Make Crispy Plantain Chips At Home

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Plantain Chips Recipe | fab.ng

Do you want to learn how to make plantain chips with the best recipe? Well, plantain chips are a popular snack in many parts of the world, especially in Africa and the Caribbean.

They are crispy and savoury and can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of dips. Making plantain chips at home is a fun and easy process that allows you to control the ingredients and customise the flavour.

Now, if your answer to the first question above is “yes,” read on to learn how to make the best crispy plantain chips at home.

Ingredients for Plantain Chips Recipe

  • Ripe plantains
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Optional seasonings: paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder

Equipment Needed for Plantain Chips Recipe

  • Large pot or deep fryer
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Paper towels

Recipe for Making Crispy Plantain Chips at Home

1. Prepare the Plantains:

  • Peel the ripe plantains. Ripe plantains have a yellow or brownish-yellow colour and are slightly soft.
  • Cut the plantains into thin, even slices. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick.

2. Soak the Plantain Slices:

  • To prevent the plantain slices from turning brown, soak them in a bowl of cold water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. This will help to neutralise the enzymes that cause browning.

3. Dry the Plantain Slices:

  • Remove the plantain slices from the water and pat them dry with paper towels.

4. Heat the Oil:

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of plantain into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

5. Fry the Plantain Slices:

  • Working in small batches, carefully add the plantain slices to the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.

6. Drain the Plantain Chips:

  • Remove the fried plantain chips from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.

7. Season the Plantain Chips:

  • While the plantain chips are still warm, sprinkle them with salt and any other desired seasonings.

8. Cool and Serve:

  • Let the plantain chips cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

Tips for the Perfect Plantain Chips Recipe

  • Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy plantain chips. If the oil is too hot, the chips will burn; if it’s too cold, they will be greasy.
  • Plantain Ripeness: Use ripe plantains for the best flavour and texture. Underripe plantains will be too hard and difficult to fry.
  • Drying the Plantain Slices: Make sure the plantain slices are completely dry before frying. Excess moisture can cause the oil to splatter and the chips to become soggy.
  • Batch Size: Fry the plantain chips in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot and ensure even cooking.
  • Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings to create unique flavours. Some popular options include chilli powder, cumin, and curry powder.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can easily make delicious and crispy plantain chips at home. This plantain chips recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying snack.

Click here to find more recipes to try.

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