The Nigerian Breakfast

We all know the Saturday morning starter pack in Nigerian homes and boarding schools. Can you guess what it is? Akara and pap or moi moi and pap! Growing up with this meal made childhood a lot of fun. The mouthwatering smell of Akara leaves you salivating and craving more. It’s funny how only a few people in Gen Z know the recipes for these traditional dishes. Are we going to let them go extinct? Not at all! Today, we share the recipes for these beloved household meals we grew up loving.

Akara: Nigerian Bean Cakes

Ingredients

• 2 cups of black-eyed peas or brown beans
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional for heat)
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

1.    Prepare Beans : Soak beans in water for about 30 minutes to soften the skin. Rub beans between your hands to remove the skin. Rinse and repeat until the beans are clean and free of skins.
2.  Blend  in a blender, combine beans, onions, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Add a small amount of water to aid blending. Blend until you have a smooth, thick paste.
3. Season : Pour the paste into a bowl and add salt to taste. Stir the mixture well to incorporate air, making the batter fluffy.
4. Fry : Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally. Remove the Akara with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:  Enjoy Akara hot with pap (a traditional Nigerian cornmeal porridge) or bread.

   

Moi Moi: Steamed Bean Pudding

Ingredients

• 2 cups of black-eyed peas or brown beans
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 medium onion
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons of ground crayfish (optional)
• 2 bouillon cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Banana leaves or aluminum foil for wrapping

  

Instructions

1. Prepare Beans:  Soak and peel the beans as for Akara above 
2. Blend:  Blend the peeled beans with red bell pepper, onion, Scotch bonnet pepper, and water until smooth. The mixture should have a pourable consistency but not be too watery.
3. Season: Pour the mixture into a bowl. Add vegetable oil, ground crayfish (if using), bouillon cubes, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
4. Wrap:  Cut banana leaves or aluminum foil into rectangular pieces. Scoop some of the bean mixtures onto the leaf or foil, fold carefully, and secure the edges. Alternatively, you can use ramekins or aluminum cups.
5. Steam:  Arrange the wrapped Moi Moi in a large pot with a steamer basket or on a rack. Add water to the pot without submerging the wraps. Cover and steam for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking occasionally and adding more water as needed.
6. Serve:   Enjoy Moi Moi warm with pap, bread, or rice.

Yam and Egg: A Versatile Nigerian Breakfast

Well, not everyone is a fan of yam and egg, but yam is a very interesting and versatile meal that can be enjoyed in different forms. Today, we are talking about yam and eggs. Did you know yam is a nutritious choice packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy choice to start your day? Here’s how to pair it with egg sauce. 

Ingredients for Yam

• 1 medium yam tuber
• Water
• Salt to taste

Ingredients for Egg Sauce

• 4 eggs
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 small bell pepper, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional for heat)
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• Salt and seasoning cubes to taste

Instructions for Yam

1. Prepare: Peel the yam and cut it into thick round slices. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Boil: :Cook in salted water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain.

Instructions for Egg Sauce

1. Prepare: Beat the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
2. Saute Vegetables:  Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Include  tomatoes, bell pepper, and Scotch bonnet pepper, and cook until the tomatoes soften.
3. Cook Eggs:  Pour the beaten eggs into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Add salt and seasoning cubes to taste. Stir gently and cook until the eggs are set but still moist.
4. Serve: Serve the boiled yam slices with the egg sauce on the side.

Conclusion

These traditional Nigerian breakfast dishes not only offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane but also provide delicious, nutritious ways to start your day. Whether you prefer the crispy goodness of Akara, the savory taste of Moi Moi, or the hearty combination of Yam and Egg, these recipes are sure to brighten your mornings 

Give them a try and share your experience with us!