NIGERIAN MEAL; OKPA

Hello guys, @pasaift here. Hope you all are enjoying the weekend?
Today, I would be writing about the Nigerian meal called okpa.

Okpa may be common to some people, and may not be to others. Okpa is a traditional food, mostly taken as breakfast or light lunch.This food is more common to those living at the eastern part of Nigeria. Most especially those in Enugu state.
It's quite impossible to live in the eastern part of Nigeria without hearing this
"Okpa Di oku, Okpa Di oku, Okpa! Okpa!" The call of those selling okpa.

Okpa is made from Okpa beans, otherwise known as Bambara groundnut or jugo beans. It is known scientifically as Voandzea subterranean. Credit

The main fruit is pod like,you have to crack it open to bring out the seeds which would eventually be grinded. Note that the seed can't be ground with home utensil, unless industrial. So your best option at getting this cooked is by purchasing Okpa flour or grinding at the mill if you have the seeds.

INGREDIENTS

Preparing this meal is quite easy, all you need are the following;

• plantain/banana leaves or aluminium foil or nylon to wrap with.
• okpa flour
• seasoning cube
• palm oil
• salt and pepper
• onions
• ground crayfish
  The ingredients are not as much as expected right? This shows just how easy it is to prepare.

PREPARATION

• put your desired size of okpa flour into a pot or bowl, pour palm oil into this bowl and stir till the flour changes it's color from white to yellow.
• pour water into the bowl, and stir. Be careful against making it watery. Stir till there is no lump.
• Now it's time to add your seasoning cube with the diced onions.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Wrap with any material of choice, be it leaves, foil or nylon
• place the wrapped mixture into a pot of boiling water, and allow to boil for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  N/B: you may need to add more water as the water dries up to prevent burning.
• after boiling, remove from water and allow to cool a little bit.
  When done with this, fell free to serve and enjoy.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Credit

Not only is okpa a delicious and stomach filling food, it is also highly nutritious.
This is its composition percentage.
Carbohydrate: 49-65%
Protein: 15-24%
Fat: 4.5-7.3%
Minerals: 2-3%
Fibre: 5.1-6.3%
Now to additional health benefits.

RICH SOURCE OF LYSINE - The Bambara nut is rich in lysine supplement. Since the human body cannot produce lysine, and is dependent on external source, the importance of this food cannot be over emphasised.

HEALTHY BONES - The lysine found in this food aids in the absorption of calcium. Calcium is needed for proper development of bones and teeth. It also helps in collagen formation.

PROVISION OF ENERGY - With its high carbohydrate content, Okpa is recommended as an energy giving meal. Provision of energy required for daily activities.

BOOSTS BLOOD FORMATION - The Bambara nut is rich in iron. This iron helps to increase blood level and aids in the treatment of low blood (anemia).

REDUCED RISK OF STOMACH CANCER- Okpa meal has the ability in the production of carcinogenic materials. These substances aids to lower the risk of having stomach cancer.

I guess reading all these, yu'd agree with me that not only is Okpa a tasty meal, but it is also nutritious. try preparing and eating this meal, the taste and nutritional benefits would keep you wanting more.

Remain Blessed.
@pasaift