HOW TO PREPARE OKPA A NIGERIAN MEAL(with health benefits)

HOW TO PREPARE NIGERIAN OKPA

  Okpa is a traditional food very popular in the eastern parts of Nigeria  and tastes really good. It is made with Bambara flour(Vorandzeia subterranean (L.) thouars). 
   The flour can be made from scratch by grinding dried Bambara nut/beans.

            INGREDIENTS USED IN MAKING OKPA

* 500grams Okpa flour (Bambara nut flour)
* 50ml Palm oil(more or less)
* 2 tablespoonful Ground Crayfish(optional)
* 2 Stock cubes (crushed)
* 1 small onion(minced or chopped into tiny bits)
* Ground chili Pepper (to taste)
* Salt( to taste)
* Warm water (as needed)
* Container (could be bowls, Aluminium Foil Bags, Banana Leaves, Uma Leaves(Thaumatococcus Daniellii) or heat proof nylons)

Tip: the bambara nut flour is usually made industrially by grinding the nuts(with the skin on). But if you want to make the paste, simply soak the nuts, peel the skin and grind until smooth.

          PREPARATION OF NIGERIAN OKPA

* Pour the okpa flour into a bowl, add the palm oil and mix thoroughly, until the flour changes from white to orange or yellow.

* Next, add the warm water and mix thoroughly until there is no lump, but it shouldn't be too watery.

* Add the ground crayfish,stock cubes, onions, pepper and salt to taste.Mix thoroughly.

* Pour the mixture into your container of choice and place in a pot of boiling water, Leave to boil for 45 minutes. 
 You might need to add some water to the pot as the water dries up.

* The Okpa should be ready after 45 minutes.But if you're not sure, let it boil for 1hr.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF OKPA

1.   It contains Vitamin B12 which aids formation of red blood cell.

2.   It provides energy for the body.

3.   It contains Vitamin B3 which helps in the formation of co-enzymes involved in cellular respiration.

4.   It helps promote the health of the urinary tract and also great for overall body health.

5.   It helps in the synthesis of certain blood clothing factors.