THE NUTRITIONAL NIGERIAN UNPOLISHED RICE

November 17, 2023 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

Ofada rice is a Yoruba dish. It is the name of an indigenous rice from a small community called Ofada, located in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

This is not exclusively grown in the community, but it is an indigenous rice grown in southwest Nigeria but named after the Ofada community. It is used in making a variety of dishes.

Ofada rice are mostly blends, and some of the rice varieties in the blends are not indigenous to Africa; however, they usually also contain African rice. It is grown almost exclusively in Ogun State, a state in southwestern Nigeria. It is grown on free-draining soil where the water table is permanently below the root of the plant.

The dish is so nutritious that it can be categorized under wild rice because of its high fiber content; it keeps your digestion smooth and helps lower cholesterol. It is a good source of essential minerals such as phosphorus, zinc and folate, which give you energy and nurture your bones. Vitamins A, C and E are essential for overall health and immunity.

It is always served with sauce (ofada sauce). The sauce is made differently from the normal sauce used in eating white rice.
And it is a Nigerian favorite. The combination of meats and peppers adds complex flavors that keeps everyone wanting more. The best part about this ofada rice recipe is that is easy to prepare and will have you enjoying the meal in no time at all.

INGREDIENTS:

RICE:

ofada rice
water
Salt
vegetable oil

SAUCE:

palm oil
Iru (Locust Beans)
assorted meat (Shaki, Kpomo, Liver, roundabout and any other protein of choice) – already cooked
cooked chicken/beef/fish
salt
seasoning cube
crayfish powder
onion
Green tomatoes
Green bell pepper
Green habanero Pepper

METHOD:

RICE:

1. Heat up water in a pot until it boils.

2. Rinse rice thoroughly with cold running water and add to pot of boiling water. Add salt and little quantity of oil.

3. Cook for 35 minutes or until it’s ready.

SAUCE:

1. Roughly Blend green tomatoes, peppers and onion. Place in a pot and boil for 15 minutes

2. Heat up a pot and add palm oil. Allow to bleach for 10 minutes – This means leaving it to heat up and smoke till it is almost similar to vegetable oil. After 10 minutes allow to cool a bit.

3. Add chopped onion, saute, then add the boiled tomato/pepper mixture.

4. Add salt, iru (locust beans), assorted meat and crayfish. Cover and allow to cook till oil floats to the top.

5. Add chicken stock, taste and add seasoning cube if necessary. Now you may add the cooked chicken.

6. Allow the ingredients to cook for 5 more minutes and simmer.