Igbo culture is one of the three major cultures in Nigeria. Igbo foods are very easy and simple to cook and eat. Moreover, this type of food is welcomed not only by this tribe but all Nigerians. Here is a list of Igbo native foods you can try out.
Igbo is considered to be one of the three major tribes in Nigeria. It has its unique customs, traditions, and music, but it's necessary to concentrate on food that is presented in Igbo culture. The key traditional foods for the Igbo people are found to be vegetables, legumes, maize, cocoyam, cassava, and yam. In addition, cereals are also found as one of the essential nutrients for Igbo. Check out some of the most popular Igbo foods pictures and their ingredients.
Top 10 Tasty Igbo Foods
What type of food do the Igbo eat? Many dishes are connected with the major foods of Igbo people, like Nni Oka, Nni Akpu, Nni Ji, Onugbu, Okazi, Achi, Oha. There are many types served in Nigeria that can be considered Igbo traditional foods. It includes different soups, salads, and other types of dishes. Take a look at the list of Igbo food to taste when visiting Igbo land.
Yam with Goat Meat Pepper Soup
In Nigeria, pepper soup, also known as Ukodo, is a typical family dish. Many people enjoy eating native soup in the evenings and at dinner. The major ingredients in this meal are pepper and goat meat.
This is one of the most calorie-dense foods. It is high in carbohydrate complexes, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins B6 and B1. Here are the basic ingredients needed for this Igbo famous food.
- Goat meat
- Two large onion bulbs
- Dry pepper
- Large tuber yam
- Salt
- Stock cubes
- Basil
- Dry Ashanti pepper leaves
Jollof Rice with Chicken
What is the favorite food in Igbo? Jollof rice is a favorite and popular source of nutrition for the Igbo people and the rest of West Africa. The rice is cooked in a tomato-flavored liquid. Jollof rice is made using beef, poultry, or fish.
It is a versatile dish that works well for both dinner and parties. The ingredients for Jollof rice with chicken are listed below.
- Sliced medium tomatoes
- Red bell pepper stemmed, seeded, and quartered
- Small red onions diced
- Scotch bonnet pepper or habanero
- Vegetable oil
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (450g)
- Teaspoons curry powder
- Teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups parboiled long grain rice (400g)
Ugu Vegetable Soup
The Igbo soup has seafood, veggies, various portions of meat, and fluted pumpkin leaves. The soup is delicious and healthful, owing to the inclusion of Ugu leaves in its preparation.
The fluted pumpkin leaf known as Ugu grows in Nigeria and other tropical African countries. Pumpkin leaves are high in vitamins and minerals.
You can make this soup either with or without meat. If you want to add meat, you can use cow feet, beef, goat meat, dried cowhide, or chicken. The following ingredients are required for the preparation of Ugu soup.
- Ugu (pumpkin) leaves
- Palm oil
- Dried fish
- Waterleaf
- Okporoko (stockfish)
- Crayfish
- Pepper
- Okpeyin
- Soup seasonings
Nkwobi
This is one of Nigerians' most popular meals. It is usually considered an evening meal, simply a cooked cow foot mixed in spicy palm oil paste. To make this delicious Igbo food recipe, you need to have the following ingredients.
- 2kg cow foot (cut into sizeable pieces)
- Palm oil
- 1 tablespoon powdered edible potash
- 1 teaspoon ground Ehu seeds
- Utazi leaves
- Ugba
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- 2 habanero peppers (or to your taste)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 big stock cubes
- Salt
Yam Porridge
Another delectable meal you may prepare is yam porridge, known as Asaro. It is cooked in a well-seasoned pepper combination with yam pieces until soft and fluffy.
There are numerous methods to prepare yam. It could be fried, boiled, or even roasted. Of course, you can always add some vegetables to the meal to offer some green color. All of the ingredients you will need are listed below.
- Pieces of diced yam
- 2 cups of chopped and mixed vegetables
- 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (chopped)
- Large size dry fish
- Medium-sized onion (chopped)