Traditional meals are one of the unique features of every tribe in Nigeria. Today we’ll focus on an Efik traditional delicacy called “Ukang Ukom” (plantain porridge).
Ukang Ukom is a simple and popular dish served mostly at weddings and parties in Akwa-Ibom and Calabar. Efik traditional marriages and other ceremonies are not complete without Ukang Ukom on the menu.
Here’s how to prepare this delicious delicacy.
Ingredients
- 10 fingers of unripe plantain
- Dry fish
- Any protein of choice (cow leg, beef, goat meat, etc.)
- Scent leaves
- Pepper
- Salt
- Seasoning cubes
- Crayfish
- Vegetable/palm oil
Preparation
1. Steam your meat and set aside.
2. Peel the unripe plantain. Wash and cut into sizeable chunks and put into a pot.
3. Add seasoning cubes and salt to taste.
4. Add some water, just enough to cover the plantain. Cover the pot and put on the fire.
5. Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes; keep checking to see if the plantain is soft (do not stir).
6. Once the plantain is soft, add dry fish, meat, crayfish, and pepper, then stir. Cover and allow it to cook again
7. Keep stirring until the paste thickens.
8. Add either vegetable or palm oil and stir again.
9. Cover for about 5 minutes for the oil to mix well, and then add the already cut scent leaves. Stir well and bring it down.
Watch the full recipe on @1qfoodplatter on Instagram
