The year 2020 will never be forgotten because it brought about unprecedented changes in many aspects of our lives, both individually and as a country. Amongst many other changes, the economic situation of Nigeria went from bad to worse. In ABH in particular, where items were noticeably cheap prior to lockdown, it had taken a lot to get used to the drastic change.
In the face of the rising inflation, what has been most striking and perhaps most painful for me was the progressive decline in the quantity of food being sold to us in the cafeterias. It is as though we now eat merely to survive and not to fill our stomachs. I had started with 2 to 3 spoons when I crossed, but I am now fast approaching 7 spoons. My account balance, or lack thereof has made me realize that the age old saying that “There is always rice at home” is something everyone should hold dear. It is in this vein that I will be sharing with Brownites student friendly meals that we can prepare to fill our stomachs. I mean, if you cannot buy food, you can at least cook:
JOLLOF SPAGHETTI
This is a tastier version of your regular spaghetti. It combines the rich, spicy flavours of jollof sauce with the familiar texture of spaghetti. The sauce can be made with a blend of onions, tomatoes, peppers and spices like curry powder, thyme and bay leaves. Simmer your pasta in your spicy, tomato-based sauce (Capsicum-based sauce if you are Yorùbá), and add vegetables like carrots, peas or corn if preferred. You can enjoy your meal with chicken, beef or fish. If you are not quite financially buoyant, boiled eggs work as well.
VEGETABLE STIR FRY
Since we are in the era of fit fam, summer body and healthy living, here is a simple, rich and delicious delicacy that can be paired with rice or spaghetti. The vegetables required for this recipe are red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, peas, carrots, corn and mushrooms. Start by cooking up the vegetables. Following this, whisk together your soy sauce (dark or light depending on your preference), corn starch, garlic, chicken broth and pour over the vegetables. Simmer until it is thickened, and your vegetable stir-fry is ready. There are many variations of this recipe hence you can add additional ingredients, or interchange the ingredients with your preferred veggies. However, do not forget that some vegetables are cheaper than others.
PAP/CUSTARD
This meal can be prepared in a few minutes. Pour your custard powder, or pap (akamu) into a bowl and mix with water to a preferred consistency. The trick is to ask your ancestors for help so they tell you when the water is just right. Add hot water to your mixture then mix till it is cooked and thick enough. In the event that it does not thicken, you have failed. However, you can still salvage your akamu or custard by cooking it on low heat. You can serve with sugar and/or milk, and pair with akara, moin moin or any sides of your choice.
PUFF PUFF
This is in actual sense a snack, but depending on how many you eat, it can be rather filling, and it makes for good variety. To prepare puff puff, mix salt, water, sugar and yeast together and set aside for about 5 minutes. Add flour to the combination and leave for 1-2 hours to rise. Pre-heat your oil and make sure it is hot enough before adding your dough in little round bits. Fry until it turns golden brown. For the Yorùbás, you are allowed to add pepper to your dough. You can pair your puff puff with milk or any drink of your choice. An essential tip is to resist the urge to finish all the puff puff while frying. It takes a lot of self-control but you can do it.
SUYA AND BREAD (RISKY BURGER)
While I am not sure why this recipe is called risky burger, I am at least sure of how to prepare it and can assure you of its impeccable taste. Buy your suya, bread and other ingredients (eggs, tomatoes, peppers, onions). Grate or slice peppers, tomatoes and onions, and set aside. Break your eggs into a bowl and whisk, then add your chopped peppers and onions. Add the suya into your egg mixture and season to taste. Following this, fry the egg mixture on low heat. Slice your Agége bread into two (just open it, do not separate the two parts completely) and dress the bread with your mixture. Place the bread in the butter-coated frying pan and toast to your preferred taste. You can pair your risky burger with any drink of your choice, but I will recommend a cup of hot chocolate.
The above meals are expected to fill the stomachs of the average Brownite. However, if you fall in the category of those that want to eat until they pass out from overeating, this may not do the trick. You should wait for our next article.
Feel free to share other recommendations in the comment section.
