Nigerian street food offers a vibrant culinary experience. They serve as snacks and at times they are life savers. Here are some must-try delicacies including roasted corn, Puff-Puff, Suya, Akara, and Moi Moi. Read also
Roasted Corn:
Roasted corn has a burnt yellow color and is the most common food that is sold on the street. It is prepared by roasting fresh corn on a charcoal stove with some husk intact.
Before preparation the silk threads are removed, the corn is soaked in water for a few minutes. Read also
The corn is roasted over an open flame, turning occasionally until it’s cooked and slightly charred. It is best served with butter, salt, or your preferred seasoning.
Puff Puff:
Puf puf is an all time street delight for everyone including children, young adults and old ones. It is highly desired because of it’s fluffy texture and solid coating.
It is prepared by mixing flour, sugar, yeast, and water to form a thick batter.
The batter is allowed to rise for about an hour while vegetable oil is allowed to heat in a deep pot.
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Suya:
Suya is roasted chicken/meat spiced with onions and vegetable oil, sometimes it is grilled. It can be prepared over a flame or oven-baked.
It is prepared by cutting beef, chicken, or other meats into thin strips. Spice mix is prepared with ground peanuts, ground chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and other spices.
Coat the meat with the spice mix and let marinate for a few hours. Thread the meat onto skewers and grill or barbecue until cooked and slightly charred. Your suya is ready!
Akara:
This is bean cake in English parlance and usually enjoyed with pap, bread or as a snack.
It is prepared by soaking black-eyed beans in water overnight. Drain the beans and blend them with onions, pepper, and spices to form a thick batter. Read also
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
Moi Moi:
It is prepared with beans and served in banana leaves however with evolution it is now served in containers.
It is prepared by soaking peeled black-eyed beans in water for a few hours.
Drain the peas and blend them with onions, peppers, and spices to form a smooth paste.
Optionally, add some cooked fish or other protein to the mixture. Pour the mixture into small containers or banana leaves and steam until set and cooked.
Each of these dishes has its variations, so feel free to adjust the recipes to suit your taste preferences. It is nice to savor these delicious Nigerian street food delights.