Culinary traditions of Nigeria
Nigerian cuisine consists of dishes or food items from the hundreds of ethnic groups that comprise Nigeria.[1][2] Like other West African cuisines, it uses spices and herbs with palm or groundnut oil to create deeply flavored sauces and soups.[3]
Nigerian feasts can be colourful and lavish, while aromatic market and roadside snacks cooked on barbecues or fried in oil are in abundance and varied.[citation needed] Bushmeat is also consumed in Nigeria. The brush-tailed porcupine and cane rats are the most popular bushmeat species in Nigeria.[4][5][6][7][8]
Tropical fruits such as pineapple, coconut, banana, and mango are mostly consumed in Nigeria.[9][10][11]
Nigerian cuisine, like many West African cuisines, is known for being spicy.
Woman selling ponmo (cow skin).
Meat is used in most Nigerian dishes.
- Suya, from the north of Nigeria, is grilled meat coated with ground chili pepper, peanut powder, and other local spices. It is prepared barbecue-style on a stick. This is one of the most famous Nigerian delicacies and can be found within easy reach all over the country.[40]
- Tsire refers specifically to meat which has a generous coating of peanut/chili powder.[41] The meat may or may not be on a skewer.
- Kilishi, similar to beef jerky, is made from meat that has been cut into very thin slices, which are then spread out to dry. A preparation of chili pepper, spices and local herbs is then prepared into a paste which is lightly brushed on both sides. This is then briefly grilled.
- Balangu refers to meat that has been grilled over wood/coal fire. Specifically, no seasoning is applied to bring out the natural flavour of the particular type of meat which may be Goat, mutton or beef. Salt and spices can be added later according to taste. Most of these meaty delicacies are Hausa/Fulani.[42][43]
- Nkwobi consists of cooked cow legs smothered in a thick, spicy palm oil sauce, a classic dish originating from the southeast of Nigeria.[44]
- Asun is spicy roasted goat chopped into bite-sized pieces, with bold aromatic flavors from onions, habanero, Garlic and bell peppers.[45] Native to the Yoruba speaking Ondo people in Western Nigeria.[46]