Food is an essential part of our lives, providing us with the energy and nutrients our body needs to function properly. However, food combinations refer to the way in which different foods are eaten together or paired.
In Nigeria, where traditional cuisine is rich in flavor and diversity, food combinations are very popular. There are a lot of common food combinations in Nigeria. Although most foods are combined to make the taste better, it can serve other purposes such as improving your health.
Indeed, food combinations can play an important role in maintaining good health. By combining the right foods in the right way, you can ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs to function at its best.
Here are some healthy food combinations in Nigeria.
15 Healthy Nigerian Food Combinations
Here are 15 healthy Nigerian food combinations I recommend you should try out. Trust me; you will love it.
1. Rice and beans
Rice and beans is probably the most popular healthy Nigerian food combination. It is a perfect blend of carbohydrates and proteins, as well as fibre and vitamins. The taste is also very delicious.
2. Roasted corn and pear (ube)
Almost every Nigerian has eaten this incredible food combo. Roasted corn is usually eaten together with boiled African pear (ube). At times, the corn can also be cooked instead of roasted. It can serve a nutrient-dense snack or dessert.
3. Cucumber and fried groundnuts
Cucumber and groundnuts is perfect combo. The crunchy taste of the groundnuts sweetly blends with the juicy slices of cucumber. What’s more? This healthy Nigerian combo of cucumber and groundnuts is very healthy and good for your digestive system.
4. Fried plantain and beans
Fried plantain and beans are a great source of fiber and proteins that will fill you up and give your body energy throughout the day. This is one of the most favorite Nigerian food combinations.
This dish is flavorful and nourishing with its combination of sweet plantains and savory beans.
5. White rice and vegetable stew
This is a classic combo. The popular white rice is usually eaten with tomato red stew in Nigeria. However, pairing white rice with vegetable stew may be healthier. Vegetable stew typically contains leafy greens, onions, and pepper. The result is a flavorful, low-fat dinner dish that energizes you.
6. Oatmeal and fresh fruits
Another healthy Nigerian food combination among adults is oatmeal and fresh fruits. You have the classic blend of oatmeal porridge and fresh fruits like plantains, guavas, oranges, and pawpaw.
This simple dish is filled with slow-digesting carbs that provide plenty of energy for your day and are full of essential vitamins and minerals.
7. Sweet potatoes and beans
This is my favorite healthy Nigerian food combination that I must take at least once in a while, pair sweet potatoes and beans for a quick and delicious meal. Sweet potatoes are packed with Vitamin A and minerals; the beans offer plant-based protein and a range of B vitamins.
8. Eba and ogbono soup
There’s no other swallow that is perfect for ogbono soup than ebà. Ebà is made from garri and perfectly holds the thick and slippery ogbono soup.
This duo is sure to be a hit at your next meal! The light, gluten-free cassava meal, eba, combined with ogbono soup, is a sure-fire way to give you a meal rich in flavor and nutrition.
9. Pepper soup and agidi
Pepper soup is a spicy Nigerian meal that is rich in protein, zinc, iron, and other essential minerals, while agidi is a popular Nigerian food made with cornflour and a healthy source of healthy fats. Instead of sipping pepper soup alone, you can eat eat along with agidi.
10. Egg sauce and yams
Eggs are a fantastic source of proteins and amino acids. Yams, on the other hand, don’t have a lot of those nutrients, but it provides the body with energy. Hence, pairing egg sauce and yams is a healthier option.
11. Jollof rice and moin moin
Jollof rice is one of the most well-known foods in Nigeria. It is also pretty healthy and nutritious too. However, eating jollof rice with moin moin makes it way healthier. Moin moin is richer in protein and fibre than jollof rice.
12. Pounded yam and egusi
This combination will surely delight the taste buds while fueling your body to keep you healthy and energized. Egusi soup is rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and other healthy components, while the fibre-rich pounded yam is an excellent carbohydrate base for a meal.
13. Amala and ewedu
For a low-carb option that packs a nutritional punch, try combining amala, which is made from plantains, with ewedu for a delicious, comforting meal.
14. Suya and fried plantain
Enjoy the light, slightly charred taste of suya and the indulgent sweetness of fried plantains for a quick and satisfying meal. Both dishes are incredibly nutrient-dense, ensuring your body has the energy it needs for whatever comes your way
15. Garden eggs and groundnut paste
This is a hearty and tasty combination that is usually eaten in ceremonious occasions in Nigeria. Groundnut paste also known as okwo osé or osé oji provides essential vitamins and minerals, while garden eggs are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, water, and fiber.
Conclusion
As you can see, plenty of delicious and healthy Nigerian food combinations exist. With some creativity and knowledge of ingredients, you can create nutritious and flavorful meals that delight your palate.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
