One thing about Nigerians is that we love to eat, and we have a lot of options to choose from. With over 300 ethnic groups in the country, Nigeria has the type of diversity that ensures an abundance of food.
Still, despite that, there are some foods are enjoyed around the country, regardless of ethnic group or cultural differences. These foods have become sort of a rallying point and allow someone from the outside to have an idea of what the Nigerian diet is like.
In this article, we will look at some foods commonly eaten around the country. These “most-eaten” foods in Nigeria are usually cheap, readily available, and grown in Nigeria. Now, here are the most consumed Nigerian foods.
1. Garri
Garri is an arguably the most-eaten food in Nigeria in Nigeria and other West African countries.
Garri is one of the most consumed foods in Nigeria due to its affordability and accessibility to the masses. It is made from cassava tubers, which are peeled, washed, grated, and then fermented for a few days before being sieved and fried to produce the final product.
It can be eaten in various ways, such as soaked in cold water with sugar and groundnuts or as a cereal with milk and sugar. It is also used as a swallow for other Nigerian soups such as Eba.
2. Rice
There’s no doubt that every Nigerian person eats rice at least once in three days. In Nigeria, rice is the most served food at restaurants, parties, and other occasions.
One reason why rice is the most consumed food in Nigeria is because it is very easy to prepare and can be cooked in various ways.
Jollof rice, fried rice, banga rice, coconut rice, palm oil rice, and rice and beans are just some common varieties of rice dishes in Nigeria.
Furthermore, rice is relatively affordable in Nigeria, so anyone can buy it.
3. Yams
Yams are widely cultivated and sold in many parts of Nigeria. Hence, it is one of the most-eaten foods in the country.
Although it depends on the region, yams are quite cheap in Nigeria and are usually grown by most households in rural areas.
Other reasons that make yams a widely eaten meal in Nigeria is because of their easy preparation and easy to incorporate into other meals.
Pounded yam, yam porridge, and yam and red oil are some ways yams are usually eaten in Nigeria.
4. Beans
Beans are a very popular food in Nigeria and are consumed in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, or as a standalone side dish or main meal. It is a good source of protein and is very filling.
There are three popular varieties of beans in Nigeria known as olotu, oloyin (black-eyed beans) and white beans.
Nigeria is the number one world producer of dry beans, and it can be consumed in different ways.
Beans can be prepared in different ways like Ewa agoyin, oily beans, groundnut oil beans, beans porridge, akara (bean cake, Moin moin (beans pudding), fried beans, and so on.
5. Plantains
Even though some might argue that plantains are more expensive to be considered one of the most eaten foods in Nigeria, it is incredible how many foods are prepared with plantain in Nigeria.
Plantains are a staple food in many parts of the world, particularly in Nigeria, and are used in a variety of dishes such as stews, soups, fried snacks, and desserts.
Plantain fufu, roasted plantains (boli), plantain chips, fried plantains (dodo), and plantain porridge are just some of the ways plantains are popularly consumed in Nigeria.
6. Cassava
Cassava is a versatile root vegetable that is used in a wide variety of dishes across the country.
We have mentioned garri as one of the foods that are made with cassava, but there are still more like fufu or akpu, cassava flour, and tapioca (Abacha)
Some reason why cassava is one of the most consumed foods in Nigeria is that most farming households in Nigeria cultivate it. It is very cheap and sold all over the country.
7. Leafy vegetables
Leafy vegetables are a common denominator in almost every single food in Nigeria. They are used to prepare a wide assortment of soups and stews.
There are many common leafy vegetables used in Nigerian cuisine, including spinach (Efo tete), ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves), bitter leaf (Onugbu), waterleaf (Gbure), scent leaf (Nchanwu), ewedu (jute leaves), and Efo Shoko (Lagos spinach).
These leafy greens are used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, and sauces, and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. They are also believed to have various health benefits and are an important part of Nigerian cuisine.
In addition, they are cultivated by most farmers in Nigeria and are so affordable.
8. Groundnuts
Groundnuts, also known as peanuts, are a popular crop in Nigeria. According to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria is the third-largest producer of groundnuts in the world, with 10% of global production.
Furthermore, It is also the number one producer in Africa, with 39% of total production. Groundnuts are grown in 19 producing states in Nigeria by both smallholders and commercial farmers.
Groundnuts are not only popular as a crop but also as a food in Nigeria. They are used in traditional dishes such as groundnut soup, groundnut stew, and groundnut paste. Groundnuts can also be roasted and eaten as a snack.
The nut is high in protein, healthy fats, and other nutrients, making it a popular and nutritious food source. In the northern region of Nigeria, there were pyramids of groundnuts in the 1950s and 1960s, highlighting the importance of groundnuts in the economy of the region.
9. Palm oil
Palm oil is an important commodity in Nigeria. Nigeria is the largest consumer of palm oil in Africa, with a population of 197 million people. The country is also the world’s fifth-largest producer of palm oil.
Palm oil is made by extracting oil from the fruit of the oil palm tree. The fruit is harvested and processed to extract the oil, which is then used for cooking, soap making, and other industrial uses.
Palm oil is one of the most consumed foods in Nigeria because it is a staple in many Nigerian cuisines. Most soups and stews are prepared with palm oil because it is a cheap source of cooking oil and is used to prepare many dishes.
10. Bread
Bread is probably the most popular food on earth. And in Nigeria, it is one of the most eaten food.
Both the rich and the poor live and eat bread. It is versatile, delicious, readily available, and affordable.
Agege bread is a common type of bread in Nigeria.
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