Nigeria is known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions and vibrant party life. A Nigerian party isn’t complete if food isn’t shared. We must know that not all foods are suitable for parties. Party foods must be delicious, easy to prepare, and nutritious. For this reason, I have carefully drafted the best nutritious Nigerian foods for parties.
10 Nutritious Nigerian Foods For Parties
Here are the top ten nutritious Nigerian foods for parties you can try out:
1. Jollof rice
Jollof Rice is a classic Nigerian dish with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It can be cooked with chicken, beef, or vegetables to add protein and nutrition. The best kind of jollof rice for parties is the party jollof rice. Trust me; you will love it, especially when garnished with lots of vegetables and protein.
2. Moi Moi
Moi Moi is one of the top-notch nutritious Nigerian foods for parties. It is a steamed bean pudding made from black-eyed peas or brown beans. It is an excellent source of protein and can be served as a side dish or a main course.
3. Grilled fish
Nigeria has a coastline, so fresh fish is a popular and nutritious party option, especially in southern and eastern Nigeria. Grilled fish, seasoned with spices and served with vegetables, is delicious and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They are great for night parties and can be served alongside soda and natural drinks.
4. Suya
A Nigerian street night party cannot be complete without suya. Suya is a popular Nigerian street food made from skewered and grilled meat, typically beef or chicken. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices, including ground peanuts, which adds flavor and nutrition. It is best eaten hot!
5. Vegetable soup
Do you want to host a Nigerian cultural party, and you are thinking of which soup to prepare? Vegetable soups like Efo Riro or Edikang Ikong are a great choice. They contain nutritious ingredients like spinach, kale, pumpkin leaves, and assorted vegetables. They are often cooked with a combination of meats or fish and can be served with swallows like pounded yam or fufu.
6. Chin Chin
For a snack, you can serve chin chin, a crunchy, sweet, and savory deep-fried pastry. It is made from a mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and spices, and you can spice it up to your taste by adding natural fruit flavor.
7. Puff Puff
Puff puff is a popular West African snack that is commonly served at events and celebrations. It is known as Bofrot (togbei) in Ghana, botokoin in Togo, gato in Guinea and Mali, bofloto in the Ivory Coast, and puff-puff or just puff snack in Nigeria.
The snack is made with cassava flour, water, and sugar, and is deep-fried until it puffs up like a ball and becomes crispy outside. Its texture is similar to doughnuts but less dense and chewy.
It is a great source of fibre, energy, as well as some vitamins and minerals.
8. Ewedu and Amala
No Yoruba party or gbedu will be complete without Ewedu and Amala. Ewedu is a type of leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in Yoruba cuisine. The vegetable is used in preparation of ewedu soup, a Yoruba delicacy.
Ewedu is eaten together with a Nigerian swallow known as Amala. Amala is a type of staple grain that is popular in Yoruba cuisine, and it is made from ground yam or cassava flour.
They are amazingly delicious, provide energy and essential nutrients. They are bests served with fresh pepper and drinks. It is suitable for both day and night parties.
9. Abacha (African Salad)
Abacha, also known as African Salad, is a popular and nutritious dish that is native to the Igbo people of Nigeria. It is often served at traditional ceremonies and parties and is enjoyed as an appetizer, dessert, snack, or meal. The dish is also called Abacha Ncha and Abacha and Ugba.
10. Onugbu Soup
When it comes to traditional parties held in Igboland in Nigeria, the go-to soup is none other than onugbu soup.
Onugbu soup is made with Vernonia Amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf, is a medicinal herb that grows in tropical Africa and is known for its bitter taste.
However, when the soup is prepared, its not bitter at all. The leaf is a versatile and beneficial plant used for medicinal, culinary, and curative purposes. In Nigeria, bitter leaves are used to prepare dishes like Ofe Onugbu.
In addition to the above nutritious Nigerian foods for parties, below is the list of the healthiest Nigerian drinks you can serve alongside food at parties.
- Zobo: Zobo is made from dried hibiscus flowers (sorrel), ginger, and spices. It is known for its vibrant red color and tangy flavor. Zobo is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a healthy choice for a party drink.
- Kunu: Kunu is a traditional Nigerian beverage made from millet or sorghum. It is a creamy, slightly sweet drink often flavored with ginger, cloves, and vanilla. It is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Chapman: Chapman is a fruity and refreshing non-alcoholic cocktail that is commonly served at Nigerian parties. It typically contains a mix of fizzy soft drinks like Fanta or Sprite, grenadine syrup, citrus fruits, and sometimes a splash of bitters. You can control the sweetness by adjusting the syrup or sugar added.
- Tigernut Milk (Kunun Aya): Tigernut milk is a dairy-free alternative made from blended tiger nuts, water, and sweeteners like dates or honey. It is naturally sweet and creamy and a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
- Coconut Water: Coconut water is a refreshing and hydrating drink that can be served as is or combined with other ingredients to create flavorful mocktails. It is rich in electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for parties.
- Soy Milk: Soy milk is a plant-based beverage made from soybeans. It is a good protein, calcium, and other essential nutrient source. You can serve it plain or add flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry to suit different tastes.
- Ginger Lemonade: Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated ginger, water, and a natural sweetener like honey to make a zesty and revitalizing ginger lemonade. Ginger is known for its digestive benefits, while lemon provides a good dose of vitamin C.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen there a variety of nutritious Nigerian foods for parties. Always consider your guests’ dietary restrictions or allergies when planning the food menu. You can do this by offering various healthy options so that everywhere have enough options.
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