Ekpang Nkwukwo is one of Nigeria’s delectable recipe made from grated cocoyam, water yam or unripe plantain, it is a native food associated to the South-South people, especially people that hail from Cross River and Akwa Ibom state.
Ekpang is a special and delicious food to them, served on special occasions. So in this episode, I will teach you how to prepare a finger-licking Ekpang Nkwukwo with water yam but the same method applies to the cocoyam and the unripe plantain. You can try it with any of the three mentioned trust me you will enjoy it.
Ingredients you need to prepare your Ekpang Nkwukwo
1.Water yam
2.Vegetable(Ugwu)
3.Palm oil
4.Crayfish
5.onions
5.Salt
6.Seasoning cubes
7.Dried fish/Beef
8.Pepper
9.Snail(optional)
10.Periwinkle....shell and unshelled (optional)
What to do before you start to cook your Ekpang Nkwukwo
1.Peel and wash your water yam then cut into small parts, grate the water yam into a smooth batter
2.Rinse and cook the beef and dry fish with the seasoning till it's soft
3. Prepare the pot by rubbing in a large amount of palm oil on the inside of the pot.
4. Rinse the vegetable(Ugwu)and tear into medium pieces.
5.Blend your pepper and crayfish and set aside
6.Wash the shell and unshelled periwinkles(optional)
7. If you want to use the shell periwinkles you will need to cut the bottom of each and boil with hot water and wash it with salt before use.
Procedures on how to cook your Ekpang Nkwukwo
1. If you will be using the unshelled periwinkles then place it at the bottom part of the well-oiled pot.
2. scoop small quantity of the grated water yam in a piece of the Ugwu leaf.wrap the water yam with the leaf and place in the pot.repeat the procedure till the grated water yam is finished.
3. Add pepper, crayfish, onions, assorted beef with dry fish, and periwinkles.
4. Add hot water to the level of the pot and allow to cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add palm oil and salt to taste and allow it to cook for 5 more minutes and your Ekpang Nkwukwo is ready.
Written by Ogar Shile Matilda Ngukuran
