Nigerian Okpa – How to Make Okpa Wawa | Okpa 9th Mile | Okpa Nsukka | Okpa di Oku
Okpa is a delicious delicacy popular in the Eastern part of Nigeria, especially in Enugu state.
Okpa recipe has equally won the heart of people in different parts of Nigeria; it’s now classified as one of Nigerian traditional delicacy and very popular even among non-Igbos too. It can be enjoyed alone or with pap, and beverages for breakfast.
However, Okpa di Oku is best eaten hot, and as breakfast to keep one on the go. It quite filling, and as a result, it is a choice food or snack among Nigerian students.
Nigerian Okpa is a healthy diet to eat during pregnancy; it contains all the vital nutrients needed in the body both for the child and the pregnant woman.
Even more interesting is the fact that the preparation of this staple food is relatively easy. It does not require any special ingredients that cannot be readily found in the kitchen.
So, one might be wondering what and what is needed to put together in order to prepare this food.
Homemade Okpa di oku can be cooked within minutes by following this simple step by step method below and Okpa picture to show.
What is Okpa in Nigeria?
Okpa di Oku is a delicacy prepared by the African Igbo people with a special type of beans known as Bambara nuts.
Due to its distinctiveness, Okpa 9th mile is classified as a traditional Nigerian delicacy and is popular in Enugu state.
Is Okpa Carbohydrate or Protein?
‘OKpa’ has the most protein, dietary fiber, with a little amount of carbs. The Bambara bean, also known as the Bambara groundnut, is a grain legume that is basically protein and belongs to the Leguminosae family which is essential for human health.
Okpa Recipe Health Benefits and Nutritional Values
The following are the Bambara nut health benefits described in this article:
- Aids in the prevention of malnutrition
- Prevents Weight Gain
- Strengthens the body
- Prevents Insomnia
- Promotes Optimal Health
- Boost Blood Level
- Prevents the onset of bone diseases
- Antioxidants are present, which aid in the prevention of cancer.
Other Health Benefits of Okpa Recipe
- Immune System Strengthening
- Okpa recipe reduces the effects of ulcers.
- Menstrual flow is regulated
- Lowers levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol
- Prevents diarrhea and perhaps other forms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Health Benefits of Okpa in Pregnancy
Okpa is healthy for pregnant women since it includes essential nutrients for a child’s development.
Our bodies require calcium to grow and maintain healthy bones, and okpa is a wonderful source of calcium. Your heart, muscles, and nerves all require nutrition.
The iron and other vital minerals in okpa aid in the production of healthy red blood cells, which aid in a child’s development.
How to Grind Okpa – How to Make Okpa Flour
The seed of Bambara nuts must be extracted from the shell once it has been cracked open.
Okpa flour is produced by grinding okpa seeds into a powdering form using an industrial machine and not a blender. The seeds are so hard and will damage a blender. Grinding okpa flour is almost the same way you grind corn powder, Beans Flour, wheat powder
To buy the dry nuts and pay extra to have them ground and sifted at the market; is far better and helps you know exactly what you’re consuming.
Similarly, buying flour from a trusted seller is ideal too, though there are some categories of grounded flour already mixed with other grains you might not be aware of.
How to Make Okpa Food with Okpa Flour
Ingredients for Okpa
- 500g of Okpa flour (Grounded Bambara nuts)
- 100ml of palm oil
- 5-6 Pieces of scotch bonnet pepper (mashed)
- 3 Seasoning cubes of choice stock
- Small bulb of onion (diced) optional
- Grounded crayfish (optional)
- Salt (to taste)
Before Cooking Okpa Recipe
- Bambara beans- This is the Okpa flour and the first ingredient to get. It is common among cereal seed vendors. It is the grounded Bambara beans that make up the Okpa flour.
- Palm oil – It is the palm oil that gives Okpa its orangey-yellow color it is known for, and appetizing by mere looking at it.
- Okpa Wrap materials – banana/plantain like your banana leaves or Uma leaves, aluminum cups, or heatproof nylons; is required to hold the batter tight while cooking into a delicious Okpa cake. Similarly, when using the banana leaves precisely the dry leave or plantain leaves; there is a need for twine or string to tie the wraps. Normally the easiest string you find at home is bag of rice or garri sack white bag. Just cut sizable lengths wash and pull out to detach the string needed.
- Grounded or fresh pepper- Of course, this is to add a sharp taste, scent, and flavor to the mix.
- Onions – Best if diced specifically for those that love onions else is not mandatory.
- Seasoning Stock cubes – helps to enhance the taste
- Salt – the salt is for taste and makes the food blend together with other ingredients.
- Lukewarm water – the lukewarm water aid proper bonding of the Okpa flour and palm oil mixture; makes the batter fluffy.
Directions How to Cook Okpa di Oku | Okpa Wawa | Okpa Nsukka Recipe
- First of all, Measure the Okpa flour in a clean mixing bowl and pour in some palm oil.
- Secondly, gently knead the dough until it gives an orangey-yellow color. Add the grounded crayfish, pepper, stock, diced onion, and salt to the mixture.
- Thirdly, pour in some lukewarm water according to your preferred consistency. For a softer texture, add more water to the mixture but do not flood it with water. Mix with bare hands until the lumps have disappeared.
- Next is to add the pepper to taste. If you wish, you may taste the mixture to check if the ingredients give the desired taste.
- Finally, scoop into the wrap materials provided, and ensure you have a uniform quantity for each wrap.
- Gently place them into a boiling pot of water, and boil at relatively high heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Turn off the heat and serve hot.
Okpa can be eaten alone or paired with soft drinks. It can be enjoyed alongside pap/custard or tea for breakfast. Try it with your family today!
Serve and enjoy!
FAQ
How long should I cook OKPA?
Place the Okpa pudding in the pot of hot water after wrapping it in your preferred sizes. Cook for 1 hour and serve hot.
Does OKPA contain fat?
Some of the nutrients included in Okpa, which comes from the Bambara nut, include potassium, carbs, phosphorus, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals including tryptophan, manganese, lysine, and other amino acids, fiber content, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Is OKPA good for diabetics?
“Okpa” is a healthy diet for diabetics since the glycemic index value is 59 and 66, respectively, for diabetics when eating Okpa and Moin-Moin food.
Is Bambara nut good for kidney?
Kidney function may be improved by Bambara nuts. Additionally, this nut has a lot of magnesium, which is important for relaxing muscles.
Is Bambara nut good for diabetes?
Bambara nuts are a superfood that aids in controlling blood sugar levels because they have a high essential amino acid profile comparable to that of soybeans. According to research both diabetics and non-diabetics had considerably lower blood glucose responses when matched to a bread diet.
Is OKPA good for weight loss?
Yes! Okpa Help You Lose Weight. Okpa is thermogenic and aids in weight control, much like all protein-rich foods. The body expends more energy digesting thermogenic meals, which also take longer to digest. As you feel content quickly, are satisfied for a longer period of time, and drink more water, this can aid in weight loss.
What is the English name for OKPA?
Bambara groundnut is the English name or Bambara nut is equally another name for Okpa beans. It is referred to as Jugo Beans in some regions of the world. There are various Okpa species. It arrives in tiny pods that you must crack open in order to release the seeds.
What is OKPA in Yoruba?
In Yoruba, one of the local languages spoken in Nigeria, Okpa means Epa Roro.
Additionally, it is known as Okpa in Igbo, Okpa is Gurjiya in Hausa, and Epa-Roro in Yoruba.
