Ukpo Oka – Corn Pudding | Nigerian Corn Moi Moi

Steam corn pudding is a popular traditional delicacy in the Eastern region of Nigerian commonly called Ukpo Oka. Corn moi moi is a tasty and delicious food that looks almost like beans moi moi.

Based on the high fiber content, Corn pudding is a balanced dish that is healthy and filling; a perfect meal for those on a weight loss diet plan.

However, Nigerian corn moi moi is synonymous with many names such as Ukpo Oka, Nni Oka, Ekusun, Igbankwu Oka, Sapala,  Ekoki, or Ukpoh oka, Okpa Oka

Ukpo Oka seems to be more abundant mostly during corn season as it is prepared with fresh corn and is nutritious.  Homemade Ukpo oka /corn moi moi is usually cooked with fresh corn and ideally banana leaves to wrap it, Uma leaves, or plantain leaves.

Mexican is another country that eats Ukpo Oka recipes like Nigerians. It is called Tamales a popular Mexican dish made of a blend of corn-based dough that is filled with a variety of meats or beans and cheese. Tamale is covered in corn husks or banana leaves and cooked, but the husks are discarded before consuming.

Different Ways of Making Corn Pudding in Nigerian

There are different ways to make Nigerian corn recipes such as making moi moi with corn flour, dried corn, or fresh corn; corn pudding with pictures, Igba oka.

  • Corn and plantain moi moi (Sweet corn)
  • Corn porridge (Jollof)
  • Corn and beans Adalu

How to Make Ukpo Oka – Corn Pudding Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups of Corn (5-6 pcs fresh corn on cobs)
  • 1 Medium-size smoked fish
  • 1 large onion
  • 4 medium-size bell peppers (Tatashe)
  • 5 pcs Scotch Bonnet peppers (Ata-Rodo)
  • 2 cooking spoons palm oil
  • 2 tablespoons crayfish
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 Seasoning cubes
  • Plantain/Uma/Banana leaves for wrapping or foil paper

Instructions

  1. First and foremost, remove the husks, then remove corn kernels from the cob; thereafter, wash and transfer to a blender add water, and rough blend into a paste, and set aside.
  2. Secondly, wash and blend your bell pepper, tatashe, and onion. Pour the blended onion and pepper into the corn and mix.
  3. Thirdly, pour in the palm oil, add your crayfish, seasoning cubes, and salt, mix properly to combine, and then adjust taste if necessary.
  4. Similarly, in a large pot, place the stems and leaves add about 2 cups of water into the pot, and boil.
  5. Next is to wrap the corn mixture –Ukpo oka just like wrapping moi moi by using Uma leaves or foil paper; then gently arrange the wrapped Ukpo oka into the pot of boiling water.
  6. Finally, cover and cook for about 45-50 minutes depending on the sizes wrapped, ensure you add more water in other not to get burnt.

At this point your delicious food Ukpo Oka – Corn pudding recipe is ready!

Serve and enjoy!!

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