How To Prepare Nigeria Owo And Starch

By : Ifeoma Ugwuoke

Nigerian Owo and Starch is a delicious traditional dish that consists of a palm nut soup (Owo) and a starchy side dish (Starch). Here’s how you can prepare it:

Ingredients:

For the Starch:

• 2 cups of Starch (This is a specific type of flour, often labeled as “Starch” or “Usi” in African stores)
• Water
• A pinch of salt

For the Owo (Palm Nut Soup):

• 2 cups of palm fruit pulp (you can use canned or fresh palm fruit)
• 1 pound of assorted meats (such as goat meat, beef, or chicken)
• 1 cup of crayfish (ground)
• 2 tablespoons of ground pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons of ground crayfish
• 1 medium-sized onion (chopped)
• 2-3 cups of water or beef/chicken broth
• 2-3 cooking spoons of palm oil
• 2-3 stock cubes (seasoning cubes)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

For the Starch:

1. Place the Starch in a clean bowl.
2. Slowly add water while stirring continuously until it forms a smooth, stretchy dough-like consistency. It should be stretchy like chewing gum. Be careful not to make it too watery.
3. Once you achieve the right consistency, wrap the Starch dough in plastic wrap or banana leaves to keep it warm and set it aside.

For the Owo (Palm Nut Soup):

1. If you’re using fresh palm fruit, extract the pulp by boiling it and then pounding it to release the oil. If you’re using canned palm fruit, drain and set it aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the palm oil on medium heat. Be careful not to overheat it or burn it; you just want it to melt.
3. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
4. Add the assorted meats and fry them until they start to brown.
5. Add the palm fruit pulp (or the canned palm fruit) and stir it into the oil and meat mixture.
6. Pour in the water or broth, and add the ground crayfish, ground pepper, and seasoning cubes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
7. Let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The palm oil should rise to the surface and the soup should thicken.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and more pepper if needed.

To Serve:

1. On a clean plate, scoop out a portion of the Starch and shape it into a ball or oval.
2. Ladle the Owo (Palm Nut Soup) over the Starch.
3. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Nigerian Owo and Starch!

Owo and Starch is traditionally eaten with your fingers, so feel free to dig in and savor the flavors.