This are the most famous and versatile Nigerian side dishes that can pair with any dish. I bet that once they are placed on the table, they will disappear in a second.
1. Eba (Cassava Meal)
Nigerian people love to make food from the cassava root, also called “Garri.” They use dried grated cassava flour to make Ẹ̀bà, a comfort food that is very popular among Yoruba people. It is also made in other West African sub-regions.
Ẹ̀bà is made by cooking dried grated cassava flour in hot water and shaping it into a large ball. Its color can be white or yellow, depending on how it is cooked. If people add palm oil when drying the grated cassava, then the dish will have a yellow hue.
People eat Ẹ̀bà using their fingers. They take out a small piece, turn it into a small ball, and then dip it in soup or stew.
2. Dodo Ikire (Fried Plantain)
Are you curious about what Nigerian people do with ripe plantains? They deep-fry it in palm oil, creating a delicious side dish.
In Ikire, a town in the Southwestern area of Nigeria, there was a woman who tried to cook something with overripe plantains. She decided to season it with some salt and pepper and fry it in palm oil. The result was surprisingly successful, so Dodo Ikire was born.
3. Moin Moin (Steamed Bean Cakes)
When Nigerian people enjoy Jollof rice and fried plantains, they often place a dish of Moin Moin on the table. They also serve it at parties and special occasions alongside salad and soft drinks. Moin Moin is one of the most popular Nigerian side dishes.
This amazing food staple originated in the West of Nigeria. It is in the form of a thick and creamy paste made from black-eyed beans, onion, and ground red peppers. Depending on the preference of the cook, it can have a pyramid or cylindrical shape.
According to the tradition of Nigeria, each extra ingredient of Moin Moin is considered a “soul” or “life”. If 3 additional ingredients are added, it will be called “Moin Moin with three souls.”
A popular variant with 7 more ingredients is named “Moin-Moin elemi meje” or “Moin Moin with 7 souls,” which include minced meat, hard-boiled egg, lobster, titus fish, butter, green peppers, and carrots.
4. Fufu (Blended And Fermented Cassava)
Nigerian people love to make food from the cassava root, also called “Garri.” Besides Nigeria, “Garri” is also a prevalent food in Ghana and many West African countries like Togo, Benin Republic, Guinea, Liberia, and Cameroon.
They use dried grated cassava flour to make Ẹ̀bà, a comfort food that is very popular among Yoruba people. It is also made in other West African sub-regions.
This side dish features a sticky dough made of fresh or fermented cassava. It takes several days, normally 3-4 days, to prepare Fufu. Traditionally, people enjoy it with Egusi Soup.
They use their hands to take out a small piece of the dough, roll it into a small ball, make a hole in the center with their thumbs and dip it in the soup.
You should note that you must never use your left hand when eating Fufu because Nigerian people often think that the left hand is used when you go to the toilet. It will be considered an impolite action.
5. Tuwo Shinkafa (Rice Meal)
Tuwo Shinkafa was invented by the Hausa tribe who used to live in the northern area of the country. It comes in the form of ball-shaped mashed rice or corn.
I believe that you can’t find mashed rice in other cuisines. Traditionally, people use short-grain rice but sometimes they also use rice flour.
To create such a texture, people cook the rice or corn in water and use a long-handled wooden spoon to mash it, then shape it into balls. Tuwo Shinkafa is now a popular side dish of stews and soups. It is mostly served warm.
6. Asaro (Yam Porridge)
Asaro was created by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is made from yam and a few other ingredients such as peppers, onions, palm oil, and tomatoes.
The recipe varies a lot across regions, but it is one of the most beloved Nigerian lunch recipes. In some areas, you will also hear people call it “Potash.”
This yam porridge is a very rich and nutritious dish, and it is often enjoyed with soups. While most Nigerian foods contain meat. Asaro is completely vegan. It is packed with nutritious vegetables that are perfect for a fulfilling lunch or dinner.