Welcome, culinary enthusiasts! Today, we will explore an exquisite recipe known as ‘Ekuru‘, also referred to as ‘Ofuloju’ or White Moimoi. Originating from the rich traditions of Kwara and Ondo states in Nigeria, this traditional bean delicacy is a must-try for any food lover, as captioned by entreprenuerng.com
Ingredients:
3 cups of black-eyed beans or brown beans
3 cooking spoons of palm oil
1 cup of dried pepper (Ata Ijosi)
1 red bell pepper (or 3 if dried pepper is unavailable)
1 Scotch bonnet
1.5 medium onion
2 tablespoons of locust beans (Iru)
1 cup of fried assorted meats
1 smoked fish or eja shawa (optional)
1/2 cup smoked prawns (optional)
2 tablespoons ground crayfish
2 Knorr chicken cubes
Salt to taste
Preparation:
1. Soak And Peel: Begin by soaking and peeling your beans. Then blend with a little water until semi-smooth, achieving a consistency that is neither too thick nor too thin.
2. Fluff It Up: Transfer the blended mixture into a bowl and commence the stirring process. Use a hand mixer, wooden spoon, or ladle to mix the batter vigorously for 10-15 minutes until it becomes exceptionally fluffy and frothy. If a hand mixer is unavailable, stirring with a wooden spoon for 30 minutes will suffice. Traditionally, ‘Ekuru’ batter is pounded in a mortar, but alternative methods are equally effective.
3. Texture Matters: Pay careful attention to the texture of the batter to achieve the desired crumbly consistency of ‘Ekuru’. Proper mixing is essential to prevent the dish from resembling moin moin or becoming overly firm. Dedicate ample time to ensure the batter achieves the ideal fluffiness.
Ekuru
4. Scoop And Steam: Transfer the prepared batter into banana leaves (moin moin leaves), ramekins, or foil wraps. Steam the batter until fully cooked, which typically takes about 30 minutes over medium heat. Utilize a steamer or create a makeshift steaming setup by lining a pot with plastic bags, adding water, and ensuring the wrapped batter remains dry throughout the steaming process.
5. Enjoy The Flavour Explosion: Once perfectly steamed, unwrap the delectable ‘Ekuru’ and savor its exquisite flavor. For an authentic culinary experience, serve alongside spicy ‘ata dindin’ (fried stew) and ‘eko agidi’.
Try it out to indulge in a flavor-filled journey with this delightful recipe!
