How To Prepare Traditional Dish, Ekpang Nkwukwo

Ekpang Nkwukwo is a traditional Nigerian dish native to the Efiks and Ibibios, and it is made of freshly grated cocoyam, wrapped in leafy greens, and slowly simmered with various types of fresh or smoked meat, fish, crayfish, red oil, and other spices depending on the cook’s preference until cooked to perfection. Here are the steps to prepare Ekpang Nkwukwo:

Peel the cocoyam and water yam.

Grate the cocoyam and water yam separately.

Mix the grated cocoyam and water yam together with a wooden spoon.

Add some seasoning cubes, salt, and pepper to the mixture.

Add some palm oil to the mixture and mix thoroughly.

Wash the cocoyam leaves and cut them into small pieces.

Wrap the mixture in the cocoyam leaves and tie them with a string.

Place the wrapped mixture in a pot and add some water.

Add some crayfish, pepper, and salt to the pot.

Add some smoked fish or meat to the pot.

Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the leaves turn dark brown.

Note: Keep the stirring to a minimum to prevent the Ekpang Nkwukwo from becoming mushy.