Preparation of Okpa: A Perfect Guide

Preparation of Okpa can be a rewarding adventure. As I discussed in my last post, Okpa is a popular Nigerian dish known for its health benefits.

Bambara groundnut seeds, like many legumes, contain antinutrients such as phytate, tannins, and lectins in the seed coat, which can inhibit the absorption of minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium. The preparatory methods can help to reduce these antinutrients, by activating the enzymes that make the nutrients in the seeds more bioavailable.

In this blog post, we are going to explore two different preparation methods for Okpa (Bambara groundnut pudding). They are the wet and dry methods.

where can I get Okpa?

Okpa has become a staple of many household presently. This has made it available and can be purchased from any local market anywhere in Nigeria.

Preparation of Okpa Recipe:

Tools and Materials:

• A bowl
• Blender/miller
• Spatula
• Measuring cup
• A cooking pot
• A cooker
• Packaging materials (banana leaves, plates, or any packaging material of choice)
• Water

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (0.47 l) of Bambara groundnut seeds (whole)
• Oil
• Pepper
• Onions
• Salt
• More as desired

The Wet Method

Step 1: Preparing the Batter

1. Start by picking the Bambara beans to ensure all dirt is eliminated.
2. Soak your Bambara beans in water for 2 to 5 hours to soften.
3. Once soft, drain the beans and blend them into a smooth paste using a blender.
4. Pour out into a bowl.
5. Add seasonings such as oil, salt, pepper, onions, etc.
6. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick batter.

Step 2: Packaging Batter

Package the batter in banana leaves or any packaging material of your choice. Seal tight to ensure no leaking or water in-suck.

Step 3: Cooking the Okpa

1. Wrap the banana leaf packages tightly to prevent the batter from leaking, if using banana leaf.
2. Add a small amount of water in the steamer or pot and allow to simmer.
3. Place the banana leaf packages in a steamer or pot.
4. Cook the Okpa on medium heat for about 40–45 minutes, adding water occasionally to avoid burning.
5. Using a toothpick or knife, puncture the wrapped Okpa slightly, and if it comes out without any batter sticking to it, it signifies proper cooking.
6. Once cooked, remove the Okpa from the steamer and allow it to cool before unwrapping.

Step 4: Serving the Okpa

Serve the Okpa warm, either on its own or with a sauce of your choice.

The Dry Method

Using Bambara groundnut flour instead of whole beans is a convenient and effective way to make Okpa. Here’s how you can modify the recipe:

1. Pick the Bambara beans.
2. Ground to powder.
3. Sieve out the larger pebbles.
4. Alternatively, you can buy already made Bambara beans flour from the market.
5. Mix the Bambara groundnut flour purchased from the market or processed by you with water to make a thick batter.
6. Season the batter as you would with the whole bean method, adding oil, salt, pepper, onions, and other ingredients to taste.
7. Package, cook, and serve.

Conclusion

And there you have it! With these simple steps and tips, you’re now ready to dive into the world of Okpa and explore its rich flavors and nutritional benefits. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a health-conscious individual, or simply looking to try new recipes, Okpa is definitely worth a try. So go ahead, get creative, and start cooking up some delicious goodness! Don’t forget to share your experiences and favorite recipes with us – we’d love to hear from you! Happy cooking.