The Ebira tribe is one of the minority ethnic group in Nigeria and resides in the north central of the country namely kogi state where they live together with the igalas and the okuns. The main thing we will be looking at is their native food which is called “Apapa”.
Apapa is similar to the general moimoi we all know but with slight difference. To make this delicacy you will need:
- Beans
- Pepper
- Onions
- Red oil
- Maggi
- Salt and let’s not forget the banana leaves because there is no delicious apapa with it being served in banana leaves.
To start the preparation you will need so soak the beans in water (3hours recommend) in order for the beans to get really soft. Unlike the moimoi where you will have to peel the back of the beans before grounding it the apapa doesn’t require such process so when it is soft enough you add your fresh pepper and onions then ground it. After grounding it you will mix it steadily in a bowl with a wooden turning stick, little water is added because unlike the soft moimoi apapa is thicker then you add maggi and salt both to taste before red oil which is usually more plenty than the moimoi because the apapa consumes more oil than the moimoi then stir well. The banana leave is the folded into a holdable container then the apapa is poured inside and arranged in a pot containing water before putting it in the fire to cook. After making sure the apapa is ready, it can now be served and can also be accompanied with custard, pap, garri etc.
Ever want to try out something new? Well now you can prepare this delicacy on your own by following these easy steps which am sure the end result will be satisfying.
– Goodluck Omayioza Sadiq
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba
