Hey, foodies, are you in the mood for something exciting and Nigerian? Well, you’re in luck because today, we’re going to talk about one of the most mouth-watering duos that’s been making waves in the Nigerian food scene: Kelewele (or Kesha) and Spag (or Spaghetti).
What is Kelewele (Kesha)?
Before we start cooking, let’s talk about what Kelewele (or Kesha) is. In Ghana, where this dish originated, Kelewele is a popular snack that consists of fried, ripe plantains that are spiced to perfection. However, in Nigeria, Kelewele is commonly referred to as Kesha, and it’s made using overripe plantains that are sliced and fried until golden brown. Kesha is usually seasoned with spices, ginger, garlic, and chili peppers, which give it that distinctive flavor.
What is Spag (Spaghetti)?
Now that we know what Kesha is, let’s move on to Spag, which is simply Nigerian jargon for spaghetti. However, the Nigerian version of spaghetti is a far cry from the Italian original. Nigerian Spag is made using tomato-based sauce, meat (usually beef or chicken), and spices that add a unique flavor to the dish. Nigerian Spag is best served with Kesha or plantains, which provide a sweet contrast to the savory spaghetti.
How to Make Kesha and Spag in Nigeria
Now that we’ve talked about what Kesha and Spag are, let’s get to the fun part: cooking. Making Kesha and Spag in Nigeria is relatively easy and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these two delicious dishes:
Kesha Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2-3 overripe plantains
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili pepper powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Peel the overripe plantains and slice them into long, thin strips.
2. In a bowl, combine salt, black pepper, ginger powder, garlic powder, and chili pepper powder.
3. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sliced plantains and mix well to ensure that they’re evenly coated.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
5. Fry the plantain strips in batches until they’re golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the fried kesha from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Spag Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500 grams spaghetti
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 pound beef or chicken, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 1 cup tomato puree
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Add the chopped tomato and sauté until they’re soft and mushy.
5. Add the meat (beef or chicken) and cook until browned.
6. Add the tomato paste, tomato puree, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
7. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If using curry powder and cumin powder, add them to the sauce and stir well to combine.
Serving Kesha and Spag
Now that we’ve made Kesha and Spag, it’s time to serve them together. In a large plate, place a portion of cooked spaghetti, then top it with the delicious Kesha. You can also add some beef or chicken to the spaghetti for added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavors of Nigeria.
In conclusion, making Kesha and Spag in Nigeria is quite simple and fun. These two delicious dishes are a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. With this easy recipe guide, you can now make Kesha and Spag at home, anytime you want to taste the delicious flavors of Nigeria.