Easy Method On How To Prepare Isiewu_ Isi ewu, also known as goat head soup, is a popular and flavorful dish from Eastern Nigeria. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make this delicious delicacy at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 goat head (cleaned and cut into pieces)
- 1 tablespoon potash (kaun) dissolved in water
- 2 tablespoons palm oil
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (to taste), chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground crayfish
- 2 seasoning cubes or 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground ehuru seeds (calabash nutmeg)
- Scent leaves (nchuanwu) or utazi leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Goat Head:
- Wash the goat head pieces thoroughly and place them in a large pot.
- Cook the Goat Head:
- Add enough water to cover the meat. Add the sliced onion, seasoning cubes or bouillon powder, and salt to the pot.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender. Add more water if needed during cooking.
- Prepare the Palm Oil Mixture:
- While the meat is cooking, heat the palm oil in a small pot over low heat. Add the dissolved potash solution to the palm oil and stir continuously until it becomes thick and yellow. This is known as ngiga.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and place it in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the ngiga (palm oil mixture), ground crayfish, chopped scotch bonnet peppers, and ground ehuru seeds to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
- Simmer:
- Return the coated goat head pieces to the pot. Add a little more water if needed to create a sauce. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped scent leaves or utazi leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your isi ewu with a side of your choice, such as yam, plantain, or rice.
Tips:
- Potash Alternative: If you can’t find potash, you can use baking soda as a substitute, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
- Pepper Level: Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet peppers to your heat preference.
- Freshness: Ensure that the goat head is fresh for the best flavor.
Enjoy your homemade isi ewu! It’s a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Would you like more Nigerian recipes or any other cooking tips?
MORE READS:
How To Make Banana And strawberry Pancakes
How To Make Grilled Cat Fish From Your Kitchen
