Nothing beats having pap (also known as ogi or akamu) on a Saturday morning for a Nigerian. I’m not sure how it became so common in every Nigerian household to have pap on Saturday morning after chores. Pap is commonly served with Akara (bean cake) or Moi Moi (bean pudding). It has always been this way, and while it may not be tiresome for certain people, trying something new is always a good idea. Aside from the two bean stars, Moi Moi and Akara, there are additional Nigerian foods that pair well with pap or custard.
What is Pap?
First, let’s describe pap (ogi). This is a traditional Nigerian staple produced from fermented corn. It is prepared from either white or yellow corn and has a distinctly sour flavor. However, when processed maize is combined with boiling water, sugar, or honey, it produces a smooth and creamy mixture.
Foods Best Eaten With Pap
Plantain: This, I believe, complements pap due to its sweet flavor and chewy texture. Plantains, whether ripe or unripe, can be eaten with pap. The majority of Nigerians prefer fried ripe plantains. But unripe plantains can be boiled and eaten with pap as well. Although it does not have the same sweet flavor as fried plantains, but rather adds a savory touch to the meal.
Bean Porridge: Instead of blending the beans, you can boil them with a mixture of spices and palm oil until they are tender. This dish in particular enhances the buttery texture of the entire meal.
Fried Yam / Potatoes: Another option is fried yam sticks. This adds a crunchy texture to the food. However, it features a soft interior that perfectly compliments the pap.
Fried Eggs: This is an excellent choice when you want to add a savory flavor to the mix. The savory taste of the eggs compliments the blandness of the pap perfectly. Fried eggs, usually served with onions, tomatoes, and peppers, are a protein-rich addition to pap.
Okpa: This is a typical Nigerian dish from the country’s eastern region. It is made primarily of Bambara nut flour and palm oil. Okpa resembles Moi Moi due to the similar shapes they adopt after cooking. Okpa, on the other hand is thicker. Its rich flavor and texture makes it an ideal combination with pap, providing an enjoyable contrast.
Puff Puff: Puff puff is a less common food to serve with pap, but it is still an option. These sweet, deep-fried dough balls are a popular Nigerian delicacy. The sweetness of the puff puff gives a nice variation to the meal.
Bottom Line
Aside from the two bean stars, Moi Moi and Akara, there are other Nigerian foods that pair well with pap or custard. These dishes include plantain, bean porridge, fried yam or potatoes, fried eggs, okpa, and puff puff. Each of these dishes has a distinct flavor that enhances the meal.
