Description
Nkwobi is a traditional Nigerian dish made with tender cow foot cooked in a rich, spicy, and tangy sauce made from palm oil, ground crayfish, pepper, and local seasonings. The unique combination of textures from the cow foot and the flavorful sauce makes this dish a popular choice for parties, celebrations, or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- Cow foot (also called cow leg or cow’s feet), cut into chunks
- Palm oil
- Ground crayfish
- Ground pepper (Scotch bonnet or any hot pepper variety)
- Ground Ehu seeds (also known as Ariwo or Calabash nutmeg)
- Seasoning cubes or powder
- Onion
- Salt
- Fresh lemon juice (optional, for a tangy twist)
- Fresh parsley or scent leaves (Efirin), chopped (optional for garnish)
- Water or stock
Instructions
- Prepare the Cow Foot: Wash the cow foot pieces thoroughly and place them in a large pot. Add water and cook for about 2-3 hours until the meat is tender. You can also use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time. Once tender, drain the water and set the cow foot aside.
- Cook the Sauce: In a separate pot or pan, heat palm oil over low heat until it melts and becomes clear. Be careful not to overheat the oil to prevent it from burning.
- Prepare the Seasoning: Add finely chopped onions, ground crayfish, ground pepper, and ground Ehu seeds to the palm oil. Stir well, allowing the spices to fry and infuse the oil for about 2-3 minutes. Add seasoning cubes, salt, and any additional spices to taste.
- Combine the Cow Foot and Sauce: Add the cooked cow foot to the sauce and stir to coat the meat with the flavorful mixture. Add a little water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Finish: If desired, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice for added tanginess and garnish with chopped parsley or scent leaves. Stir well and serve.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: While Nkwobi traditionally uses meat, you can substitute cow foot with tofu or other plant-based proteins and prepare the sauce the same way.
- Spicy Version: Add extra Scotch bonnet peppers or chili powder for more heat.
- Different Meat: Instead of cow foot, you can use goat meat or beef to create a variation of the dish.
- Baked Version: After frying the gizzards and plantains, you can bake them with the tomato sauce for a slightly healthier take.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Boiling, Frying
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
