Christmas Cuisine: 10 Nigerian Dishes You Should Try

The giant of Africa is not only rich in people – It's also rich in cuisine options.

If you're looking for an exciting way to spice up your Christmas menu, then this is for you. Try any of these Nigerian Christmas dishes for a change and welcome a world of flavors!

1. Nigerian Fried Rice

Over here, fried rice is a sibling to the well-known Nigerian dish, jollof rice. A simple yet delicious recipe that benefits from the addition of carrots, peas, beef liver, and a touch of oil for crispiness. With a taste profile that includes the richness and subtlety of beef liver, this dish is a Christmas staple. Shrimp and other meats may be added as desired.

The addition of fried rice to jollof rice makes a delicious meal- a super, perfect combination.

2. The Legendary Jollof Rice

In the annals of culinary history, Jollof rice will take its rightful place. It's an essential part of every celebration, especially Christmas. It goes well with fried plantain (called dodo), chicken, steak, and coleslaw.

Parboiled long-grained rice (cooked in the husk) is gently washed before being mixed with onions, tomato, and chili pepper combination to make jollof rice. The final additions of salt, bouillion, thyme, and curry are the key to a delicious pot of sizzling, hot jollof rice. In Nigeria, no event is complete without Jollof, and Christmas is no exemption.

3. Fisherman Soup

Take advantage of the Christmas season to indulge your taste buds with a variety of seafood dishes. Fisherman's soup is a classic dish from the southern parts of Nigeria (especially Akwa Ibom and Cross River) and is often associated with high social status.

Fish and other seafood, such as catfish or lobster, are included in the traditional Christmas dish known as Nigerian fisherman's soup.

4. Moi-Moi

You can create authentic Nigerian Moi Moi using chickpeas, garbanzo beans, or even just garbanzo in Spanish. This quick and simple dish is ideal for a Christmas morning meal. It may be made the night before and reheated in the morning.

5. Pounded Yam and Efo Riro

Christmas lunch with pounded yam and efo riro is a "knockout dish" that gets people in the spirit of the season.

Native to the city of Abeokuta in Nigeria's Western region, efo riro is a simple traditional vegetable soup. It goes well with white rice, plantains, yams, and other starchy dishes. This hearty feast is perfect for a Christmas celebration.

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6. Nigerian Chapman Punch

Having something to drink is a must at every party. Chapman is a popular beverage in Nigeria. The Chapman drink was supposedly invented in the exclusive Ikoyi Club in Lagos, Nigeria.

Highly refreshing and easy to make- all you have to do is combine blackcurrants with cucumber, lime, and lemon slices and a combination of two carbonated beverages. It's the perfect Christmas beverage once blended and cooled.

7. Nigerian Pepper Soup

Whether at a family dinner, a restaurant, or a party, everyone can always count on a bowl of hot Nigerian pepper soup. This famous appetizer kicks off the Christmas feast. While waiting for the following course, the broth will keep your stomach warm.

Calabash nutmeg, African pepper, cloves, and other spices are among the ingredients used to make this delicious soup. You may customize the broth with any meats and vegetables you choose -- from catfish and goat to chicken and vegetables. To satisfy a need for something spicy, many people turn to Nigerian pepper soup.

8. Palm Wine

Palm wine is a celebratory drink that tastes good and brings back memories. But, of course, too much of it can make you feel drunk. The Igbos and Yorubas, on the other hand, drink palm wine more often.

Palm wine is made from the sap of palm trees. It tastes best when served right away. You'll want to make it over and over again during Christmas because it tastes so good and wakes you up!

9. Tuwo Shinkafa

In the northern region of Nigeria, tuwo (also called tuwon) shinkafa is regarded as one of the best dishes, particularly during festive occasions. Nonetheless, it has spread to other cultures, where it has been welcomed with open arms.

Rice is the main ingredient of tuwo shinkafa, which is traditionally eaten with bean soup. However, it may be served with any soup of choice. In Northern Nigeria, Christmas just wouldn't be the same without tuwo.

10. Abacha

Also known as African salad, Abacha is an African appetizer prepared from shredded cassava. However, it is tasty and nutritious enough to be the main dish. This beloved Eastern dish is a Christmas staple, and the season just wouldn't be the same without it.

That's it, folks! Don't say I didn't do anything for you this Christmas :)