Eating Ofada rice when its ready is so nice and delicious but a challenge lies in sorting out small pebbles and dirt contents in the rice before cooking it, which makes most people prefer to buy cooked one or use foreign rice for the sauce and the taste won’t be the same. So, here you will learn and know how to cook ofada rice (recipe, sauce, health benefits).
Ofada Rice is the name given to the well-loved varieties of rice grown in South-west Nigeria. There is a town in Ogun State called Ofada, this town is where it got its name, Ofada, which it is named after. It can also be called Unpolished rice. This is because the rice is not genetically modified and it is in its natural state. It is very healthy and it is healthier than white rice. It is also called brown rice. Lets talk more on how to cook Ofada Rice (recipe, sauce, health benefits)
Ingredients
- 2 cups of our favourite ofada rice
- Salt for flavour
- Some water
Directions
- Pick out all the stones and dirt inside the ofada rice. Be very careful.
- Pour the rice into a bowl and wash like three to four times. You will know that the rice is clean when you see how clean and clear the water looks.
- Now add 4 cups of water and allow it to cook on low medium heat for about 12 minutes. This should be enough for it to cook well.
- Take the rice off the heat and rinse out all of the starch till the water comes out clean.
- Add a cup of water and cook it till it gets soft. You might need to check it over and over again. This is to prevent burning or sogginess.
- When it’s soft enough for you, take it off the heat and if the rice still contains a lot of water, you can drain it in a colander.
- Now you can enjoy it with any side dishes.
The ofada sauce/ Ayamase sauce
Ingredients
- 11/4 cup palm oil
- 1 kg assorted meat (Shaki, Kpomo, Liver)-make sure it is already cooked
- 600 g cooked chicken
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 spoon of locust Beans(also known as iru by the Yorubas)
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 seasoning cube
- 1 tbsp. crayfish
- 1 medium onion
- Green tomatoes
- Green bell pepper
- Green habanero pepper
Directions
- Blend the green tomatoes, onion and peppers with a blender or pound it. Pour the pepper in a pot and boil it for about 15 minutes.
- Add palm oil to a previously heated pot. Leave it for about 10 minutes so that it can bleach. This simply means that you leave it for a while to heat up and smoke till it is almost similar to vegetable oil. You might notice a slight discoloration. Allow it to cool a bit after 10 minutes
- Add the previously chopped onion, stir then add the boiled pepper/tomato mixture.
- Add the iru (locust beans), salt, the crayfish and the assorted meat. Cover it and allow it to cook till you can see the oil floating to the top.
- Now, add the chicken stock and taste it.
- Add seasoning cubes if necessary and now you may add the cooked chicken.
- Allow all the ingredients to cook and simmer for 5 minutes or more.
Health Benefits of Ofada rice
- It has higher protein
It has a higher protein value than that of other rice sold in Nigeria including white rice.
- Higher Minerals
Ofada rice contains higher potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and iron content. These nutrients are useful for healthy bones and in maintaining healthy blood pressure. It also retains its minerals after cooking.
- Longer Shelf Life
It has lower moisture content than white rice. This just means that it can last for a longer period of time than the polished white rice without getting spoiled.
- Energy and carbohydrate content
When compared to white rice, Ofada rice contains less carbohydrate and energy content. This simply explains why it is more suitable for weight loss.
- Reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Replacing white rice with brown rice helps to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes Type 2. It helps to protect from other cardiovascular diseases because of its richness in fiber.
- Vitamins
Ofada rice contains more B-vitamins than white rice in both cooked and raw forms. This is because white rice has undergone polishing which makes it lose most of its B-vitamins. The presence of B-vitamins in rice is beneficial to digestion and utilization of foods. They are also important in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.
- Higher Fibre Content
Ofada rice has higher fibre content because it is unpolished. This is important because it fights constipation and it reduces the risk of having bowel disorders.
- Good for bone health
Essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and folate are contained in ofada rice. They also help in the absorption of other nutrients required to nurture your bones and prevent bone diseases.
- Antioxidant content
Ofada rice contains about 20 to 30 times more antioxidants than white rice.
Conclusion
This food sure has a lot to add to our body system. It’s usually served in an uma leaf ( Thaumatococcus daniellii). But bear in mind that a lot of people who are not use to or don’t like spicy(peppery) food won’t find this meal enjoyable because of its spicy sauce, So if you’re an Ulcer patient its advisable you stay away from the main sauce or you have the habanero pepper reduced before blending and the good news is Ofada rice can be eaten with other kind of sauce(stew). So, whichever way and with whatever stew of your choice, I assure you Ofada rice is good to go. Happy eating!!!