Tuwo Shinkafa and Miyan taushe

Tuwo Shinkafa and Miyan taushe is a northern Nigerian dish. It is a thick pudding made out of local rice, millet or maize. It is usually served with soups of Northern origin. The soup may be Miyan Kuka, Miyan Kubewa or Miyan Taushe. However, for the sake of this lesson we will be serving our Tuwo with Miyan Taushe. Miyan Taushe is a pumpkin soup of northern origin. It is most commonly eaten among the northern people of Nigeria; the Hausas and Fulanis.

The rice used in making Tuwo Shinkafa must be the soft rice variety that becomes sticky when cooked. The soft rice variety is preferred because the grains are easily mashed into a mass of Fufu (Tuwo). This dish is particularly nutritious because of the ingredients used in making it. The vegetables provide a source of vitamin while the meat accounts for proteins.

Tuwo Shinkafa

Ingredients

• 3 cups Short medium grain rice

Directions

1. Rinse the rice properly in cold water and put the rice into a pot.
2. Pour enough water into it and allow it to cook at medium heat.
3. Ensure that the rice is properly cooked by picking a grain and mashing it between your fingers. If it is not yet cooked, you can continue adding water until you are sure the rice is properly cooked.
4. Allow the water to dry up once you are satisfied with the mash.
5. Mash the rice with wooden spatula until all the rice grains have turned into a mash of Tuwo.
6. Once the Tuwo is formed, set aside and start preparing the Miyan Taushe.

Miyan Taushe (Taushe Soup)

Ingredients

• 1 pc Small size pumpkin
• 2 tbsp Peanut Butter
• 6 pcs Assorted (Lamb chops, Goat meat and Cow leg)
• 6 pcs Assorted Offals (Saki, Fuku, Heart and Kidney)
• 1 pc Smoked Fish
• 1.5 cup Dawa Dawa (locust beans)
• 2 pcs Scotch Bonnet (Ata Rodo)
• 100 grams Yakuwa leaves (sorrel)
• 1 bunch Spinach
• 5 tbsp Palm Oil Optional
• 1 pc Jan Tatasei (Red bell peppers)
• 2 pcs Fresh tomatoes
• 1 bulb Onion

Directions

1. Cut the pumpkin in half, then cut in chunks. Peel the hard outer layer, take out the seed and the hairy pulp. You can also use canned pumpkin puree as long as it is organic. If you are using canned pumpkin, add it to the pot after the meats have cooked.
2. Boil and season the pumpkin with the assorted meats and smoked fish.
3. Once the meat is cooked, fry it slightly.
4. Take out the pumpkin and mash it into tiny bite sized pieces. Once this is done, set aside.
5. Roast the Groundnuts for 3mins in a pan. You can use already roasted and peeled groundnut.
6. Peel off the skin of the groundnut. And then blend in a mill till the groundnut forms a paste.
7. Blend the pepper, tomatoes and onion.
8. Put it in a pan and boil until all the water content has evaporated.
9. Put the fried meat back into the pot with the meat stock. Add the mashed pumpkins. Allow it to simmer.
10. Lower the heat, add the groundnut paste and allow it to dissolve into the mix.
11. Allow to simmer for 3mins. At this point, the soup is thick and has taken on an orange color.
12. Add the locust bean and pepper. If you desire to use palm oil, now is the time to add it. Stir gently.
13. At this point, add the chopped spinach.
14. Stir and allow to simmer.
15. Add the Yakuwa leaves to the soup. Stir and allow to simmer for a few minutes.

Health Benefits of Tuwo Shinkafa

• It contains high amounts of antioxidants
• It is full of beneficial fat.
• It boosts the immune system.
• It improves the digestive function
• It reduces stomach acidity and prevents constipation
• It is a good source of carbohydrates
• It combats the symptoms of certain cancers.
• It reduces the risk of diabetes
• It helps to control blood sugar.
• It reduces the risk of heart diseases
• It contains dietary fibre, potassium , sodium, iro, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium
• It is very nutritious.

Health Benefits Of  Miyan Taushe (Taushe Soup)

• It is a good source of healthy fats, protein and fiber
• It is nutrient-rich
• It is low in carbohydrates
• It is high in various minerals
• It is an excellent source of Vitamin E, B1(thiamine) andVitamin B3(niacin)
• It lowers the risk of heart disease in those who are diabetic
• It gives healthier cholesterol levels
• It helps to maintain a healthy weight.

Can pregnant women eat this combination?

Yes. This dish can be eaten by people of all ages. But be careful of allergies to peanuts because of the peanut butter addition.

Conclusion

Tuwo Shinkafa and Miyan taushe( Taushe Soup) is a very nutritious dish that you and your loved ones can enjoy. It is full of nutrients that are essential for the body. I personally recommend preparing this for your children. I am so sure that they would love it