HOW TO PREPARE OFADA RICE, THE BENEFIT AND THE STEW

Ofada Rice preparation

Step 1: One major problem with ofada rice is the presence of stones. This is the major reason why people are put off by the local rice. Once the stones are taken out, you’d have no more issues with the tasty local rice. So before cooking Ofada rice, take out time to remove the stones.

Step 2: After picking out the stones, Wash the sorted rice severally with clean water. It could be extremely dirty so you have to wash it severally till the water gets clean. Once done, place in a small pot.

Step 3: Add some water just enough to cover the rice. Parboil for 10 mins and turn out into a clean bowl. Rinse a few times more and place back in the pot.

Step 4: Add some salt and clean water then boil till the rice softens.

Health benefits of Ofada Rice a.k.a Abakiliki rice (just to state a few)
• Due to its rich fiber concentration, ofada rice facilitates healthy bowel movement and promotes weight-loss.

• it helps improve metabolism and keeps you feeling fuller for a long time.

• it's rich in protein

• it contains lignans which helps Protect against Heart Disease

• it's a good Source of Fiber which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels, prevent atherosclerosis.

• The fiber contained in it helps keep blood sugar levels under control and so is an excellent grain choice for people with diabetes.

 Preparation of the pepper puree:
Step 1: Remove the seeds from the green bell pepper and the red bell pepper thoroughly with clean water. Remove the stalk from the red Scotch bonnet (Ata Rodo) and chili and place in a blender. Puree till smooth.

To bleach, pour the oil in a dry empty pot. It's best to use an iron pot (preferably an old one) because bleaching tends to stain pots. Cover the pot and heat up on medium for about 10mins then turn off the burner. Leave the pot covered and do not open till the oil cools off. Please note that timing is very crucial during this process so you have to be careful to avoid the situation where the oil catches fire.

Once the bleaching is done, the palmoil would look more like vegetable oil.

Step 2: Once the oil cools off, turn on the burner again. Add the diced onion and fry for about 2 minutes. Add the pepper puree and Iru,stir-fry for about 5 minutes till the oil seperates from the puree (you'd see the oil settle at the top).

Step 3: Add the crayfish, cooked assorted meat and gently add the stock little at a time. Stir and taste to see if you need some more salt or seasoning. Add if necessary, Stir and cover the pot. Turn down the heat and leave to simmer for about 15 minutes.

Turn off the burner and serve with Ofada Rice a.k.a Abakiliki rice