Authentic Nigerian Eba Recipe: Step by Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Garri (Cassava flakes)
  • 4 cups of water

Steps and instructions

  1. Boil 4 cups of water in a kettle or pot.
  2. Put 2 cups of Garri into a large bowl.
  3. Slowly pour the boiling water over the Garri while stirring continuously.
  4. Continue stirring until the mixture turns into a smooth dough.
  5. Once the mixture is smooth, scoop it out and mould it into a round shape using a wet plastic bowl or your hands.
  6. Serve the Eba with your favourite soup or stew.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Using yellow Garri instead of white Garri for a different flavor
  • Adding a pinch of salt for enhanced taste
  • Mixing in mashed boiled yam or plantain for a different texture
  • Using different flours such as cornmeal or semolina instead of Garri
  • Adding grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition
  • Replacing water with vegetable or meat broth for extra flavor
  • Adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder for additional seasoning
  • Making it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour alternatives
  • Creating a vegan option by using plant-based milk or broth instead of water
  • Adding cooked beans or lentils for a protein-packed variation

Recipe overview

Eba is a traditional Nigerian dish made from dried grated cassava (Garri) and hot water. It's a staple food in many West African countries due to its easy and quick preparation. Eba is usually served with soups and stews, and it's known for its unique texture and taste. This recipe guides you through the simple steps of making Eba: boiling water, mixing with Garri, and moulding into a round shape. With just two ingredients and a few steps, you'll have a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. This recipe serves 2-4 people, perfect for a family meal or a small gathering.

Common questions

  1. How much water should I use to make Eba? - For this recipe, you will need 4 cups of water.
  2. What type of Garri should I use? - You can use any type of Garri, either white or yellow, depending on your preference.
  3. How do I know when the Eba is ready? - The Eba is ready when it forms a smooth and firm dough-like consistency.
  4. Can I use my hands to mould the Eba? - Yes, you can use wet plastic bowls or your hands to mould the Eba into a round shape.
  5. What can I serve Eba with? - Eba is commonly served with Nigerian soups such as Egusi, Efo Riro, or Okra soup, but you can also serve it with any stew or soup of your choice.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large bowl - A large bowl is needed to mix the Garri with the boiling water and create a smooth dough.
  • Kettle or pot - A kettle or pot is used to boil water for the recipe.
  • Plastic bowl or hands - Either a wet plastic bowl or your hands can be used to shape the Eba into a round form.

Origin stories

Eba, a popular West African staple food, is primarily made from cassava flakes known as garri. It's a much-loved dish in Nigeria and other neighboring countries. Eba came to be due to the need for a simple, affordable, and filling meal that could be paired with a range of soups and stews. Its origin is deeply connected to the introduction of cassava in Africa from South America during the colonial era. As cassava became a widely grown crop in West Africa due to its hardiness and ease of cultivation, various dishes, including Eba, were birthed from it. Today, the art of making Eba is a common knowledge passed down through generations, and it continues to hold a significant place in the culinary culture of the region.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.