Ndi Anambra are a people with a rich cultural heritage. Marriage is highly regarded in Anambra State for it is the symbolic joining of families in the presence of witnesses. Thus, whenever a traditional wedding invitation is received, people attend to share in the beauty and joy of a new beginning as well as to partake in the feast prepared by the families to mark the event.
Since Ndi Anambra are blessed with many local delicacies, the menu is carefully selected to display the traditional food of the people. Below are six foods that feature in most traditional weddings in Anambra State.
Kola Nuts
Surprised? Well, the kola nut is food in Igboland. It is a cultural symbol of hospitality. It is presented to guests as a sign of goodwill and acceptance. Kola nut is served first on the list of menus because of its symbolic importance in prayers, blessings and injunctions. With the kola nut, prayers are offered for life, health, fertility and protection of the couple, their family and friends. Once the kola nut is presented, broken and eaten, the traditional wedding is officially declared open. Kola nut in traditional weddings is usually accompanied by garden eggs and alligator pepper.
Ukwa
Ukwa is a seasonal food commonly enjoyed by the Igbo. It is expensive when it is out of season. Yet, Ndi Anambra cannot resist having it on their traditional wedding menu. Ukwa is a porridge delicacy that is often cooked with dry fish or chicken. A little bitter leaf is usually stirred into it for effect. Ukwa is rich in protein and has a rich natural taste. This food is especially enjoyed by the senior citizens at the wedding especially the diabetic ones.
Party Jollof Rice
No matter the traditional delicacy you prepare at your wedding, if party jollof rice is not there, never . No wedding in Nigeria, be it traditional or white is complete without jollof rice. Most guests will ask for it because jollof rice is special. Once a cooler of this delicacy is opened, the aroma will bring gate crashers to the bride’s father’s compound. Besides, not everyone likes to eat swallow so this is a must-have .
Ofe Onugbu
This soup is indigenous to Anambra State and it features in most traditional events of the people. The three major ingredients for preparing authentic ofe onugbu are cocoyam, ogili okpei (locust bean) and, of course, bitter leaf. The cocoyam serves as the thickener. The wrapped locust bean gives this soup a mouthwatering aroma. The bitter leaf is the vegetable used in this soup. Whether it is served with eba, semo, fufu or pounded yam, ofe onugbu is a winner, any day, any time.
Ofe Nsala
In the Omabala Area of Anambra State, this soup is a must have for traditional weddings. It is traditionally prepared with fresh catfish and chicken. The spicy richness of nsala combines with utazi to give this soup a distinctive flavor. This soup is usually reserved for VVIPs at the wedding. The best accompaniment for ofe nsala is pounded yam.
Moi Moi
This beans pudding is usually prepared as an accompaniment to rice but it can also be eaten alone. When moi moi is wrapped in uma leaves, the taste is bae.
Featured image source: Nigerian Cuisine