Acha, also called Hungry rice or Fonio is a cereal that is not frequently eaten in the south of Nigeria. But is a favorite in the middle belt and northern parts of Nigeria. Who knows maybe this is the next trendy will be the next trending cereal after quinoa. Besides the health benefit of a cereal which allows for slow realize of energy into the body (allows the insulin to work on carbohydrate at a good pace) it is also rich in proteins. Acha also cooks very fast , in 2-3 minutes. I will also recommend this cereal for diabetics.
In the northern and particularly Benue and Plateau areas of Nigeria, Acha is used as part of a breakfast meal .. Gwoten Acha or as ‘swallow’ Twon . The main draw back of this cereal in cooking is how to get the sand out, particularly if you are buying from the open market. But guess what, some smart Nigerian entrepreneur has been able to clean the acha and sell as packaged cereal with all the sand already removed. You may find this mainly in the north for now.
When I bought the regular one from the open market I used a calabash to wash the cereal to remove the sand but I guess you can use any bowl to wash and gradually remove the sand, by shaking the cereal in water and removing the top bits gradually until you get to the base and throw those out as the sand would have sank to the base. My offering today is an unfamiliar way of making Acha even for those who consume it regularly . My inspiration for the recipe comes from Coconut Rice. Enjoy.
Recipe for Acha Pottage
Ingredients
1 large size coconut ( 2 cups coconut milk)
1 table spoon coconut oil
1/2 cup Acha
1 cup boiled Beef (chopped in small bits)
1/2 small Onion ( chopped)
1/4cup chopped Carrots
1/4cup green Peas
2 fresh Tomatoes
2 Scotch Bonnet Pepper
Chicken seasoning to taste
Salt to taste
Method
1, Grate and squeeze out the coconut milk. I prefer to use freshly squeezed coconut milk because it is less creamy and quite suitable for this dish. The canned one may give a different texture to the dish.
2, Season and steam the beef till cooked and tender and the stock completely reduced.
3, Into the meat pot add the coconut oil, tomatoes, onion,pepper,seasoning and bring to boil until the vegetables are cooked. Stir and correct seasoning and salt. Add the chopped carrots and peas and cook for 2 minutes
4, Add the the washed Acha and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The pottage will thicken quite quickly.
5, Serve Hot.
wonderful!
Hello Motunrayo. I convince that Acha is the next big cereal that we all be running after.
I love acha porridge and when cooked white with ofe akwu. It’s just a delight. Just can’t wait for more recipes….
Hello Chidindu. Thanks for the tip. I should include this in my must try dishes on the blog.
Anytime Ma. More grease to you elbows.
I’m so going to try this recipe after my exams, that’s going to be a good way to relax and cool my brain.
Hello ma, so acha is different from quinoa, pls ma whats d local name for quinoa nd where to buy locally.thank
Hello Bella. Acha is different from quinoa. As quinoa does not grow in Nigeria, there is no local name.i have found quinoa in many local supermarkets.
I just got to see acha for the first time yesterday. The Friend who introduced it as good nutritious food gave me a spoonful to taste . I was immediately’ kidnapped ‘ This afternoon I am enjoying a plateful of acha cooked with carrot,green peas,green pepper,cabbage, a bundle of spring onions, parsley, hot pepper, tumeric, tumeric leaves. I gave my son some to taste. I fear he must have gone back for more. It is deliciously delicious!
Hello Philpatsy. I am so glad I got a convert to Acha. And thank you for stopping by my site.