Edesi Isip (Efik Style Coconut Rice)

So here are some standard dishes you are likely to find at an Efik (Calabar) function. Ekpang Nkukwo, Edikang Ikong, Afia Efere and Edesi Isip are some of the dishes that you will find on the menu. In all of these dishes there is no use of tomato. My people depend on crayfish and smoked or fresh fish to add the needed taste to dishes. It does not have to be red to be tasty. Edesi Isip to the Efiks is what Jollof rice is to someone from the south west part of Nigeria. I tell you what when I have both choices at a party I will eat both for sure. I like having the best of both worlds.

The one thing about this version of coconut rice is the need for a good portion of fresh coconut milk so that you get that needed strong coconut aroma in the rice. I suppose you can use canned coconut milk , but I prefer the home made version as its not too creamy for the result I want. You know making food from fresh ingredients is the real deal. Do you know the fun thing about this is that you get to have some small bits of coconut to chew on whilst you cook.

For now do enjoy Edesi Isip as the new addition to the list of your rice dishes

 

Recipe for Edesi Isip(serves 6)

2 cups Rice

5 cups Coconut milk (from about 4 medium size coconuts)

3 tablespoons ground smoked Crayfish

1 teaspoon dry Pepper

8-10 pieces fresh Prawns

2 cups smoked Fish

6 pieces Pork feet (optional)

1 medium size Onion cut sliced in rings

Crayfish seasoning to taste

Salt to taste

 

Method

1. Grate or blend coconut flesh and squeeze and strain out the milk
2. Pour milk into a pot and bring to boil. You may need slightly more or slightly less milk depending on the type of rice you are cooking.
3. Add the pepper, crayfish, smoked fish, onion, previously steamed pork foot, seasoning and salt to taste. Boil for about 2 minutes
4. Wash the rice very well and add to the coconut milk. Add the prawns. Taste and correct seasoning. Cook the rice till soft and the water dries up.
5. Serve warm with some side vegetable salad.

 

 

Tip: Always squeeze out a little extra milk and keep in case you need a little more liquid to soften the rice.