Even the best of cooks gets in the mood for simple meals from time to time . This was the way I felt like yesterday. I had planned to make Waina anyway and with some left over Suya from Saturday , my evening meal was set.
Waina or Masa is common in the north of Nigeria and lends itself as an accompaniment with a lots of meat types and some dash of vegetable mainly fresh tomatoes and onions.
Since discovering the many dishes that can be with the rice used for Tuwon and Waina my cooking life has not been the same again:) I have actually created quite some dishes which will be coming to you soon.
The rice used for Waina can generally be found in markets where Hausa traders sell that is if you live in the south of Nigeria. You may also want to try Jasmine rice , it cooks quite soft and can be suitable. My twist to this simple rice dish is to try different flavors to the basic Waina, I tried honey, chili, butter and even ventured into inserting veggies in the centre . Go ahead explore more options and share with us.
Recipe for Waina
2cups Rice
1teaspoon Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Yeast
2 table spoon Sugar (optional)
21/2 cups Water
Method:
1, From the 2 cups of rice take a handful and set aside, then wash and soak the remaining rice overnight to ferment slightly.
2,Boil the portion you took out and mash using wooden spoon into a fairly smooth texture and set aside
3, Measure 21/2 cups of water used for soaking the rice , blend the soaked rice into a smooth paste
4, Mix the two portions into a homogenous mixture. Add yeast and baking powder and allow to rise for about 3 – 4 hrs in a warm place
5, Place the special frying pot on the fire,put very little oil in the holes and drop the batter in the holes,when one side sets and is brown, turn over the puff on the other side. I use a wooden skewer ( suya sticks) to do the turning.
6,To make the honey version scoop small quantity into a small bowl and add the honey for the honey variant,
7,For the veggie version, scoop the batter into the holes, allow to set a bit, add the veggies in the center, allow the base of batter to brown and turn over to cook on other side
5, Serve the Waina with Suya
Cooking tips
1, If you do not have the Waina pot then fry in frying pan , you will have a flat version. Just brush the base of the frying pan with very little oil and fry.
2, The vegetable filling is shredded carrots, cabbage, little seasoning and pieces of Suya that is stir fried.
Thank you for representing every part of this country. We are really blessed with food in this country. It’s been very interesting and educating following your blog.
Hi Obi, thanks for your encouraging words on the Waina post.
where can i find this waina pot? i really want to make it just as you did. My kids will love it
Hi,Viola. If you leave in Nigeria you can get this pot from those that sell locally fabricated pot.this is quite common in the north. The clay version even exist but more difficult to use because it has to be ‘cured’. However if you leave in North America or UK this pot is used Pancake puff and is available in sections where pots are sold.
Good day Ma, Ive been longing to ask this question: In d absence of an oven, can I use the Microwave for the Massa? Can I also grill and do similar things in the microwave? Thank you.
Whilst microwave ovens are fast in food preparation , I am not a huge fan. The fast and intense heat has impact on foods. There are many debates about the health implications of microwave ovens. I will not use it for regular cooking certainly not for Mosa. You will not get the same texture as with regular process. I stay with heating up food for now.
Thanks for teaching me how to make this my favourite childhood snack.
Hello Esse. You are welcome. Hope the Waina turned out well.
Please Madam, do you know how to make this masa/waina with millet or corn? I would love to learn that too, if you don’t mind.
Thanks.