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By Christabel Ejenike
THE hardship in the country, especially the rising food prices is one of the reasons given by the #EndBadGovernance protesters across the country. And recent statistics from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics revealed the staggering 23.1% increase in the food price index in June 2024, bringing the total food price index to 40.87 per cent
Unfortunately, this surge in food prices has sent shockwaves through many Nigerian homes, forcing many cooks and professional chefs to rethink and rejig their culinary skills. As the age-old saying goes, “necessity is the mother of invention,” and Nigerians are rising to the challenge.
The soaring prices of staples like tomatoes have led to a culinary revolution, with innovators experimenting with novel ingredients and techniques. Some cooks and chefs are already pushing the boundaries, giving birth to exciting new dishes that are not only delicious but also economical.
One of the most intriguing discoveries is the Watermelon Stew, a refreshing twist on traditional stew that blends sweet and savory flavors. Another game-changer is the Cucumber Stew, which adds a cool and creamy texture to this innovative dish. Rice, typically served as a side, has also found a new purpose as a thickener, replacing traditional thickeners. Carrot Stew, rich in beta-carotene, brings a pop of colour and flavor to this vibrant dish.
The recent surge in tomato prices has forced many Nigerians to explore alternative ingredients for their beloved national dish, tomato stew. Anthonia, a cook, has found a creative solution by combining cucumber, beetroot, red pepper, turmeric and ginger to create a palatable stew. Others are experimenting with fruits like mangoes and pineapples to add sweetness and moisture to their stews.
This culinary creativity extends beyond stews. With the acquisition of advanced blenders, online chefs are experimenting with alternative fufu ingredients. Rolled oats, blended to perfection, serve as a substitute for traditional starchy fufu, showcasing the resourcefulness of Nigerian cooks.
While these innovative solutions make mealtime more exciting, they also highlight the challenges faced by Nigerians. The tomato price hike has forced reductions in cooking frequency and exploration of alternative dishes.
“I am no longer cooking stew with only fresh tomatoes… I’ve had to reduce my frequency of cooking tomato stew and explore alternative dishes like banga stew with rice, vegetable stew, carrot stew, and cucumber stew,” Anthonia said.
Nigerians have made their demands before and during the protests on the government to address the root causes of the price hike, including reducing fuel prices, ensuring security for farmers and cultivating more tomatoes.
Until these demands are met, tomato prices will remain high, and Nigerian cooks will continue with their creativity in the kitchen.
Despite these challenges, Nigerians find these new stew recipes “somehow more tasty” than traditional versions. Tomatoes may not hold cultural or emotional significance, but their nutritional value and importance in treating certain health conditions are acknowledged.
As Nigerians continue to adapt to the new culinary reality, one thing is clear – the tomato price hike has sparked a creative revolution in the kitchen, showcasing culinary ingenuity and resourcefulness. Who knows what other delicious discoveries will emerge from this culinary challenge? Only time will tell.
8th August, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: #EndBadGovernance Nigerian Bureau of Statistics
