Ikokore, also known as Ifokore is a Nigerian Pottage dish made with Water Yam . This delicious recipe originates from the Ijebu people of Ogun state, Nigeria.
Ingredients:
. 5 seed of Shombo/Tatashe, alternatively 3 tbsp of Dry ground pepper (Atagungun)
. 3 Tbsp of Scotch Bonnet (Ata Rodo)
. 1-2 Smoked Fish (Eja Kika)
.1-2 pieces of Shawa (Bonga fish) preferably Shredded
.Dried shredded Fish (Panla),optional
.1-2 pieces of Shredded cooked Meats (Shaki and Ponmo)
. 2 cups of Crayfish
.3 Tbsp of Smoked Prawns (Optional)
.1/2 cups of Ogiri Ijebu (Fermented Locust Beans)
. 1 Teaspoon of Knorr Chicken cubes i.e2 cubes
.Salt to taste
Method
.Slice your water yam into small pieces. Peel each piece then grate using the smallest part of your grater
When you’re done grating the Water Yam, add Seasoning or Salt, 1 tablespoon Crayfish and mix together, if you can tolerate hotness, you can add some Pepper as well and set aside
.Blend the Shombo/Tatashe and Scotch Bonnet till smooth and set aside. If you’re using just Scotch Bonnet, just blend it on it’s own.
.Get a medium size pot and place on medium heat. When it’s hot, add the palm oil, then the Locust Beans.
.Sauté the Locust Beans for a minute, then add the blended Pepper, then the Knorr Cubes and Salt to taste. If you’re using Stock, do not add salt as your stock is already seasoned.
Leave to fry till oil floats to the top. This should take 10 minutes thereabouts, stir every now and then to prevent burning.
Note: If you are using just Dry Ground Pepper or Scotch Bonnet (Ata Rodo), just add to the hot oil and continue with the other steps, skip the pepper frying process.
.Add the Meat Stock if you’re using any, if you haven’t got Stock, just add water, continue to cook for (2)minutes.
.Add the Shredded Cooked Meats, Fish and Smoked Prawns and any other proteins you’re using, then the Ogiri, leave to cook for 10 minutes.
.After 10 minutes, remove all the meat and fish from the stew, leaving just the stew in the pot.
.Turn the heat down to low, now scoop the grated yam into the stew, do this in both big and small lumps. The small lumps will dissolve in the stew, forming a mushy type consistency while the bigger lumps will create the lumpy Ikokore consistency
. Do not stir, leave the contents to boil for 8-10 minutes on low heat.
.Then you can stir a bit using a wooden spoon.
.Stir and break up clumps if you find it too clumpy or leave as it is if you don’t mind
. Now, taste for salt and seasoning, adjust if necessary.
.Transfer the cooked meats and fish back into the pot, add the rest of the crayfish and combine gently, be careful when doing this so you don’t break the clumps.
.Leave to simmer for 3 – 5 minutes and it’s ready.
Ikokore can be served on its own or with Cold Eba(Eba Tutu) or with bread in the typical Ijebu style.
😋😋😋Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy!
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