HOW TO PREPARE THE TRADITIONAL IGBALA AGWUGWU (PIGEON PEA AND GARRI MEAL)

Igabala Agwugwu is a beloved traditional dish from the igala people of kogi state, Nigeria. This variation of the recipe uses pigeon pea and garri along side other ingredients to create a rich and satisfying meal. Come with me as I take you on this journey of how the delicious and nutritious Igbala agwugwu is prepared.
The ingredients needed for this recipe are:
3 cups of pigeon pea
4 cups of garri
1 large onion
Salt
Red oil
Ukpaka
Pepper
Scent leaf
Fish ( if desired)
To begin, rinse three cups of pigeon pea and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the pea. Increase your fire too and then leave it to cook for 1-2 hours because the pea doesn't easily get soft.
While the pea is cooking, prepare the garri. Garri is a fermented cassava flakes. For this recipe you will need four cups of garri because the garri has to be more than the pea. Put the garri into a bowl and add a little water and mix thoroughly. After that you add your chopped onion and salt and mix again and then cover it and keep aside.
Once the peas are cooked, bring it down from the fire and turn it into a basket and then you rinse the pot and place it back on fire. Pour the peas into the pot and add just a little water and then leave it to boil.
When it begins to boil, add your blended pepper, salt and a little onion to it. Stir well and then pour your already prepared garri. Cover the pour and leave it to simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
Open the pot and stir well till the garri is completely mixed with the pigeon pea. Add red oil and onion, add the ukpaka and salt to taste, add the scent leaf and your already boiled fish and leave it to cook for about 2 minutes and then place it down from the fire. Here you have your Igbala agwugwu ready to be served.
Igabala Agwugwu is one of the most simple dish to prepare and it is very delicious too. This hearty meal is best served hot, straight from the pot and paired with a refreshing glass of your favorite juice. Whether you prefer the sweetness of pineapple, the tanginess of orange, or the richness of mango, the combination of Igbala agwugwu and juice is a match made in heaven.
Aside it's deliciousness pigeon pea offer numerous health benefits. Pigeon pea is high in protein, fibre and essential vitamin and minerals supporting healthy digestion, cholesterol level and blood sugar control.
If you are planning to try a new dish today, then I recommend Igbala Agwugwu and if yours hasn't been so delicious then I will advise you try this recipe. I hope this article was useful.