Cooking delicious Nigerian meals doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. Whether you’re a student, busy professional, or just starting your cooking journey, there are simple Nigerian recipes you can make at home without breaking a sweat.
From soups to snacks and quick family meals, these dishes are tasty, budget-friendly, and perfect for everyday cooking. Let’s dive into 10 easy Nigerian recipes you can try today.
1. Jollof Rice
No Nigerian recipe list is complete without Jollof Rice. It’s easy to prepare and loved by everyone.
- Main Ingredients: Rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, seasoning.
- Cooking Time: 45–60 minutes.
💡 Tip: Add fried plantains or grilled chicken for extra flavor.
2. Fried Rice
Another party favorite, Nigerian Fried Rice is quick once you’ve boiled the rice.
- Main Ingredients: Rice, mixed vegetables, liver or chicken, seasoning cubes.
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes.
💡 Tip: Use leftover rice for faster cooking.
READ ALSO: 10 foods that directly prevent cancer growth
3. Indomie Noodles With Extras
This is one of the fastest Nigerian meals anyone can cook.
- Main Ingredients: Instant noodles, eggs, sausages, vegetables.
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Upgrade your noodles with fried eggs and fresh peppers.
ADVERTISEMENT
4. Beans (Ewa Agoyin)
Beans can be cooked without stress, especially using a pressure cooker.
- Main Ingredients: Brown beans, palm oil, dried pepper, onions.
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes.
💡 Tip: Serve with agege bread or fried plantains.
5. Yam Porridge (Asaro)
This dish is both filling and easy to cook.
- Main Ingredients: Yam, palm oil, pepper blend, seasoning.
- Cooking Time: 25–35 minutes.
💡 Tip: Add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition.
6. Akara (Bean Cakes)
Perfect for breakfast or snacks.
- Main Ingredients: Peeled beans, onions, pepper, vegetable oil.
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with pap (ogi) or bread.
READ ALSO: 5 healthiest Nigerian meals you should be eating
7. Ogbono Soup
An easy Nigerian soup that doesn’t require too many ingredients.
- Main Ingredients: Ogbono seeds, palm oil, stockfish/meat, seasoning.
- Cooking Time: 30–40 minutes.
💡 Tip: Serve with pounded yam, garri, or semovita.
8. Okra Soup
Quick, slimy, and delicious.
- Main Ingredients: Fresh okra, palm oil, meat or fish, crayfish.
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes.
💡 Tip: Chop okra finely for better texture.
9. Suya
A favorite Nigerian street food that can easily be made at home.
- Main Ingredients: Beef, suya spice, groundnut oil.
- Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes.
💡 Tip: Grill or oven-bake for that smoky flavor.
10. Moi Moi (Steamed Bean Cake)
Though it looks complex, Moi Moi is simple once beans are blended.
- Main Ingredients: Beans, peppers, onions, vegetable oil.
- Cooking Time: 45–60 minutes.
💡 Tip: Use foil, banana leaves, or ramekins for steaming.
Conclusion
Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful. With these 10 easy Nigerian recipes, you can prepare delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a quick Indomie noodles upgrade or a hearty yam porridge, these recipes are simple, nutritious, and beginner-friendly.
Final Thought: Start small — try one or two of these recipes this week, and soon you’ll be cooking Nigerian meals like a pro.
