Onunu is another interesting delicacy from Rivers State. Interesting because of the way it is prepared. I mean, we all know pounded yam, but this is yam pounded with boiled plantains and then finished off with Palm oil and fresh pepper if you wish to add it. Onunu is served with a spicy fish pepper soup. I decided to prepare it for this post, to showcase another delicacy from Rivers State, and surprise, surprise, it went down very well even though I served it with native soup. In my household, Onunu will no longer be served with only fish pepper soup, it can be served along side any local soup of your choice.
You will need
Yam
Ripe plantain
Palm oil
Fresh pepper – optional
Here’s how
1. Put the yam to boil, when it has cooked right about half way, add the ripe plantains. I have found that I enjoy it with a 60 – 40 percent ratio of yams to plantain. Before you pound ensure that both the yams and the plantains have cooked through till soft.
Start to pound the yams first because of its pulp and stretchy nature, once almost smooth, add the plantain. I was feeling traditional the day I made this, hence the mortar and pestle, save yourself the trouble and do this in a food processor with the dough hook/blade attached, or you can use a hand or stand mixer with the paddle attachment first to pound the yams to a pulp, then finish off with the dough tool. It only takes 1 minute.
Once you have gotten both ingredients to a smooth consistency, add a little palm oil. The mash is still hot, which will take away the curdling taste of palm oil.
Finish off the pounding, until the palm oil till properly combines, changing the colour to yellow and you finally have Onunu.
It is quite sweet, the way the plantain combines beautifully with the yam. Today, I am serving Onunu with another delicacy from Rivers State – Native Soup
Preye says
January 24, 2014 at 5:52 pmDooney, hey now I no get excuse not to make dis for Yankee. U don finish mi. Thank u again o.
dooneyrooney says
January 24, 2014 at 8:15 pmLol. Thanks
Theodora says
January 25, 2014 at 3:42 amDear Dunni Obata,
Thanks for the recipe. I am definitely making Onunu today.
Cheers
dooneyrooney says
January 26, 2014 at 9:25 pmPlease do and let me know how it turns out
Ocho (@Ocho_nig) says
January 27, 2014 at 7:45 amNow, this is one way I can eat yam. I’m so in! Excellent presentation as usual Dooney. Shooting this link to Ovuloria now.
dooneyrooney says
January 27, 2014 at 12:24 pmThank you Ocho
Nkiru says
February 10, 2014 at 8:34 pmHei Dooney what of the recipe for the soup? Would really love to try it out
dooneyrooney says
February 10, 2014 at 10:04 pmI have already posted it. Search for Native Soup on the blog
Nehita says
March 15, 2014 at 1:57 pmDooney when do you add fresh pepper? You didn’t say.
dooneyrooney says
March 15, 2014 at 2:08 pmAfter you add the plantain, before your complete the pounding process. It is just for flavour, and a little heat
taga says
December 30, 2014 at 5:06 pmna wa oh, will definitely try this. nice one dooney
The Petite Cook (@PetiteCook) says
January 19, 2015 at 1:02 pmThis is must try!
Inikpi says
January 19, 2015 at 1:51 pmHi Dunn,
How about a cook book we could buy or…….
dooneyrooney says
January 19, 2015 at 1:55 pmAmen Inkpi. It will happen
boma says
March 13, 2015 at 3:07 pmHi dooney, i want to try this tomorrow with my blender, do you think its possible?
dooneyrooney says
March 13, 2015 at 5:05 pmYes, but best to use a food processor
Victor.G says
July 9, 2015 at 4:00 amOMG , Im presently in South Korea stuck on their food and I am absolutely salivating.Great Job.Immediately I return to Nigeria ,Im onto this.Cheers