5 tasty dishes using dika nut
What's the story
Dika nut, also referred to as African mango seed, is an all-purpose ingredient in many African cuisines. It is prized for its thickening abilities and distinct taste. Here are five delicious dishes made with dika nut, exemplifying the variety in African cuisines. From flavorful soups to filling stews, these dishes emphasize the nut's contribution to enhancing flavors and textures in traditional meals.
Dish 1
Ogbono soup: A Nigerian favorite
Ogbono soup is another popular Nigerian dish made with ground dika nuts. The nuts serve as a thickener, giving the soup its signature viscosity. Usually made with vegetables like spinach or bitter leaf, this soup can be had on its own or with fufu or rice. The earthy flavor of dika nuts pairs well with the spices used in this dish, making it a staple in many Nigerian households.
Dish 2
Gabonese Nyembwe chicken stew
The Gabonese stew includes dika nut paste as a prominent ingredient. The paste deepens and enriches the broth and elevates its taste. Usually accompanied with plantains or rice, this dish highlights how dika nuts can make even the most basic of ingredients delicious. The medley of spices and herbs makes it an aromatic treat that's both satisfying and comforting.
Dish 3
Cameroonian egusi soup delight
Egusi soup is another popular dish across West Africa that uses ground melon seeds like dika nuts for thickening. In particular, in Cameroon, egusi soup often features crushed dika nuts along with other ingredients like tomatoes and leafy greens like pumpkin leaves or spinach for a texture variation in every bite.
Dish 4
Ghanaian palm nut soup infusion
Ghana's palm nut soup mixes crushed palm kernels and optional groundnuts (sometimes replaced by ogbono seeds) for a rich broth. The mixture is simmered over low heat until it reaches a desired consistency. It's usually served hot with boiled yam slices, showcasing the local produce available in nearby markets.
Dish 5
Liberian Torborgee: A flavorful experience
Torborgee from Liberia includes roasted groundnut powder, onions, garlic, ginger, peppers, tomatoes, okra, eggplant, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, sweet corn, green beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans. It's thickened with wheat gluten and cornstarch. Spices such as smoked paprika and chili flakes add depth. This dish demonstrates how dika nuts can go a long way in enriching flavors and textures.