Isi Ewu
Spicy Goat Head
Isi Ewu is a highly sought-after Igbo delicacy, featuring tender pieces of goat head simmered in a rich, spicy, and aromatic palm oil-based sauce. This dish is traditionally served hot and is a popular choice for celebrations and social gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 Whole goat head
- 1 teaspoon Potash (edible alkaline salt)
- 150 ml Palm oil
- 1 large bunch Utazi leaves
- 3-5 Scotch bonnet peppers
- 2 pods Ehuru (Calabash nutmeg)
- 1 large Onions
- to taste Salt
- enough to cover Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the goat head: Ensure the goat head is thoroughly cleaned. Singe off any remaining hair over an open flame (gas burner or charcoal) until the skin is smooth. Chop the head into serving-sized pieces. Rinse well.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 2
Boil the goat head: Place the goat head pieces in a large pot. Add the chopped onions and salt. Cover with water and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is very tender and easily pierced with a fork. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.
⏱️ 2 hours - 3
Prepare the potash solution: In a small bowl, dissolve the potash in about 1/4 cup of warm water. Stir well until the potash is fully dissolved. This solution will be used to give the sauce its characteristic yellowish hue and slightly firm texture.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Prepare the sauce base: In a separate pot or the same pot after draining most of the goat head stock (reserve some stock), add the palm oil. Heat the palm oil over medium heat until it begins to lighten in color and slightly thicken. Do not let it smoke. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 5
Combine sauce ingredients: Carefully pour the dissolved potash solution into the heated palm oil. Stir continuously. Add the ground ehuru (calabash nutmeg) and the blended scotch bonnet peppers. Stir well to combine. Continue to cook the sauce over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil is well incorporated and the sauce has a rich, slightly thickened consistency and a vibrant color. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Incorporate goat head: Add the pre-cooked and tender goat head pieces to the sauce. Gently toss the pieces to ensure they are evenly coated with the spicy palm oil mixture. Allow to simmer in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 7
Add Utazi leaves: Stir in the finely chopped Utazi leaves just before serving. Cook for only 1-2 minutes more, just enough to wilt the leaves slightly and release their peppery aroma, but not so long that they lose their vibrant green color and fresh taste.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 8
Serve: Traditionally, Isi Ewu is served hot in a wooden mortar or bowl. Garnish with a few extra Utazi leaves if desired. This dish is best enjoyed immediately.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Potash is crucial for the authentic color and slightly firm texture of Isi Ewu. Use food-grade potash.
- ✓Roasting the ehuru (calabash nutmeg) before grinding enhances its aroma and flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet peppers to control the spiciness level.
- ✓Ensure the palm oil is heated sufficiently to achieve the desired color and consistency, but avoid burning it.
- ✓Utazi leaves have a distinct bitter and peppery flavor; add them at the very end to preserve their freshness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a milder version, reduce the number of scotch bonnet peppers or remove the seeds before blending.
- Some prefer to add a small amount of ground crayfish for an extra layer of umami.
- Increase the quantity of Utazi leaves for a more pronounced peppery and bitter note.