Nigerian Starch
Eba Igbekele
A smooth, stretchy, and translucent cassava starch swallow, a beloved specialty from the Niger Delta region, traditionally served with rich soups like Banga or White Soup.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400g Cassava starch (elubo)(Ensure it's pure cassava starch, not cassava flour (garri).)
- Approximately 700-800ml Water(Divided into two parts: one for boiling, one for making the paste. Adjust based on desired consistency.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil water: Pour about 500-600ml of water into a medium-sized pot. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 2
Prepare the starch paste: While the water is boiling, in a separate bowl, combine the 400g of cassava starch with about 200-250ml of cold water. Stir vigorously until you achieve a smooth, lump-free paste. The consistency should be like thick pancake batter.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 3
Combine and stir: Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully and slowly pour the boiling water into the starch paste, stirring continuously and rapidly with a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula. Be cautious as the mixture will thicken quickly. Continue stirring until all the boiling water is incorporated and you have a uniform, thick mixture.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Cook the starch: Return the pot containing the mixture to medium-low heat. Continue to stir and fold the starch vigorously. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the starch loses its chalky white appearance and becomes translucent and slightly glossy. The texture should be firm and stretchy, pulling away from the sides of the pot as you stir.
⏱️ 5-10 minutes - 5
Mold and serve: Once the starch reaches the desired translucent and stretchy consistency, remove it from the heat. Using a damp serving spoon or your hands (lightly greased or dampened), quickly mold the starch into a smooth mound or individual portions. Serve immediately with your favorite Nigerian soup, such as Banga soup or White soup.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The final starch should have a smooth, slightly translucent appearance and a very stretchy texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water used in step 2 and 3 to achieve your preferred consistency – less water for a firmer swallow, more for a softer one.
- ✓Vigorous stirring is key to achieving a smooth texture and preventing lumps.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a thicker consistency, use slightly less water in the initial paste and cook for a few minutes longer.
- Some enjoy combining cassava starch with garri (fermented cassava flakes) for a different texture and flavor profile.