Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” – Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

Food, in its own right, plays many roles.
Universally, it is the most ideal way to quench hunger. Sometimes, it provides the gateway to pleasure. Other times, the absence of it, can reveal a person’s state of distress. Yet, this same thing, something which fills our bellies and is essential for good living, also serves as a cultural identifier.

Culture is a way of life of a people. It is what distinguishes them from other groups of people. This includes what they wear and say. How they perceive and respond to situations. It includes what they eat. Sushi reminds one of the Japanese, pasta of the Italians, ta’meya of the Egyptians and even mac and cheese brings to mind the American culture.

For the people of Ijebu land, Ikokore is that food. The Ijebu people come from the Ijebu town; a settlement in the Southeastern parts of Ogun State, Western Nigeria. A people famous for their love for parties and entrepreneurial spirit, Iko-kore is the meal that embodies the Ijebu spirit.

The thick, filling yam porridge known as Ikokore (or Ifokore) is made from water yam; the people of Ijebu-Ode refer to this as ‘obi-isu’ or ‘isu-ewura’, the female yam, which is usually grated and boiled with pepper, palm oil, iru (locust beans), and various meats or fish.

Here’s how to give yourself a taste of the Ijebu spirit.

What you need to prepare Ikokore:

Water Yam, Grinded Pepper, Seasoning cubes, Palm oil, Dried/Smoked fish: The commonly available ones are mackerel and hake, Locust beans (Iru), Smoked prawns, and Beef.

How to Prepare it:
Step 1: Peel the yam, wash and grate.
Step 2: Wash the dried fish, prawns and cut into small pieces.
Step 3: Put the beef to boil, after washing, and cut in small chunks.
Step 4: Put water to boil in a clean pot.
Step 5: As it begins to boil, pour in the dried fish, prawns, beef and any other protein of choice. Add seasoning, grinded pepper, chopped onions and other condiments of your choice.
Step 6: Let this steam for 5-10 minutes.
Step 7: Add the grated yam in small lumps to the mixture. Pour in water, in small quantities, to create space to add more yam lumps.
Step 8:  Cover the pot and leave to boil for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 9: Occasionally stir the pot.
Step 10: When the yam feels solid, pour in palm oil.
Step 11: Leave to cook for 2 minutes .

And voila, your Ikokore is ready! 🤩

With each taste, be ready to be transported to the Southeastern city in Ogun State where festivity and the entrepreneurship spirit thrives.