Amala | What Goes well With Amala | Best of 2024

Amala, a staple food in many Nigerian households, is not only cherished for its unique taste and texture but also for its versatility. This article delves into the myriad of dishes, condiments, and beverages that pair excellently with Amala, offering a rich culinary experience. From traditional soups to contemporary twists, we explore it all.

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What is Amala?

Amala is a traditional Nigerian dish made from yam flour (known as “elubo”), cassava flour, or unripe plantain flour. It is known for its distinctive brown color and slightly sour taste, which comes from the fermentation process of the yam or cassava. Amala is typically served in a smooth, slightly sticky dough-like form and is enjoyed with a variety of soups and stews.

The Cultural Significance

In many Nigerian cultures, It is more than just food; it’s a symbol of heritage and communal eating. It is often served during significant events and celebrations such as weddings, festivals, and traditional ceremonies. The process of making Amala itself is a communal activity, often involving multiple family members or friends working together.

Nutritional Benefits

Amala is rich in carbohydrates, which provide a significant source of energy. Additionally, it contains fiber, essential for healthy digestion. Depending on the type of flour used, Amala can also provide various vitamins and minerals. For example, yam flour is high in vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium. Cassava flour is gluten-free and rich in iron and calcium.

Perfect Pairings

Classic Soups to Serve

Amala is traditionally paired with various Nigerian soups, each bringing out different flavors and textures.

Ewedu Soup

Ewedu, made from jute leaves, is slimy and nutritious. When combined with Amala, it offers a refreshing and savory experience. Ewedu soup is typically prepared by boiling the jute leaves and then blending them into a smooth consistency. It is often seasoned with locust beans (iru), crayfish, and spices, and sometimes thickened with potash.

How to Make Ewedu Soup

1. Ingredients: Fresh jute leaves (ewedu), water, locust beans (iru), crayfish, potash, salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Wash the jute leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt.
   • Boil the leaves in water until they become tender.
   • Blend the boiled leaves into a smooth, slimy consistency.
   • Add locust beans, crayfish, and season with salt and pepper.
   • Optional: Add a small amount of potash to enhance the sliminess.

Gbegiri Soup

Gbegiri is a bean-based soup that adds a creamy and hearty element to the Amala meal. Its rich texture complements the softness of Amala perfectly. Gbegiri soup is made from peeled and cooked black-eyed beans, which are then blended and cooked with spices.

How to Make Gbegiri Soup

1. Ingredients: Black-eyed beans, palm oil, onions, crayfish, locust beans (iru), salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Soak the beans to soften the outer skin, then peel and cook until soft.
   • Blend the cooked beans into a smooth puree.
   • Heat palm oil in a pot, add chopped onions, and sauté until translucent.
   • Add the bean puree to the pot and stir well.
   • Season with crayfish, locust beans, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook on low heat until the soup thickens.

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Egusi Soup

Egusi, made from melon seeds, is a thick and flavorful soup. It adds a nutty taste and substantial texture to the meal, making it a favorite among many. Egusi soup can be prepared with various vegetables and proteins, making it versatile and rich.

How to Make Egusi Soup

1. Ingredients: Melon seeds (egusi), palm oil, onions, tomatoes, spinach (or other leafy greens), meat or fish, crayfish, locust beans (iru), salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Grind the melon seeds into a fine powder.
   • Heat palm oil in a pot, add chopped onions and tomatoes, and sauté until the tomatoes break down.
   • Add the ground melon seeds and stir continuously to prevent lumps.
   • Add meat or fish and cook until tender.
   • Add crayfish, locust beans, and season with salt and pepper.
   • Finally, add the spinach or other leafy greens and cook until wilted.

Ogbono Soup

Ogbono soup, made from wild mango seeds, is known for its viscosity. It pairs well with Amala due to its rich and savory taste. Ogbono soup is often prepared with various meats, fish, and leafy vegetables, creating a complex and hearty dish.

How to Make Ogbono Soup

1. Ingredients: Ground ogbono seeds, palm oil, assorted meat (beef, goat, etc.), fish, bitter leaf or spinach, crayfish, stock cubes, salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Heat palm oil in a pot, then add the ground ogbono seeds and stir until they dissolve.
   • Add the assorted meat and fish, and cook until tender.
   • Add crayfish, stock cubes, salt, and pepper to taste.
   • Add the leafy vegetables and cook until wilted.
   • Ensure the soup is thick and well-cooked.

Contemporary Twists: Modern Dishes

Amala Pizza

A fusion dish that combines the traditional Amala with modern pizza toppings. It’s a unique way to enjoy Amala with a twist.

How to Make Amala Pizza

1. Ingredients: Amala dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, assorted toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, etc.), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Roll out the Amala dough into a pizza base shape.
   • Spread tomato sauce over the base.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and add your desired toppings.
   • Drizzle olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper.
   • Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Amala Wraps

Using Amala as a wrap for various fillings such as grilled chicken, vegetables, and sauces can make for a delightful and portable meal.

How to Make Amala Wraps

1. Ingredients: Amala dough, grilled chicken, assorted vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.), sauces (mayo, mustard, etc.).
2. Preparation:
   • Roll out the Amala dough into a thin sheet.
   • Place grilled chicken and assorted vegetables in the center of the sheet.
   • Drizzle with your choice of sauces.
   • Roll the Amala sheet around the filling, securing it with toothpicks if necessary.

Condiments and Sauces that Complements

Traditional Condiments

Palm Oil Sauce

Palm oil sauce, with its rich and earthy flavor, adds depth to the Amala dish. It’s a traditional favorite for many.

How to Make Palm Oil Sauce

1. Ingredients: Palm oil, onions, tomatoes, locust beans (iru), crayfish, salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Heat palm oil in a pot until it melts.
   • Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
   • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down.
   • Add locust beans and crayfish, then season with salt and pepper.
   • Cook until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

Pepper Sauce

Pepper sauce brings heat and spice, enhancing the flavor profile of Amala.

How to Make Pepper Sauce

1. Ingredients: Fresh red peppers, onions, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Blend fresh red peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste.
   • Heat vegetable oil in a pot, then add the pepper paste.
   • Cook until the oil separates from the paste.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Modern Sauces

Avocado Dip

A creamy and nutritious dip that pairs surprisingly well with Amala, offering a fresh and modern taste.

How to Make Avocado Dip

1. Ingredients: Ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, pepper, cilantro, and garlic.
2. Preparation:
   • Mash ripe avocados in a bowl.
   • Add lime juice, salt, pepper, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic.
   • Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Garlic Herb Sauce

A flavorful sauce that brings a new dimension to the traditional Amala dish.

How to Make Garlic Herb Sauce

1. Ingredients: Fresh garlic, mixed herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Mince fresh garlic and mixed herbs.
   • Combine minced garlic and herbs with olive oil and lemon juice.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Mix well and serve as a dipping sauce.

Side Dishes to Serve

Vegetables

Steamed Spinach

Steamed spinach adds a healthy and green component to the meal, balancing the heaviness of Amala.

How to Make Steamed Spinach

1. Ingredients: Fresh spinach, salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Wash fresh spinach thoroughly.
   • Steam the spinach until wilted and tender.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mixed Vegetable Stir-fry

A colorful and nutritious side dish that complements the rich flavors of Amala and its accompanying soups.

How to Make Mixed Vegetable Stir-fry

1. Ingredients: Assorted vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, etc.), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Wash and chop the assorted vegetables.
   • Heat vegetable oil in a pan, then add minced garlic and ginger.
   • Add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
   • Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.

Proteins

Grilled Fish

Grilled fish adds a smoky and savory flavor, making it a perfect protein to accompany Amala.

How to Make Grilled Fish

1. Ingredients: Fresh fish (tilapia, catfish, etc.), lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
2. Preparation:
   • Clean the fish and marinate with lemon juice, minced garlic, and ginger.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • Grill the fish until cooked through and charred on the outside.

Fried Plantains

Sweet and crispy fried plantains provide a delightful contrast to the softness of Amala.

How to Make Fried Plantains

1. Ingredients: Ripe plantains, vegetable oil, salt.
2. Preparation:
   • Peel and slice ripe plantains.
   • Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan.
   • Fry the plantain slices until golden brown and crispy.
   • Drain on paper towels and season with salt.

Beverages that Pair Well

Traditional Drinks

Palm Wine

A sweet and slightly fermented drink that pairs well with the savory taste of Amala. Palm wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage derived from the sap of palm trees.

How to Serve Palm Wine

1. Ingredients: Fresh palm wine.
2. Preparation:
   • Serve chilled in a glass.
   • Enjoy the sweet, slightly tangy, and effervescent drink with your meal.

Zobo

A refreshing drink made from hibiscus leaves, offering a tart and sweet flavor that complements Amala dishes. Zobo is often flavored with ginger, pineapple, and other fruits.

How to Make Zobo

1. Ingredients: Dried hibiscus leaves, water, ginger, pineapple, sugar, and cloves.
2. Preparation:
   • Boil the dried hibiscus leaves in water with ginger and cloves.
   • Strain the mixture to remove the solids.
   • Add pineapple juice and sugar to taste.
   • Chill and serve cold.

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Modern Beverages

Smoothies

Fruit and vegetable smoothies can provide a refreshing and nutritious accompaniment to an Amala meal.

How to Make a Smoothie

1. Ingredients: Fresh fruits (bananas, strawberries, etc.), vegetables (spinach, kale, etc.), yogurt or milk, honey.
2. Preparation:
   • Combine fresh fruits and vegetables in a blender.
   • Add yogurt or milk and a drizzle of honey.
   • Blend until smooth and creamy.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas, with their various flavors and health benefits, can be a soothing drink to enjoy with Amala.

How to Make Herbal Tea

1. Ingredients: Herbal tea leaves (chamomile, mint, etc.), hot water, honey or lemon (optional).
2. Preparation:
   • Steep the herbal tea leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
   • Sweeten with honey or lemon if desired.
   • Serve warm or chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Best Soup to Pair with ?

While this depends on personal preference, Ewedu and Gbegiri soups are traditionally favored due to their complementary textures and flavors. Ewedu’s sliminess and Gbegiri’s creaminess both enhance the eating experience with Amala.

Can Amala be Made in Different Flavors?

Yes, It can be made using different flours such as yam, cassava, or plantain, each offering a unique taste and nutritional profile. Additionally, some variations include adding spices or herbs to the flour mixture for extra flavor.

How Should It be Stored?

Amala should be stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place. Once cooked, it can be refrigerated and reheated as needed. It’s important to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.

Is Amala Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?

Yes, Amala is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities. Both yam and cassava flour are gluten-free alternatives.

How Do You Prevent Lumps When Making ?

To prevent lumps, ensure you stir continuously while gradually adding the flour to the boiling water. Using a whisk or a wooden spatula can help achieve a smooth consistency.

Can Amala Be Eaten with Other Dishes Besides Soups?

Yes, Amala can be paired with various dishes beyond traditional soups. It can be enjoyed with stews, sauces, or even used creatively in dishes like wraps and pizzas.

What Are the Health Benefits of Amala?

Amala is rich in carbohydrates for energy, dietary fiber for digestion, and essential vitamins and minerals depending on the type of flour used. It’s a wholesome and nutritious meal option.

How Can I Add More Flavor to Amala?

You can add more flavor to Amala by incorporating spices or herbs into the flour mixture. Additionally, serving it with flavorful soups, sauces, and condiments can enhance its taste.

Conclusion

Amala is a versatile and beloved dish with numerous pairings that enhance its flavor and texture. From traditional soups to modern twists, condiments, and beverages, there is an endless array of combinations to explore. This guide offers just a glimpse into the rich culinary possibilities that come with enjoying Amala.

Whether you’re a fan of classic pairings like Ewedu and Gbegiri, or looking to try contemporary dishes like Amala Pizza and Wraps, there’s something for everyone. Embrace the rich heritage and modern innovations of Nigerian cuisine, and discover what goes well with Amala in your own kitchen.