Learn how to Make Doughnuts, Kpekere and Fish Pie Famous Snack in Nigeria

Doughnuts, also known as donuts, are fried or baked dough pastries that are sweet, ring-shaped, and often coated with sugar or glaze. Here’s a basic recipe for making classic homemade doughnuts:

Homemade Doughnuts Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

For Coating:

• Granulated sugar or powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:

• In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy and activated.

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour, salt, softened butter, and the activated yeast mixture.
• Add the eggs, and mix well until a dough forms. If needed, add more flour gradually until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky.

1. Knead the Dough:

• Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

1. First Rise:

• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.

1. Roll and Cut:

• After the first rise, punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a doughnut cutter or two differently sized round cutters to cut out the doughnuts.

1. Second Rise:

• Place the cut doughnuts on a baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.

1. Heat the Oil:

• In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to around 350°F (175°C).

1. Fry the Doughnuts:

• Carefully place the doughnuts in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until they are golden brown on both sides. This should take about 1-2 minutes per side.

1. Drain and Coat:

• Remove the fried doughnuts using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
• While still warm, coat the doughnuts with granulated sugar or powdered sugar. You can also dip them in glaze if preferred.

1. Serve:

• Enjoy the homemade doughnuts warm with your favorite beverage.

Feel free to get creative with toppings, fillings, or glazes to customize your doughnuts to your liking. Happy baking!

Explore the Delicious Nigerian Fish Pie

Fish pie is a delicious and comforting dish that typically consists of flaky fish and sometimes seafood, topped with mashed potatoes or pastry. Here’s a simple recipe for making a classic fish pie:

Classic Fish Pie Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (about 500g) white fish fillets (e.g., cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 lb (about 250g) smoked haddock or other smoked fish, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
• 1 cup cooked shrimp or prawns (optional)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup leeks or onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups fish or vegetable stock
• 1 cup whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the Topping:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Cook Vegetables:

• In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped leeks or onions, diced carrots, and cook until softened.

1. Make the Roux:

• Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.

1. Add Liquids:

• Gradually whisk in the fish or vegetable stock, followed by the milk, to create a smooth sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

1. Season and Add Fish:

• Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Add the white fish, smoked haddock (if using), shrimp or prawns (if using), and frozen peas. Cook for a few minutes until the fish is just cooked through.

1. Assemble:

• Transfer the fish and vegetable mixture to a baking dish.

Prepare the Topping:

1. Boil Potatoes:

• Boil the peeled and chopped potatoes until tender. Drain.

1. Mash Potatoes:

• Mash the potatoes with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

1. Top the Pie:

• Spread the mashed potatoes over the fish and vegetable mixture in the baking dish. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the surface.

1. Optional Cheese Topping:

• If desired, sprinkle grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for a cheesy crust.

1. Bake:

• Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your classic fish pie with a side of greens or a crisp salad. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a family meal.

Kpekere – Nigerian Plantain Chips Recipe

Plantain chips, also known as “Kpekere” or “Banana chips,” are a popular snack in many cultures. They are thinly sliced plantains that are deep-fried until crispy. Here’s a simple recipe for making homemade plantain chips:

Homemade Plantain Chips Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Green plantains (the firmer, less ripe ones work best)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt (optional)
• Chili powder or paprika (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Plantains:

• Choose green, unripe plantains. Peel the plantains by cutting off the ends and making a shallow cut along the length of each plantain. Use your fingers or a knife to lift off the skin.

1. Slice the Plantains:

• Using a mandoline slicer, a knife, or a vegetable peeler, thinly slice the plantains. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.

1. Soak in Salted Water (Optional):

• If desired, soak the sliced plantains in a bowl of salted water for about 5-10 minutes. This step can help remove excess starch and enhance crispiness. Drain and pat the slices dry before frying.

1. Heat the Oil:

• In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to around 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil for deep frying.

1. Fry the Plantains:

• Carefully add a handful of plantain slices to the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.

1. Drain and Season:

• Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried plantain chips from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
• Sprinkle salt or a mixture of salt and chili powder/paprika over the hot chips to add flavor. Toss gently to coat evenly.

1. Repeat:

• Repeat the frying process with the remaining plantain slices in batches.

1. Cool and Store:

• Allow the plantain chips to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their crispiness.

Tips:

• Experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend.
• Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before adding the plantains to achieve a crispy texture.

Homemade plantain chips make a delicious and addictive snack that can be enjoyed on its own or with your favorite dip.

Read more Abuja’s Culinary Scene: Tar Tar, Hustle and Bustle, Obudu Grill House, Zuma Grill

Abuja’s Culinary Scene: Tar Tar, Hustle and Bustle, Obudu Grill House, Zuma Grill