14/08/2024
Ekpang nkukwo on the table
Ekpang Nkukwó is a native delicacy indigenous to the people of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It is also enjoyed in the Bakweri tribe in Cameroun. It is made with grated cocoyam wrapped with leaves. Nkukwó means 'cocoyam leaves' The accompanying ingredients include periwinkle, meat, fish, kpomo, red oil, pepper, salt among others cooked together untill it becomes firm but not soggy. The type of leaves used for wrapping the grated cocoyam(red or white kind) include pumpkin leaves, cocoyam leaves, bitter leaves or any other similar type.
Ekpañg Nkukwó is cherished so much that many ceremonies ranging from child christening to traditional marriages to association gatherings are regarded as lacking and not complete if the meal isn't available. It is also the meal of prominence for women who are in 'fattening' care and even for newly born mothers or girls preparing for marriages in most rural areas.
The preparation of Ekpañg Nkukwó is cumbersome particularly the grating of the cocoyam and the wrapping with leaves(this must be done carefully to prevent them being disintegrated on hitting the fire). It is usually advisable to get items ready before embarking on the cooking.
The nutritional value and benefits of eating Ekpañg Nkukwó are enormous and they include minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins etc. It is a meal that induces weight gain when eaten regularly for those who are interested in piling up the kilos.
There is no doubt that it is one of the most sought after and cherished meals in the Ibom circles and we encourage our readers to give it a try whenever they visit Akwa Ibom or her environs.