Food in Nigeria

Nigeria has such a variety of people and cultures that it is difficult to pick one national dish. Each area has its own regional favorite that depends on customs, tradition, and religion. The different foods available also depend on the season: the "hungry season" is before the rains arrive in March, and the "season of surplus" follows the harvest in October and November. Fruits, however, are enjoyed year-round. A large part of Nigeria lies in the tropics, where many fruits are available. Some of the popular fruits are oranges, melons, grapefruits, limes, mangoes, bananas, and pineapples.


For example you want to cook spiced boiled yam.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds yams, peeled and thickly sliced (regular yams can be used in place of African yams)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 Tablespoons butter, melted
• Cayenne pepper, to taste

Procedure

1. Place the yams in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them.
2. Add the salt, garlic clove, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium and cook until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Drain the yams and remove the garlic clove and discard it.
5. Place the yams on a platter and drizzle the butter over the top.
6. Sprinkle with a little cayenne pepper (be careful, cayenne pepper tastes very hot) and serve.