Garri is a beloved staple in many Nigerian homes and this versatile food is part of everyday life. But for all the love garri gets, there are plenty of myths floating around about it. Oya, follow me abeg, let’s clear up some of these misconceptions once and for all. Myth 1: Garri Causes Blindness One of the most common myths is that eating garri can lead to blindness. This idea comes from the fact that garri, made from cassava, contains cyanide in its raw state. However, proper processing—which includes soaking, fermenting, and roasting—significantly reduces the cyanide levels, making it safe to consume. Unless you’re eating raw, unprocessed cassava (which, let’s be honest, nobody does), there’s no risk of garri causing blindness. Myth 2: Garri Has No Nutritional Value While garri is indeed high in carbohydrates, it also contains small amounts of fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. When paired with protein-rich foods and vegetables, it can be part of a balanced diet. So, while it might not be a superfood, garri isn’t nutritionally void either. Read More: 6 Best Ways to Save Money on Foodstuffs or Groceries In Lagos Myth 3: Only Poor People Eat Garri Na wa for this particular myth sha 🤣 Yes, garri is affordable (abi I should say “somewhat more affordable”), which makes it accessible to many. But its cost doesn’t mean it’s only for those who can’t afford other foods. Garri is enjoyed by Nigerians across all economic backgrounds, from students and their soakings during exams to families serving it as eba wit correct egusi, efor riro or ogbono soup. The truth is, garri is a cultural gem that knows no social class boundaries. Myth 4: Garri Leads to Weight Gain My dear, that your belle wey no gree reduce, e fit no be garri cause am o 😀 While it’s true that garri is calorie-dense, it’s not inherently fattening. Like any carbohydrate, it can contribute to weight gain if eaten in excess. But moderation is key. Enjoying garri as part of a balanced meal—with soups rich in vegetables, lean meats, or fish—can actually help you maintain a healthy diet. So, garri lovers, you don’t have to abandon your beloved eba in fear of packing on extra kilos. Sha no dey chop am for midnight na the main thing 🤣 Myth 5: Garri Has No Health Benefits This is far from the truth. Besides being a source of energy, garri can aid digestion due to its fiber content. Soaking garri can also help with hydration and cooling the body on a hot day. Moreover, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Conclusion Garri is more than just a food; it’s a staple for many of us in this Naija o and holds a special place in our hearts. It’s time we put these myths to bed and give garri the appreciation it deserves. So, next time you enjoy a bowl of eba or soak garri, abeg, enjoy yourself wella! Want to save up to 40% on the cost of your foodstuff in Lagos? Join Iyaloja Direct Mile 12, Oyingbo and Ketu foodstuff sharing. Buy the small quantity you need, yet you are buying at wholesale prices. We buy for many people at once, so you enjoy the benefits of bulk buying without having to actually buy in bulk. Shop now on our website: Iyaloja Direct
Skincare remedies made from your kitchen ingredients
Get in here people!!! Yes this isn’t just for our women, our men too have to see this. Do you know that you don’t have to break your account for skincare products? Seriously, you can just add 1 and 2 in your kitchen and whoa!!! You have your skincare products. You can save some money with these tips, so read on below as we share kitchen ingredients that are perfect for skincare. · For a smooth and even complexion, mix half cup of cooked oatmeal with one tablespoon of honey and rub around your face, rinse your face after 10mins. · To take out a pimple, put ice or cold water on the affected area, then smudge on it a plain white toothpaste. You can also mix yeast with water into pastry form then smudge on the affected spot (for best results, apply before going to bed, the pimple will be gone by morning). · For face cleansing, put a piece of cotton wool or white cloth in a small bowl of cold milk and clean your face, neck and behind your ears. You will notice that the cotton wool or cloth will get dirty, continue the process till they come out clean. · For smooth and enticing lips, smear Vaseline on a toothbrush to scrub the lips gently (it is best that you do this before going to bed). · To fight underarm odour – add a little vinegar in water, dip a piece of cotton wool into it and smudge over the underarm (‘arm pit’) area. You can make use of baking soda (not baking powder) and warm water on the underarm region. If you know other skincare recipes, be sure to drop them in the comment section. Thank you for reading!
Easy yam porridge recipe
Yam porridge popularly referred to as Asaro is one of the easiest Nigerian meals to prepare yet very nutritious. Ingredients required for the preparation of yam porridge are: 1 Tuber of yam Red palm Oil 1 smoked fish (or any desired type of fish) Crayfish 1 bulb of onion Fresh green vegetables (optional) Fresh pepper or Chili Pepper, seasoning cubes & Salt (to taste) Before you cook Yam Porridge: Peel and cut the yam tuber into medium sizes, wash the yam cubes and place in a sizeable pot. Wash and cut the onions into desired pieces. Cooking Directions Pour enough water to cover the yam cubes and start cooking at medium to high heat. If you are using dry fish, it is best to add it now. When the yams have got a good boil, add the onions, ground crayfish, pepper, seasoning cubes, palm oil and fish. If the yam isn’t soft, you can mash it a little Cover the pot and continue cooking till the yam is done. Add salt to taste and stir very well. Cook at high heat for about 5 minutes. Add the green vegetable, stir and leave to stand for about 5 minutes then serve. That’s it! Your Yam Porridge is ready to eat!!! Do you have any tips of your own? Share with us in the comments! (IMAGE CREDIT: cheflolaskitchen.com)
Quick hacks to make kitchen time mega stress-free
Hi people!!! Today’s topic is going to be really brief and educative. I’ll be sharing with you certain kitchens hacks that will help you have a stress free time in the kitchen. Get yourself a glass of chilled water ‘cos’ you’re about to be schooled. Scoop leftover tomato paste into a plastic polythene bag, separate into portions and then freeze flat. To do this, spoon the leftover paste into a polythene plastic bag, then spread it evenly. Zip the top then separate the content into rectangles using your fingertips. Since the paste is thick, it will stay put. Put it in the freezer, then use in segments when you are ready. If your grill’s got a little messy substance on it, crinkle up a big sheet of foil then rumple a big sheet of foil and rub it along the grates before lighting the grill. This is the easiest to clean your grill if you don’t have a grill brush…or simply can’t locate it. Always peel boiled eggs when they’re freshly cooked. Refrigerating them with the shell on makes it impossible or nearly impossible to peel. Use separate cutting boards for vegetables,meat, etc to avoid cross contamination. Peel ginger skin with the side of a spoon instead of a knife to ease your work and reduce waste less waste. Freeze bananas without their skins, they’re hard to peel when frozen. Over salted your soup or stew? No problem. Plop in a peeled potato and the little guy will absorb all the sal in 10 minutes. Peel your potatoes after you’ve cooked them and soaked them in cold water for a while. Now that you have learnt, go and stress no more! 😀
Health benefits of eating vegetables
Vegetables are no doubt very nutritious and essential for every age group and genders provided they are taken in the right proportion. The fit into almost every meal and for people that love to explore in the kitchen, they don’t joke with vegetables. Although very nutritious, a lot of families skip vegetables and only take it as soup (not saying it is bad) but if we know the nutrients our bodies derive from them, we will add them to every meal. Benefits of eating benefits Aids Digestion – we all know that when we have a bloated tummy or constipation, vegetables are the best solution. They in fact work better and faster if taken via natural sources. Ageless skin – pimples, wrinkles, spots and other skin problems are quick to ruin your fine boy/girl. Vegetables are your best to escaping these issues. Helps prevent congenital diseases – constant intake of vegetables by pregnant women reduces the risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects. Also, intake of nutrients like folate and B vitamins helps to lessen brain and spinal cord problems in a newborn baby and these nutrients can be gotten from spinach, broccoli and lettuce. Ideal for weight loss – there are lots of weight loss plans these days that mostly have adverse side effects on the body. Yet, in many cases, none of these plans work best without vegetables. Vegetables help to reduce body fat and produce fiber for the body (Fiber has a unique benefit in that it reduces your appetite, thus preventing you from overeating and consuming unhealthy food, and overall helping you with your body weight management). Helps optic health – consuming leafy vegetables enriched with vitamin A and K is very beneficial for people with bad eyesight. These nutrients reduce the risk of potential cataracts and dryness in eyes which can be really hard to deal with. What other benefits of vegetables do you know?
How to make Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a very nutritious meal and as the name implies, its major ingredient is coconut. It can be eaten at anytime you want with either meat, fish, chicken or what have you. I’ll list the ingredients required for this sumptuous meal and steps on how to prepare it below: Required amount of rice Coconut Pepper and onions Seasoning cube and salt to taste Carrot, green peas or green beans (if desired) Prepared chicken, meat or whatever you want to use Preparation First you extract your coconut milk. To do this, you grate your coconut and put the grated content into a blender after which you add some amount of water. Blend the contents, when you are done put the blended content in a sieve and filter the milk out. After preparing your coconut milk, par boil your rice. Then pour your coconut milk into a pot and allow to heat. Add your rice and make sure the rice and coconut milk are on the same level, if they aren’t you can add water. Add your grated/diced peppers and onions, also add your seasoning cubes and salt, taste and allow to heat for a while. When this is done, add your diced vegetables and leave for a little while. Taste to be sure it is ready, if it is, you are done but if it isn’t you can add a little water till you are satisfied. Serve hot with your prepared meat or chicken and for my yoruba folks, spicy is the way. I’m certain you enjoyed reading this, kindly follow @iyalojadirect on all social media platforms. (IMAGE CREDIT: Cheflolaskitchen.com)
Best meals for the season
If you reside in Lagos, i’m sure this season has taken its toll on you already and you definitely have had enough of the cold and lots of traffic wink . Just in case you are not aware, there are meals that are best enjoyed this season and I’m here to share them as e dey hot. Hot Jollof rice – you know we have the best Jollof and having it HOT in this weather will make sense. Pap and akara – don’t tell me you don’t know that this meal right here is bae and for this weather, it’s double BAE. Rice and stew- When I say stew, I mean those type that the pepper isn’t smoothly blended and you’ll see the seeds when eating them; Yoruba folks call it “Ata Din Din”. I don’t think I need to tell you to spice it with lots of ‘ponmo’, fish, meat and snail. Hot peppersoup – I’m sure the aroma is killing you wherever you are at the moment. Try this, this season and thank me later. Toast bread and hot tea (or coffee, cocoa etc) – you don’t know? Now you know. Kindly follow us on all social media platforms for more juicy meal tips and don’t forget to contact us for your grocery shopping. (IMAGE CREDIT: allnigerianfoods.com)