Discover the authentic taste of Nkwobi, a popular Nigerian delicacy made from tender cow foot cooked in a rich, spicy sauce thickened with palm oil. Perfect for lovers of traditional African cuisine, this recipe guides you step-by-step through creating a flavorful dish that's sure to impress. Serve as a main dish or appetizer and enjoy the true flavors of Nigeria.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg cow foot, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2 tablespoons powdered potash (Kaun) or a substitute

- 1 cup palm oil

- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish

- 3-4 tablespoons pepper soup spice mix

- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (ata rodo), chopped

- 1 tablespoon ground pepper

- Salt to taste

- 2 seasoning cubes

- Ugba (oil bean seeds), optional for garnish

- Sliced onions and utazi leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Cow Foot:

  - Place the cleaned cow foot pieces in a pot. Add enough water to cover them and season with salt, chopped onions, and seasoning cubes.

  - Cook on medium heat until the cow foot becomes tender. This may take about 1-2 hours. You can use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time.

Prepare the Sauce:

  - In a small bowl, dissolve the potash in a little water. Stir well and set aside.

  - In another pot, heat the palm oil over low heat until it melts but doesn't bleach. Gradually add the dissolved potash water while stirring continuously until the mixture becomes a thick yellowish paste.

Add the Seasoning:

  - Stir in the ground crayfish, pepper soup spice mix, ground pepper, and chopped scotch bonnets into the palm oil mixture. Mix well to form a rich, spicy sauce.

Combine the Cow Foot with Sauce:

  - Once the cow foot is tender, drain any excess water and transfer the pieces into the pot with the prepared sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the cow foot evenly with the spicy palm oil sauce.

Serve:

  - Allow the Nkwobi to simmer for a few minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld.

  - Serve hot, garnished with sliced onions, utazi leaves, and ugba if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and spicy Nkwobi, best served as an appetizer or main dish, accompanied by a cold drink!

Nutritional Values

Cow Foot (1 kg, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)

   - Calories: 290 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 16 grams

   - Fat: 22 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains collagen, which is beneficial for skin, joints, and bones

Benefits:

   - Rich in collagen, which supports joint health, skin elasticity, and improves skin texture.

   - High in protein, which contributes to muscle growth and repair.

   - Provides essential nutrients and amino acids for overall health.

Medium Onion (chopped)

   - Calories: 40 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

   - Fat: 0.1 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

   - Fiber: 1.7 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins, supporting immune function and overall health.

   - Contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

   - Supports heart health by potentially reducing cholesterol levels.

Powdered Potash (Kaun) or Substitute (2 tablespoons)

   - Potash itself is not typically consumed in large amounts, so specific nutritional values are not commonly listed.

Benefits:

   - Used in traditional cooking to balance pH levels, enhancing texture and flavor.

   - Improves the consistency of soups and stews.

Palm Oil (1 cup)

   - Calories: 120 kcal per tablespoon

   - Fat: 14 grams (mostly saturated fats)

   - Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A and E

Benefits:

   - Provides vitamins A and E, supporting vision, immune function, and skin health.

   - High in calories, useful for energy needs.

   - Contains tocotrienols, which are beneficial antioxidants.

Ground Crayfish (2 tablespoons)

   - Calories: 80 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 20 grams

   - Fat: 2 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Minerals: Rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium

Benefits:

   - High in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.

   - Rich in calcium, contributing to bone health.

   - Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

Pepper Soup Spice Mix (3-4 tablespoons)

   - Varies depending on the mix, generally low in calories but rich in spices with varying amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Benefits:

   - Adds distinctive taste to soups and stews.

   - Spices in the mix can aid digestion and improve appetite.

Scotch Bonnet Peppers (2, chopped)

   - Calories: 40 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

   - Fat: 0.4 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants

Benefits:

   - Boosts metabolism due to capsaicin.

   - Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health and skin repair.

   - Contains antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage.

Ground Pepper (1 tablespoon)

   - Calories: 6 kcal per teaspoon

   - Protein: 0.2 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 1.5 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamins A, C, and some minerals

Benefits:

   - Contains capsaicin, which can enhance metabolism.

   - Rich in antioxidants, helping protect the body from oxidative stress.

   - Aids in digestion and improves appetite.

Salt (to taste)

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Sodium: High sodium content (about 2,300 mg per teaspoon)

Benefits:

   - Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

   - Enhances the flavor of food.

Seasoning Cubes (2)

   - Calories: Varies by brand, typically ~10-20 kcal per cube

   - Sodium: High sodium content (can be around 200-400 mg per cube)

   - Other Nutrients: Minimal nutritional value

Benefits:

   - Adds flavor to dishes without extra calories.

   - Provides convenience for seasoning.

Ugba (Oil Bean Seeds) – Optional for Garnish

   - Calories: 250 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 15 grams

   - Fat: 20 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 15 grams

   - Fiber: 5 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamins A, B, and C, and minerals such as calcium and iron

Benefits:

   - Rich in protein and fat, providing energy and supporting muscle growth.

   - High in fiber, promoting healthy digestion.

   - Contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Sliced Onions and Utazi Leaves – For Garnish

  - Sliced Onions:

   - Nutritional Values: ~40 kcal per 100 grams, 1 gram protein, 0.1 grams fat, 9 grams carbohydrates

Benefits: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supports heart health and digestion.

Utazi Leaves:

   - Nutritional Values: Varies, generally low in calories and high in fiber.

   - Benefits: Used in traditional cooking for its distinctive flavor and potential digestive benefits.