Ofada Rice (grown in Mowe Ofada Town, Ogun state, Nigeria.) also known as Abakiliki rice (grown in Abakiliki - Ebonyi state, Nigeria) has it very own unique spot in the Nigerian cuisine table. It's a Locally grown type of short grained brown rice which is mostly sold unpolished and unrefined with part of the bran still intact. Surprisingly, even though it's not as refined as the regular rice and most times abandoned for white rice due to it's peculiar qualities, it's much more superior nutritionally to white rice.
Technically speaking, white rice is polished (it was once like ofada rice). And polishing removes the layer known as the "Aleurone layer" of the grain--a layer filled with health-supportive, essential fats. Because these fats, once exposed to air by the refining process, are highly susceptible to oxidation, this layer is removed to extend the shelf life of the rice. The resulting white rice is simply a refined starch that is largely lacking its original nutrients.
Unlike white rice which has been stripped of it's basic nutrients such as iron, vitamins, Zinc, magnesium and other nutrients during the refining process by manufactures, ofada rice still contains these basic nutrients and aleurone layer which makes it far healthier than white rice.
Ofada Rice preparation
Step 1: One major problem with ofada rice is the presence of stones. This is the major reason why people are put off by the local rice. Once the stones are taken out, you’d have no more issues with the tasty local rice. So before cooking Ofada rice, take out time to remove the stones.
Step 2: After picking out the stones, Wash the sorted rice severally with clean water. It could be extremely dirty so you have to wash it severally till the water gets clean. Once done, place in a small pot.
Step 3: Add some water just enough to cover the rice. Parboil for 10 mins and turn out into a clean bowl. Rinse a few times more and place back in the pot.
Step 4: Add some salt and clean water then boil till the rice softens.
Serve with Ofada stew, Ayamase aka designer stew, or any Nigerian Stew/sauce available.
Health benefits of Ofada Rice a.k.a Abakiliki rice (just to state a few)
• Due to its rich fiber concentration, ofada rice facilitates healthy bowel movement and promotes weight-loss.
• it helps improve metabolism and keeps you feeling fuller for a long time.
• it's rich in protein
• it contains lignans which helps Protect against Heart Disease
• it's a good Source of Fiber which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels, prevent atherosclerosis.
• The fiber contained in it helps keep blood sugar levels under control and so is an excellent grain choice for people with diabetes.
Technically speaking, white rice is polished (it was once like ofada rice). And polishing removes the layer known as the "Aleurone layer" of the grain--a layer filled with health-supportive, essential fats. Because these fats, once exposed to air by the refining process, are highly susceptible to oxidation, this layer is removed to extend the shelf life of the rice. The resulting white rice is simply a refined starch that is largely lacking its original nutrients.
Unlike white rice which has been stripped of it's basic nutrients such as iron, vitamins, Zinc, magnesium and other nutrients during the refining process by manufactures, ofada rice still contains these basic nutrients and aleurone layer which makes it far healthier than white rice.
Ofada Rice preparation
Step 1: One major problem with ofada rice is the presence of stones. This is the major reason why people are put off by the local rice. Once the stones are taken out, you’d have no more issues with the tasty local rice. So before cooking Ofada rice, take out time to remove the stones.
Step 2: After picking out the stones, Wash the sorted rice severally with clean water. It could be extremely dirty so you have to wash it severally till the water gets clean. Once done, place in a small pot.
Step 3: Add some water just enough to cover the rice. Parboil for 10 mins and turn out into a clean bowl. Rinse a few times more and place back in the pot.
Step 4: Add some salt and clean water then boil till the rice softens.
Serve with Ofada stew, Ayamase aka designer stew, or any Nigerian Stew/sauce available.
Health benefits of Ofada Rice a.k.a Abakiliki rice (just to state a few)
• Due to its rich fiber concentration, ofada rice facilitates healthy bowel movement and promotes weight-loss.
• it helps improve metabolism and keeps you feeling fuller for a long time.
• it's rich in protein
• it contains lignans which helps Protect against Heart Disease
• it's a good Source of Fiber which has been shown to reduce high cholesterol levels, prevent atherosclerosis.
• The fiber contained in it helps keep blood sugar levels under control and so is an excellent grain choice for people with diabetes.
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Hmmmm. Personally, I don't really like ofada and I just can't place my hands on any reason bt I guess it's the 'aroma' that puts me off. Having read these now, I will give it a try. It's a good thing that the ayamashe stew is kinda pepperish so twill make up for the aroma *smiles*
ReplyDeleteyeah the aroma is one thing that puts people off but with the sauce, it'd definitely be overlooked :)
DeleteThanks for the info Dobby! I guessed it was the same as Abakaliki rice, now I know it's one and the same.
ReplyDeleteyou're welcome Adaeze :)
DeleteDon't really like d smell but I love it, I will try dis at home. Keep up d gud work
ReplyDeleteThanks Gbemi
DeleteThank you dobby for making the preparation look simple!
ReplyDeleteAbiola
you're welcome abiola.
DeleteMy mum just sent me abakaliki rice and I neva touch am, but nooooow, ama go cook and munch munch
ReplyDeleteYou'd enjoy it with Obe Ata iru or Ayamase.
Deletei love ofada rice yum yum
ReplyDeleteit sure is tasty :)
DeleteLove it but it's hard to come by here in Abj, will have to ask my mum to help send me some
ReplyDeletei couldn't agree more Anon.
Deletethis so different.we also want to try to do this.thanks.Modular kitchens in coimbatore
ReplyDeleteDo let us know how it goes :)
DeleteI like ofada rice but is a bit costly when compared to normal white rice.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is and that's because it's very rich in the basic nutrients. Manufacturers know this and that's why they sell it more expensive.
DeleteLoved ofada when I was in Nigeria. Can you buy it in the UK?
ReplyDeleteYes you can sandra.
DeleteJust bought a bag of Abakiliki rice today through a friend. I opted for it because I've decided to eat healthy. After all I grew up eating local rice. It like going back to my roots
ReplyDeleteWht kind of ofada rice is d best, is it d local of foreign?
ReplyDeleteIs there a foreign one? Ofada a locally grown here in Nigeria and that's the Best :)
DeletePlease, where can i get to buy ofada rice in Portharcourt?
ReplyDeleteAsk for "Local" rice in any major market
DeleteAll should know that Abakaliki rice and Ofada rice are NOT THE SAME but are close look-alike. A major difference is that Abakaliki rice has a lovely nutritious 'aroma' while Ofada rice 'aroma' puts most people off. The difference is clear.
ReplyDeletei stand to refute this statement Anonymous5:34 am. i have lived in abakiliki and i know for sure Ofada rice and abakiliki rice are the same. The only difference is that polishing plants have been established in abakiliki to polish the rice well while ofada rice is mostly sold unpolished. Simply put, THEY ARE THE SAME.
Delete