how to prepares a native dish

A trained caterer, Mrs Bola Rosanwo, speaks with OLUWAYINKA DADA on how she prepares a native dish that is the toast of people from Ikenne, a town in Ogun State.

How did you discover your passion for cooking?

I am the only female child in my family and as my father’s favourite, he loved to eat the food I prepared. This made me develop a passion for cooking. I was  also brought up in a family that has a lot of caterers, so I can say that contributed to my love for cooking.

As a caterer, do you eat much?

I actually don’t eat much of food and I also don’t take junk food.

Which do you prefer, baking or cooking?

I will say cooking, though I bake well. I experience a certain joy within me when I cook.

Caterers are believed to be choosy about who prepares their food. Does this apply to you?

Yes, it does. I don’t like dirty people cooking for me; so if I have to eat food prepared by someone else, it has to be by a neat person.

How are you able to combine your duties as a wife and caterer?

I have a supportive husband who understands the nature of my job. Also, I have been able to train others, both female and male; so, sometimes I don’t have to be at events. I send them to represent me and they perform well.

Are there meals eaten when you were younger that are no longer served in homes?

There were some foods that one couldn’t just do without eating when I was young. Some of these are ebiripo, isikiri, ojojo and the likes. Young people nowadays don’t seem to fancy them anymore.

Do you prefer these to dishes popularly served today?

Of course yes. Foods back then were naturally prepared unlike now. I still prepare them, especially when I’m not too busy.

Which is your favourite when you want to prepare for occasions?

 I love cooking any type of food because that is my profession, but I will say amala and ewedu soup or pounded yam with egusi soup.

Is there a dish you treat yourself to?

 That would be amala and gbegiri soup    

What food do you love treating your spouse to?

My husband’s best food is ebiripo. He is from Ikenne, Ogun State, and people from there love to eat ebiripo. In fact, it is their special dish.

How is it prepared?

The basic ingredient is cocoyam. You will also need salt and seasoning cubes.

Peel and grate cocoyam. Add a bit of salt and seasoning to taste. Add a little water to soften the consistency if it is too thick. Wrap in moin moin leaves and steam for some minutes.

What is it best served with?

Egusi or vegetable soup.