The inflation of foodstuff prices in the Nigerian market may frustrate you, but don’t panic! Relax, our relief will soon come. I know it can literally feel like you are not hustling enough or perhaps you are not buying from the right sellers. Calm down because you are not alone in this. Everybody—rich, average, and poor citizens—are experiencing it. Right now, it’s about the survival of the fittest. Fortunately, we can learn to buy only the necessary things, foodstuff included. See below the eight must-have foods in this economy.
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Rice
For this article, rice tops the chart. Although it is very expensive now, it’s the ultimate Nigerian food in this economy. You can cook rice in different ways depending on your financial situation. On payday, you may want to do it like the big guys and ladies do and prepare Nigerian jollof— I mean the party Nigerian jollof. After about a week of salary collection, you can make native rice with some Eja Kika or Panla, some iru, and crayfish with a dash of vegetables. Do it the way you like it.
But when it’s ‘red’ (like when your wallet is on ‘Sapa’ level), you can just mix and match, after all, the stomach is not transparent. As for the types of rice, the one I know that is not “very” expensive is foreign rice, long grain. Nigerian rice is now so expensive, so I would not advise that if you are trying to cut costs. All in all, rice is versatile and can be cooked in many ways depending on how much you are willing to spend on it. Not just that, its very filling, so it’s a must-have in this economy.
READ ALSO: Pregnant women collapse in stampede for subsidised FG rice
Beans
Beans are a must-have foodstuff now. It’s equally expensive. A paint bucket of honey beans (Ewa Oloyin) now goes for twelve thousand naira (N12,000), but every household needs it. If you prefer drum beans or white beans, go for it. This protein powerhouse is packed with protein and fibre, making it a healthy and budget-friendly option. Beans can be enjoyed alone, with rice, plantain, potatoes, or with any carbohydrate of your choice. You can also peel them to make moi-moi or akara. Because of its versatile nature, I advise that you include beans in your must-have foodstuff list.
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Garri
Garri is a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in minutes. It’s perfect for a quick snack or as Eba (swallow). Garri has been saving lives since the days of our forefathers till now. It’s fair to say that Garri wins over Semo and Poundo a hundred times. If you don’t have Garri in the house, what do you have?
Palm oil
Palm oil is a staple in Nigerian cuisine, adding a unique flavour to dishes like native rice and vegetable soup. It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals. You need oil for most foods in Nigeria. Palm oil tops the chart as it can be used as it is or bleached for other meals.
READ ALSO: ‘Palm oil’ reverses crude oil-induced genotoxicity, slows ageing
Onions and Peppers
Onions and peppers are versatile ingredients that can be used in almost any dish. They add flavour, depth, and complexity to your meals. They are a must-have for all households facing this economy with me.
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Seasoning
This category includes all the things that can give your food a delicious and yummy taste. It includes your actual seasonings, such as Maggi cubes, Tasty Chicken cubes, Knorr cubes, Terra cubes, and all other seasonings you like to use, as well as salt, iru (locust beans), and Ogbei. These seasonings are a quick and easy way to add flavour to your dishes.
Protein
This category is about stock or meat that provides protein to your meal. We have beef, lamb, pork, goat (chevon), fish (Panla, Titus, kote, Shawa, etc.), chicken, and turkey meat. Just cut your coat according to your cloth. Go for whatever your money can buy and include it in your family’s diet.
READ ALSO: How To Make Tasty Goat Curry Sauce
Vegetables and Carbs
Vegetables and carbs are also necessary foodstuffs in this economy. Stock up your home with all-around vegetables, such as Ugwu (pumpkin leaves), carrots, peas, green onions, etc. For carb-rich foods, go for yam (it’s relatively cheap now) and potatoes.
Additionally, get all your foodstuff in bulk; that way, you can save on buying them bit by bit. Store the ones that can be frozen to serve your family for the month. Together, we can overcome hunger and kwashiorkor!
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