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Cook Adeola’s traditional Nigerian recipes
“Back in Nigeria, this dish was a tradition for special occasions, and I used to make it often. Every time I cook it now, the smell takes me straight home to laughter, family and warmth. Each plate brings back all these memories, and a longing for the taste of home you just can’t find anywhere else.
“Fried rice always reminds me of my sisters, too. I’m the oldest, and it warms my heart knowing they learned it from me. Cooking it makes me feel like a piece of them – and of home – is right there with me.”
Tick off as you go!
• This dish is ideal for using up whatever food you have in the fridge or canned beans or vegetables from the cupboard.
• You can add an egg after the veg to make egg fried rice. Simply move everything to one side in the pan and crack the egg into the gap. Scramble it as it cooks, then stir through the rice.
• For the cooked rice, you can either use leftover rice that has been refrigerated properly or microwave rice pouches for a very quick meal.
• You can make this recipe vegan or vegetarian by using a meat substitute, tofu or some additional beans, such as soybeans, for more plant-based protein.
Cook Adeola’s traditional Nigerian recipes
“Vegetable salad always goes perfectly with fried rice, so it’s the traditional side dish back home. You can have it with all sorts of meals, but there’s something special about the way it completes a plate of fried rice and chicken. It’s simple – just fresh vegetables mixed with salad cream – but the taste is something else: creamy, crunchy and full of flavour.”
Tick off as you go!
• This meal is great for using up leftover veg or finding your own favourite combinations.
• Use a mix of red and white cabbage for more colour or try adding some shredded raw Brussels sprouts at Christmas.
• You can easily make it vegan by removing the egg and using dairy-free mayonnaise.
• If you like a bit more spice, you can play around with adding a little mustard, paprika or chilli flakes.
