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Garri Soakings with Groundnuts

Garri Soakings — known in Yoruba as Garri Ijebu — is one of the most uniquely Nigerian eating experiences and possibly the simplest 'meal' in the entire Nigerian culinary repertoire. Dry garri granules are placed in a bowl, covered with cold water and left to soak for a few minutes until they absorb the water and swell into a cool, slightly sour, refreshing mixture.

Garri Soakings with Groundnuts, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 2 big cups of garri (white or yellow, but white Garri Ijebu is most popular for soaking)
  • Cold water — enough to cover and soak the garri
  • A big handful of roasted groundnuts (peanuts)
  • 2 big tablespoons of sugar — optional
  • 2 big tablespoons of evaporated milk — optional
  • A small handful of dried coconut shreds — optional
  • Fresh coconut pieces — optional
  • Cold water or ice cubes for extra refreshment

Method

  1. 01

    Placing the Garri. Pour 2 big cups of garri into a deep bowl.

  2. 02

    Adding Cold Water. Pour enough cold water over the garri to completely submerge it. Use cold water — not warm or hot. Some people add ice cubes for extra refreshment. The garri will immediately begin to absorb the water.

  3. 03

    Soaking. Allow the garri to soak for 3 to 5 minutes until the granules have absorbed water and swollen slightly. The garri should be fully hydrated — moist and swollen — but not yet disintegrating into mush. The ideal soaked garri has a pleasant slightly sour, refreshing quality.

  4. 04

    Adding Accompaniments. Add roasted groundnuts, sugar, evaporated milk and coconut as desired. Some people like sweet Garri Soakings (with sugar and milk), others prefer savoury (with groundnuts only). There is no wrong way.

  5. 05

    Eating. Eat with a spoon or simply drink directly from the bowl. Garri Soakings should be consumed promptly before the garri absorbs too much water and becomes too soft.

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