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Tiger Nut Pudding

Also known as Tiger Nut Pudding (Ofio Pudding)

Tiger Nut Pudding is a naturally sweet, nutritionally extraordinary pudding made from tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus) — the small, wrinkled, slightly chewy tubers called Ofio in Yoruba and Hausa Groundnut in some areas (though they are not related to groundnuts). Tiger nuts are one of the most ancient foods consumed by humans — archaeological evidence of human consumption dates back over 30,000 years.

Tiger Nut Pudding, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • 2 big cups of fresh or dried tiger nuts (Ofio / Cyperus esculentus)
  • 3 glasses of water for soaking
  • 2 glasses of water for blending
  • 2 big tablespoons of honey or dates — optional, for extra sweetness
  • Half a teaspoon of vanilla extract — optional
  • A pinch of cinnamon — optional
  • Fresh coconut flakes for garnish

Method

  1. 01

    Soaking the Tiger Nuts. Place the tiger nuts in a bowl. Cover with 3 glasses of cold water. Soak for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight. The tiger nuts will swell, soften and become more fragrant during soaking. Drain and rinse.

  2. 02

    Blending. Place the soaked tiger nuts in a blender with 2 glasses of fresh cold water. Blend at high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.

  3. 03

    Straining. Strain the blended tiger nut mixture through a fine muslin cloth or very fine sieve, squeezing out all the liquid. The liquid is a rich, creamy, naturally sweet tiger nut milk. Reserve this liquid. The remaining fibrous pulp can be discarded or used in baking.

  4. 04

    Thickening into Pudding. Pour the tiger nut milk into a small pot. Add honey or dates if using, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly into a light, creamy pudding consistency.

  5. 05

    Chilling and Serving. Pour into bowls or glasses. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until chilled and slightly thickened. Garnish with fresh coconut flakes and serve cold.

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