Ose Oji, a cherished Igbo delicacy from Nigeria, represents the perfect marriage of spiced peanut butter and garden eggs. This traditional dish has long been a cornerstone of important social gatherings, from weddings to family celebrations, where it’s served as a gesture of hospitality and welcome.
Originally influenced by Portuguese traders who introduced peanuts to West Africa, this dish has evolved into a distinctive culinary symbol of Igbo culture. The combination of creamy, spiced peanut butter with fresh garden eggs creates a memorable taste experience that continues to delight guests at Nigerian celebrations.
Ingredients
- 450g roasted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon ground chili pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground ehuru (African calabash nutmeg)
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- Fresh garden eggs (African eggplants) for serving
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 people
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Place the roasted peanuts in a food processor bowl
- Step 2: Add the ground chili pepper, ground ehuru, and crumbled stock cube
- Step 3: Process all ingredients until they form a smooth, oily paste
- Step 4: Transfer to a serving bowl
- Step 5: Serve with fresh garden eggs on the side
Additional Instructions
- Store the peanut butter mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 weeks
- Adjust spice level according to preference
- Can also be served with kola nuts, boiled yams, or bread
- Garden eggs can be served raw or lightly blanched
- Contains peanuts – not suitable for those with nut allergies
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 250 kcal per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
