Nigerian egg cups with dodo (fried plantain) make for an elegant and thoughtful breakfast-in-bed option, perfect for treating mothers on special occasions like Mother’s Day or Women’s Day. This convenient and portable dish can also be packed as a delightful office breakfast, combining traditional Nigerian flavors with a modern presentation.
Eggs provide an excellent source of morning protein, and this recipe transforms them into an elegant dish that’s both nutritious and visually appealing. The addition of local vegetables and dodo creates a uniquely Nigerian twist on traditional egg cups.
Ingredients
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 tablespoon chopped tomato
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped scotch bonnet pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped spinach or ugu leaves
- 3-4 curry leaves or partmenjer
- 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 pieces fried plantain (dodo) sticks
- 1 pinch black pepper
- Chicken seasoning to taste
- Salt to taste
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Serves: 3
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Preheat oven and place a baking tray filled with water inside to heat
- Step 2: Finely chop all vegetables and set aside
- Step 3: Thoroughly coat three ramekins or moin-moin cups with melted butter
- Step 4: Whisk eggs in a bowl and season with chicken seasoning, black pepper, and salt
- Step 5: Distribute chopped vegetables evenly among the prepared cups
- Step 6: Pour beaten egg mixture into each cup, filling only halfway to allow for rising
- Step 7: Insert one dodo stick in the center of each cup
- Step 8: Bake until eggs are fully set (test with a knife – it should come out clean)
- Step 9: Serve warm with a hot beverage of choice
Additional Instructions
- Use standard ramekins or traditional moin-moin cups for baking
- Ensure water bath in the oven for even cooking
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated gently in the microwave
- Store in refrigerator for up to 24 hours
- Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of scotch bonnet pepper
- Can substitute spinach with any local leafy greens
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 180 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 8g per serving
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 12g per serving
- Approx. Fat: 13g per serving
