Hardship: Top 10 pocket-friendly Nigerian meals

In Nigeria, where the cost of living can vary widely, finding nutritious and affordable meals is essential.

Whether you’re cooking at home or opting to purchase ready-made dishes, it’s entirely possible to enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

With N750 to N1500, you can purchase a variety of hearty Nigerian meals, from staples like Jollof rice to quick fixes like Indomie noodles with vegetables and a little more to prepare by yourself.

These meals not only provide the necessary nourishment but are also accessible, ensuring that eating well on a budget is within reach for many.

Pocket friendly” is an informal term used to describe something affordable or reasonably priced.

It implies that the cost of the item or service won’t put a strain on your budget, making it easy to purchase without financial difficulty.

PUNCH Online in a Thursday chat with a Kwara State-based food entrepreneur, Mrs Lateefat Alli-Oluwafuyi, said that health is wealth and good food translates into good health.

She stressed that one should rather try to feed well and stay healthy than get sick these days with the increase in drug prices and get effective treatment.

“The phrase “health is wealth” underscores the idea that good health is one of the most valuable assets a person can have. The absence of good health can significantly compromise all other aspects of life. A healthy body and mind are the foundation for a fulfilling and productive life.

“When we say good food translates into good health, we’re emphasising the critical role that nutrition plays in maintaining and enhancing our well-being. The food we consume directly affects our body’s functioning, energy levels, and overall health.”

With a cross-sectional survey done across the six zones, here are ten economic-friendly meal ideas in Nigeria that are both nutritious and easy on the pocket:

1. Jollof Rice

Jollof Rice

Ingredients: Rice, tomatoes, onions, pepper, oil, seasoning cubes.
Why: A staple in many Nigerian homes, Jollof rice is affordable and can be prepared with or without protein, making it adaptable to various budgets.

2. Beans and Plantain

Ingredients: Beans, ripe or unripe plantains, palm oil, onions, seasoning.
Why: Beans are an excellent source of protein and are quite affordable. Paired with plantains, it makes a filling meal.

3. Eba and Egusi Soup

Ingredients: Garri (for Eba), melon seeds, palm oil, vegetables, milk curds (wara), stockfish, or meat (optional).
Why: Egusi soup is rich and can be made with or without meat, depending on your budget. Eba (made from Garri) is inexpensive and filling.

4. Yam Porridge (Asaro)

Yam porridge | Sisi Jemimah

Ingredients: Yam, palm oil, pepper, onions, spinach or other leafy greens, seasoning.
Why: Yam porridge is a hearty and economical dish, especially when yams are in season.

5. Okra Soup and Fufu

Ingredients: Okra, palm oil, crayfish, pepper, seasoning, milk curds (wara), cassava flour (for Fufu).
Why: Okra is affordable and nutritious. Paired with Fufu, it creates a satisfying meal.

6. Beans and Corn Porridge (Adalu)

Ingredients: Beans, corn, palm oil, onions, seasoning.
Why: Combining beans and corn creates a protein-rich meal that’s both filling and affordable.

7. Noodles with Vegetables

Ingredients: Instant noodles, carrots, cabbage, onions, bell peppers, eggs (optional).
Why: Noodles are quick and cheap. Adding vegetables increases the nutritional value without significantly increasing cost.

8. Acha (Fonio) Porridge

Ingredients: Acha grains, vegetables, palm oil, onions, seasoning.
Why: Acha is a lesser-known grain but is highly nutritious and can be cooked into a light porridge with minimal ingredients.

9. Moi Moi

Moi Moi |Serious Eats

Ingredients: Beans, pepper, onions, oil, seasoning.
Why: Moi Moi is a versatile and protein-rich dish that can be eaten alone or as a side.

10. Fried Yam and Akara

Ingredients: Yam, beans (for Akara), oil, pepper, and onions.
Why: A popular street food combination that is inexpensive and can serve as a breakfast or light dinner.

These meals are not only cost-effective but also easy to prepare, ensuring that you can eat well on a budget.

Good food plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing our well-being. The nutrients we consume through a balanced diet—such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats—support our body’s functioning, energy levels, and overall health.

Proper nutrition not only provides the energy needed for daily activities but also helps prevent chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Additionally, a healthy diet positively impacts mental health, improves mood, and reduces stress.

By making nutritious food choices, we invest in our health, ensuring a longer, healthier life and the ability to handle life’s challenges with resilience.

Punch NG