Isi Ewu, An Original Igbo Delicacy

By Ndem Nkem

Isi ewu translated as ‘goat head’ is undoubtedly one of the most popular delicacies that originate from the Eastern Nigeria.

Isi ewu is an Eastern Nigerian classic for a reason. It is difficult to visit a local pub or joint and not find the food on the menu; also, no Igbo celebration is complete without mounds of this tasty, delicately spiced traditional Igbo dish that is made with a goat’s head.

If you are visiting the eastern part of the country and looking to have a taste of this palatable, you may want to lodge at hotels such The Gate Luxury Apartment, Enugu; Finotel Classy Hotel, Awka; Luxury City Royale, Aba, whose chefs are skilled in preparing the delicacy.

If you, however, are not ready to take an adventure to the east, but you want to have a taste anyway, Jumia Travel has the perfect recipe on how to prepare an authentic and mouth-watering Isi ewu right at home.

You will need:

1 Goat Head

15 cl (150ml) Red Palm Oil

2 teaspoons ground Ehu seeds (Calabash Nutmeg)

1 tablespoon powdered edible potash (Akanwu)

2 big beef flavoured stock cubes

2 medium onions (1 to cook, 1 to garnish)

About 10 Utazi leaves

2 habanero peppers

Salt (to taste)

Cooking directions:

Cut the goat head into pieces, excluding the essential parts including ears, tongue etc which you should cut out whole.

Season properly and cook till the meat is soft and you are left with a very little but rich stock.

Grind potash into powder and pour in a bowl. Add a small quantity of water (preferably the goat meat broth) and stir well. Pass it through a fine sieve and set the liquid aside.

Pour the palm oil into a pot and add the potash mixture into the oil.

Add the onions, pepper, ehu seeds, utazi that has been cut to tiny pieces and seasoning cube and  stir very well till they are all mixed properly.

Add the goat head to the palm oil paste and stir very well with a wooden spatula and heat on a cooker until the Isi Ewu is piping hot.

Serve the Isi Ewu in a wooden mortar and garnish with slices of Utazi and onion rings.g_119

Isi ewu looks like a complicated meal, but it is rather easy to make. Do not forget to share pictures of your endeavour with us. Upload pictures and tag us on twitter or instagram

Nkem Ndem is a PR Associate at Jumia Travel.