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Agidi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Agidi
Agidi
Agidi
Alternative namesNigerian corn pudding
TypeTraditional Nigerian food
Place of originNigeria
Region or stateNigeria
Serving temperatureWarm
Main ingredients
  • Corn flour
  • Water
Ingredients generally usedSalt
  •  Wikimedia Commons logo Media: Agidi

Agidi is a staple food eaten across West Africa. It is mostly popular among people of Southern and parts of Northern Nigeria.[1][2][3][4] The Ngwa Igbos refer to it as Àsụrụàsụ Oka, Nri Oka, or Agidi (Igbo)[5], Eko/Agidi[6](Yoruba), Akasan(Benin), Komu(Hausa), Kafa(Ghana), Akwapim (Togo).[1][7][3][8] It is often described as a Nigerian jelly-like dish and is made in a way similar to pap (ogi or akamụ).[9] Agidi also has a variant known as “Agidi Jollof,” which is prepared similarly to Jollof rice. Agidi Jollof is most similar to the mesoamerican tamale dish.[10] It is made with corn flour and water.

Overview

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Agidi is a staple food across West Africa, and most popular across the Southern and parts of Northern Nigeria.[1][4] The word Agidi is documented in the Yoruba dictionary to mean a meal made from an indian corn meal. It is popularly known as Eko among the Yorubas and Agidi among the Igbos.[11][12] It is a smooth, soft, and mildly fermented pudding that holds a special place in many Nigerian households. It is best served with warm sauces or dishes such as Ofe Akwu, Banga soup, pepper soup, Ofe Nsala, stewed vegetables, Akara, or any accompaniment of choice.[13]

Health benefits

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Since it is made from corn and water, its health benefits are similar to those of maize, including being rich in potassium, helping to reduce blood cholesterol, and aiding in the prevention of diverticulosis. Due to its high fiber content, it may also help reduce constipation.[14]

Variant

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Agidi jollof

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Agidi Jollof is a culinary variation of Agidi white. Agidi jollof is typically pink, bright red or yellow in color due to the tomato stew, meat broth or stock added during preparation. Unlike white Agidi, which is usually paired with a side dish, Agidi Jollof can be eaten on its own, similar to Okpa or Moi Moi.[15] The ingredients used in making it include:[16][15]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Annual Report — West African Maize Rust Research Unit (Report). West African Maize Rust Research Unit. 1954. p. 55.
  2. ^ Medeme, Ovwe (5 March 2022). "I Sold Akamu, Agidi To Survive — Kanayo O. Kanayo". Independent Newspaper Nigeria.
  3. ^ a b Obeta, N.A.; Eze, C.M.; Leonard, O.C.; Ugwuona, F.U.; Obeta, U.R. (2023). "Quality evaluation and sensory properties of Agidi produced from blends of maize (Zea mays) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan)" (PDF). Carpathian Journal of Food Science and Technology. 15 (3): 204. doi:10.34302/crpjfst/2023.15.3.16.
  4. ^ a b Gibson, Brian; Zhao, Jian; Schwan, Rosane Freitas (2022). "Editorial: Interspecies Interactions within Fermented Food Systems and Their Impact on Process Efficiency and Product Quality". Frontiers in Microbiology. 13 902116. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.902116. PMC 9073081. PMID 35531279.
  5. ^ IHEBOM, NNENNA (2016). OKOWATA (Ọba Mkpụrụokwu Igbo) (in Igbo) (2nd ed.). Loneranger Publishers. p. 17. ISBN 978-978-5339-6-0-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  6. ^ Wakeman, C. W. (1913). Dictionary of the Yoruba language. Lagos: Church Missionary Society Bookshop.
  7. ^ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2009). Indigenous peoples' food systems: the many dimensions of culture, diversity and environment for nutrition and health (PDF). Rome: FAO & Centre for Indigenous Peoples' Nutrition and Environment.
  8. ^ Miss Williams' cookery book. Nigeria: Longmans of Nigeria. 1961. p. 249.
  9. ^ "How to Make Agidi or Eko". All Nigerian Recipes. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
  10. ^ "How to Make Agidi Jollof from Scratch". All Nigerian Recipes. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
  11. ^ Aremo, Bolaji (2012). How Yoruba and Igbo Became Different Languages. African Books Collective. p. 159. ISBN 978-978-37195-6-9.
  12. ^ Miss Williams' cookery book. Nigeria: Longmans of Nigeria. 1961. p. 249.
  13. ^ "How to Make Agidi: The Delicious Soulful Nigerian Corn Pudding Recipe 🌽✨ - 9jakitchen-Comfort Through Food". 2025-09-24. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
  14. ^ Funmilayo, Blessing (2022-03-28). "Agidi or Eko - African Food Network". afrifoodnetwork. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
  15. ^ a b Adasrecipes (2025-08-25). "Make Agidi Jollof Recipe from Scratch | Ada's Recipes". Retrieved 2026-05-22.
  16. ^ "Agidi Jollof: How to Make Agidi Jollof (Agidi Jellof) – Nigerian Food TV". Retrieved 2026-05-22.
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