It’s going to be Christmas in a few weeks, and the pressure, excitement, and anxiety are already in the air. Thanks to the harmattan that just showed up a few days ago, serving as a constant reminder that we’re in the season. The excitement is mounting daily, and even my daughter is already counting down. Like so many moms out there, I’m already wondering what to have on the menu this year.
Some families will be lodging in hotels, so the burden of cooking is already taken off their shoulders. Others have mentioned they won’t be stressing with plenty of cooking and won’t go out of their way to do much, sticking to their regular menu. Another group says they won’t cook at all but will pay food vendors or caterers to deliver meals to them. I totally get all of these because, truly, cooking can be quite stressful and never-ending, especially if you’ll be hosting guests day in and day out.
It would be a great help and a huge burden off your shoulders to draw up a menu early enough. This would also help you shop before the prices of things triple in the market, keeping you organized overall.
I decided to share a few ideas I came up with—hopefully, they’ll inspire you to add to your menu. Mine will be a potpourri of the regular and not-so-regular. Here’s what it looks like:
- Fried Rice
It’s a very common Christmas Day staple in most Nigerian homes, and I’ll definitely be having it on hand this season. I’m rarely impressed with most fried rice I eat outside, and that’s because I make really tasty fried rice. Here’s a little twist you can add to make yours stand out: my three magic ingredients are spring onions, green pepper, and parsley. Among other veggies, make sure to add enough green pepper and spring onions—they have a delicious taste that makes all the difference. After stir-frying and mixing, sprinkle a bit of parsley as a topping and thank me later. If you can, parboil the rice in broth before frying. You’re welcome! - Jollof Rice
This rice dish, which originates from Senegal, is probably the most enjoyed in Nigeria and is fast becoming a national symbol—I kid you not. There’s always emphasis on “party jollof,” known for its tasty, charred flavor from firewood. I must admit, the firewood adds magic, and there’s rarely a party or celebration in Nigeria without jollof rice. Everything goes well with it—beef, chicken, turkey, or goat meat. If you’re not making yours with firewood, you can still achieve that delicious taste. Use the same oil from frying the meat to fry the tomatoes for the jollof, and, of course, cook the rice in the meat broth. For extra spice lovers, a peppery mix served on the side is always a winner. - American Cole Slaw
This makes a very good side dish in Nigeria, and no jollof or fried rice is ever complete without it. It’s mainly a combination of cabbage and carrot, grated or thinly sliced, with mayonnaise or salad cream as dressing. This is the basic coleslaw, but some people add kidney beans or sweet corn for variety. It all depends on you. - Chicken Curry
This is always a great option for those looking to step away from the regular and try something a bit different. Chicken curry is like stew for white rice but made with chicken, veggies, and cornflour paste as a thickener. It’s very delicious but should be eaten as soon as possible, as it thickens as it cools. - Spaghetti and Meatballs
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this! It’s an absolute favorite with my kids. Minced meat is seasoned, rolled into balls, fried, and added to marinara sauce (or tomato stew—it works just fine) and served with pasta with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. I’m craving it already as I write this. This one right here should definitely make it to your menu. - Catfish Peppersoup
Everyone in Nigeria loves peppersoup. Anyone who says they don’t is not Nigerian—simple!
Peppersoup can be made with catfish, goat meat, or chicken. It’s funny how, whenever we eat out, peppersoup is the first thing my kids order. It can be eaten with pieces of yam in it, white rice on the side, or just by itself. - Peppered Meat, Snails, and Small Chops
Some call them finger foods—they’re not quite meals, and they’re not snacks either. They’re somewhere in between. Their purpose? To keep the mouth busy, giving joy and happiness in a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t mind me—I can be silly with descriptions, but you get the idea. For those times when you’re not eating a main course, these finger foods fill the gap perfectly.
Merry Christmas!
Joy Mfon Essien is an Entrepreneur and the CEO, of Discover Essence Media, Millionaire Woman Soapworks and Delicioso Foods. Writer, TV presenter and producer, Wellness Coach and mom of two.
