Lifestyle

The Best Way to Prepare Poundo Yam Flour

Poundo yam, and hundreds of soups or other dishes, is a Nigerian staple side dish. It is made from yam flour and is a decent substitution for pounded yam made from fresh yam. It’s clear that the powdered version with the fresh pounded yam is just not the same, but it’s pretty darn near!

In the orthodox method of using mortar and pestle, the tension and complexity involved in producing pounded yam have led many people to eliminate the meal from the menu of their families. It’s 2020 and not many people are opting for easier ways to do things.

Similarly, particularly during the dry season, yam is pricey, which is if you’re even fortunate to find the decent ones. And again, when you’re living with the landlord or worse off when you have people leaving under you, the sound coming from your beating and pounding could lead to needless quarrels.

In recent times, the emergence of substitute poundo yam appears to be the way out; a form of powder/flour that produces a similar outcome. It’s a quicker operation and less laborious.

This meal, because of its stretchy texture and very sweet taste, is one of my favorite swallows. Two methods are available to prepare Poundo Yam

First option

First of all, blend 2 teaspoons of flour with 1⁄4 cup of water to produce a light mixture.
Combine the flour mixture in a medium pot with 2 cups of water; bring it to a boil.
Thirdly, pour poundo flour in boiling water gently; minimize heat; stir continuously with a wooden spoon until a strong mass begins to develop.
Then apply leftover water periodically when stirring, and poke holes to let steam escape and cook the flour.
Finally, stir until all the water evaporates and a solid lump emerges. The lump should be mild and stretchy to the touch, not too soft or too rough.
Serve with your favorite broth from Nigeria.

For option

Firstly, add to boiling water one cup of poundo flour.
Note: Beginning with the same volume of water as the powder is my key tip for producing every morsel.
Stir until it is a whole solid lump with a wooden spoon.
Now, the lump would usually be too dense to eat, so add as much as you want to get the consistency you want from the remaining 1⁄2 cup of water.
Remember to add pieces of water. If you would like, add more than the remaining 1⁄2 cup of water.
Similarly, just as you cook Semo, Eba, Amala, Starch, and the likes, poundo yam can also be prepared the same way using poundo yam flour.
In the most stress-free way possible, you will now enjoy baking pounded yam.

Entertainment

Davido announces white wedding date with Chioma

Nigerian music superstar Davido has officially revealed plans for a white wedding with his wife, Chioma, which will be held in Miami this August.
During an interview on The Breakfast Club, Davido compared Nigerian marriage customs to those in the United States, noting how family dynamics often play a significant role in African unions.

He said,

Back home, the culture in some households is, for example, that a lot of men grew up with their mum so she’s everything. You know those kinds of households that even if they get married, they can’t leave their mum, she must be in the house. So anything the husband does right or wrong, she’s supporting the husband.

The singer, who previously held a lavish traditional wedding in Nigeria, shared the update while reflecting on cultural differences and the intense public attention surrounding their relationship.

He added,

That’s the mentality in Nigeria: the same thing is for women, they must always support their daughters. Meanwhile, in America, it is just the man and woman who get married. In Nigeria, you never really leave that family. Have you seen a Nigerian wedding?

He went on to recall how his traditional wedding turned into a nationwide celebration and how the white wedding in August 2025 would be a continuation.

I’m having my white wedding in Miami in August. The wedding I did was traditional, it was like a carnival in Nigeria, like a holiday. The whole world stood still. Me and my wife’s relationship was in the public eye, especially after I did that one song. So a lot of things happened. Even apart from losing our child, I messed up a lot of times so that full circle moment everyone was like finally she can get what she deserves.

The 32-year-old Atlanta-born Grammy nominee also added that his wife is the best because she keeps her affairs private.

My wife, you can never see her go to any interview or take a phone to say ‘oh, my husband did this’ or see her go on live — like the normal things. And I appreciate her for that because she could.

The effervescent singer went on to say that no one is perfect, and he would be lying if he said they are.

Entertainment

King Charles Reveals His 17 track Playlist With Davido’s Song Making The Cut

Nigerian five-time Grammy nominee Davido is one of the artists whose songs are on King Charles III’s 17-track playlist, which was recently launched on Apple Music.

Speaking on the song’s inclusion, the King stated that he loves pidgin English while recalling his admirable attempt to make a speech in Nigerian pidgin English when he last visited the West African country.

The hitmaker is the only Nigerian on the list, and he’s joined by late South African music legend Mariam Makeba, whose song ‘The Click Song’ also made the playlist.

‘Kante,’ featuring Fave, is one of the hit songs from Davido’s Grammy-nominated album ‘Timeless,’ released in 2023. The album enjoyed commercial success and set several streaming and charting records.

Speaking on the playlist, the English monarch stated that he wanted to share the songs that have brought him joy.

“I wanted to share with you songs which have brought me joy. They evoke many different styles and many different cultures. But all of them, like the family of Commonwealth nations, in their many different ways, share the same love of life in all its richness and diversity.”

King Charles III, who is the head of the Commonwealth, shared that he hopes listeners enjoy the playlist and perhaps discover new songs through it.

“I can only hope you have enjoyed these few songs I have had time to share with you. Perhaps you have heard some of your own favorite pieces- and perhaps you may have discovered something new.”

King Charles III’s playlist is another interaction between the monarch and Nigerian music as Afrobeats superstar Tiwa Savage performed at his coronation event in May 2023.

The inclusion of Davido’s ‘Kante’ is a recognition of the global popularity of Nigerian music and the country’s importance to the Commonwealth organization.

Health

Superfoods to Boost Your Immune System

A strong immune system is essential for defending your body against illnesses and infections. While no single food can guarantee immunity, incorporating nutrient-rich superfoods into your diet can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these superfoods provide the building blocks your immune system needs to function optimally. Here’s a list of top superfoods to include in your diet for an immune system boost.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are well-known for their high vitamin C content. This powerful antioxidant helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting infections.

How to Include: Add fresh lemon juice to water, and enjoy an orange as a snack.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics that support gut health, especially varieties with live and active cultures. Since a significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut, maintaining a healthy microbiome is key to overall immunity.

How to Include: Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt and add honey or fresh fruits for natural sweetness.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining the health of mucous membranes, which act as a barrier to pathogens.

How to Include: Roast sweet potatoes with olive oil and spices, or mash them as a side dish.

Ginger

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It can help reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress, which can weaken the immune system. Ginger is also beneficial for soothing sore throats and nausea.

How to Include: Brew fresh ginger tea, add grated ginger to smoothies, or use it in marinades and sauces.

Red Bell Peppers

Red bell peppers contain more vitamin C than most citrus fruits, making them a top choice for immune support. They are also rich in beta-carotene, contributing to healthy skin and mucous membranes.

How to Include: Slice raw peppers for a crunchy snack or roast them for a flavorful dish addition.

Turmeric

This vibrant yellow spice is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin. Turmeric may enhance immune cell activity and help the body fight infections.

How to Include: Stir turmeric into soups, curries, or golden milk lattes for a healthful boost.