# Onunu

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> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onunu
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{{orphan|date=March 2025}}
{{Short description|Nigerian dish}}

{{Infobox food
| name               = Onunu
| image              = Onunu Food.jpg
| caption            = 
| alternate_name     = 
| region             = [Ijaw](/source/Ijaw_people), Rivers, Nigeria
| national_cuisine   = Nigerian cuisine
| course             = Main dish
| main_ingredient    = Yam, ripe plantain and palm oil
| variations         = 
}}

'''Onunu''' is a traditional dish from [Rivers State](/source/Rivers_State), Nigeria, widely enjoyed by the [Ijaw](/source/Ijaw_people) ethnic group. It is made by boiling [yam](/source/yam_(vegetable)) and ripe plantains, which are then pounded together and blended with [palm oil](/source/palm_oil) to form a smooth, vibrant mixture. It is often served with spicy fish pepper soup or fresh fish stew. These accompaniments highlight its rich taste.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Nigeria |first=Guardian |date=2019-09-21 |title=How To Make Onunu |url=https://guardian.ng/life/ingredients-and-method-of-making-onunu-meal/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2025-03-23 |newspaper=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian_(Nigeria))|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=BellaNaija.com |date=2024-08-21 |title=Shared Plates, Shared Stories: Lost In Lagos Plus Magazine Releases Their August Issue |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2024/08/lost-in-lagos-plus-magazine-august-issue/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-11 |title=Port Harcourt International Food festival: Man or woman who sabi cook pass? |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/50378488 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=BBC News Pidgin}}</ref>

== Preparation ==
thumb
thumb|Preparation of Onunu dish
Onunu is prepared by boiling yams until they are partially cooked, then adding peeled ripe plantains to the pot. Once both ingredients are tender, they are pounded together to create a smooth consistency. Palm oil is then added, which enhances the dish's flavor and gives it its signature color.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Udevi |first=Obiamaka Angela |date=2022-02-11 |title=Recipe For Onunu |url=https://articles.connectnigeria.com/recipe-for-onunu/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Connectnigeria Articles |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Cultural significance ==
Historically, onunu was reserved for special occasions such as traditional weddings, royal ceremonies, and other cultural milestones. It was also served in fattening rooms as a symbol of nourishment and abundance. Today, onunu remains an integral part of cultural celebrations and is enjoyed widely.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Philips-Kemenanabo |first=Nicole |date=2021-10-18 |title=How to prepare onunu, the undercelebrated Nigerian Staple - Afrocritik |url=https://www.afrocritik.com/how-to-prepare-onunu-the-undercelebrated-nigerian-staple/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Afrocritik |language=en}}</ref>

== Nutritional value ==
Onunu provides carbohydrates from yams and plantains, serving as an energy source. Palm oil contributes dietary fats, while fish-based stews or soups served alongside the dish add protein, making it nutritionally balanced.<ref name=":1" />

== Variations ==
Traditionally paired with fish pepper soup, onunu can also be served with other Nigerian soups or stews, including vegetable soup and egusi soup, based on individual preferences.<ref>{{Cite web |last=My9jafoodshub |date=2024-09-03 |title=The Rich Tradition of Onunu: Unraveling the Flavors and Significance of this Nigerian Dish |url=https://my9jafoodshub.com/the-rich-tradition-of-onunu-unraveling-the-flavors-and-significance-of-this-nigerian-dish/2024/09/03/?amp=1 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=My9jafoodshub |language=en-US}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [Onunu Festival](/source/Onunu_Festival)
* [Ijaw](/source/Ijaw_people)
* [Rivers State](/source/Rivers_State)

== References ==
{{reflist}}

Category:Vegetarian dishes of Nigeria
Category:Plantain dishes
Category:Staple foods
Category:Yam dishes

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Onunu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onunu) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onunu?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.