Tuwo Shinkafa is a Nigerian local diet popular in Northern Nigeria. You cannot be in the cities of Kano, Gusau, Sokoto, Minna, Damaturu, Yola, and Kebbi and so on without having a taste of this food. It is a thick pudding prepared from local rice that is soft and sticky. It is usually served with different types of soup like Miyan Kuka and Miyan touché. This food can be referred to as Northern fufu because of its look.
The ingredients used for preparing this food are Soft local rice and water. The local rice to be used should be rinsed in cold water. The rice is cooked under medium heat. The water to be poured into the pot must rise above the rice. When the water is dry, you feel the rice with your fingers to check if it is soft. There shouldn’t be any form of resistance by the rice when touched. If there is, then more water should be added until the rice is soft and sticky. Once it is soft, it can be mashed with a wooden spatula. It is then folded and made into a mound of different sizes. The food is now steamed for a few minutes after which it is wrapped and ready to be served. Tuwo Shinkafa is best served with another northern local soup, Miyan Kuka. It could be eaten with other local soups too.
Tuwo Shinkafa is a starchy (carbohydrate) food. It is an energy giving food. It is eaten in homes, served in restaurants and it is a major food during special occasions in the north. The soup which is used to eat the food must be rich to make up for the starch. Meats and fishes must be taken except for a vegetarian. The northern fufu is quite delicious. Won’t you try it today? Give it a trial then thank me later.