Despite the many valid reasons several bans have been proposed, Nigerians have their own one reason they can’t do or live without ponmo. Na meat wey you fit use cook and chop anything—that is, it is a culinary enrichment that enriches every dish with its natural taste of richness.
Na so!
Nigerians can live with being ruled by bad rulers but can never live without ponmo. Lai lai, which means never!
Did I mention it is the most affordable meat? Well, affordable in 2014 one time of the proposed ban. Not now that things are suicidally expensive in Marriott’s largest growth market in West Africa.
Ghanaians who call it Welle will describe it as kwasia asem (foolish talk) if their government dares to propose such.
Well, what in the world is this ponmo?
Ah, ponmo! A humble yet revered treasure in the rich tapestry of Nigerian cuisine.
This beloved cowhide delicacy transcends mere sustenance; it is a warm embrace of nostalgia, a reminder of communal gatherings and the cherished rituals of home-cooked meals.
When you hold a piece of ponmo, you hold a slice of culture, steeped in the flavors of family traditions and the hearty laughter echoing around the dinner table.
Picture this: ponmo, with its unique texture, invites you to explore its culinary versatility.
Whether nestled in an inviting African salad known as Abacha or scattered within the sumptuous hot pot of Egusi or Ogbonna soup, it is beyond an ingredient.
It is a bridge connecting different flavors and experiences. No be lie!
Now, let’s talk about that classic Nigerian pairing: rice and beans. Oh God!
Visualize perfect cooked grains of rice, fluffy and separate, like tiny clouds of culinary bliss, alongside earthy beans tender enough to melt in your mouth.
Inside this harmonious duo, the ponmo shines—each piece, stewed to a taste of perfection in a lively tomato and pepper sauce, brings a delightful contrast to the dish.
As you take a bite, the yielding softness of the rice and beans caresses your palate, while the satisfying chewiness of the ponmo adds depth, culture.
It’s as if each mouthful tells a story. The flavors intertwining and dancing in a joyous celebration of taste. Bénì!
The beauty of ponmo lies in its ability to act as a flavor sponge—having absorbed the aromatic complexities of the stew, it releases savory richness with every bite, transforming a straightforward meal into a rich, layered culinary adventure.
Beyond its gastronomic allure, ponmo embodies a philosophy of resourcefulness and sustainability.
It is the ingenuity of Nigerian cooking, where nothing goes to waste.
The simplest ingredients are elevated into extraordinary dishes.
In the heart of every meal featuring ponmo, there lies a spirit of creativity and respect for the bounty of the land.
It reminds us true culinary artistry thrives in the embrace of tradition and innovation.
You get the point now!?
Photo Credit: Yummytreatsnaija, Instagram
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