Competition "My favorite dish" | Eru

Eru is actually a dark green leaf from a creeping plant so it is part of the vines family and also grows in shades. Eru is wide-spread and commonly used to cook soups in Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, Angola, Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo where it has different names like in my country Cameroon it's called Eru or Kok, in Nigeria its called Okasie or Afang, in Gabon it's Koko etc.

So for our botany friends, it is scientifically called Gnetum africanum belonging to the Kingdom Plantae; under Division Gnetophyta; under Class Gnetopsida; with Order Gnetales and the Family Gnetaceae.

The health benefits of Eru has several benefits beginning from its high protein, fibre, mineral, fat-soluble vitamins and also antioxidant content. Eru is low in energy and has hypoglycemic action for some reasons and for that, it's used traditionally in the management of Diabetes mellitus.

Every thing has an opposite side right? So for eru, the Niacin in it may lead to high uric acid levels in the body which can cause gout attacks. Also, the high fibre and niacin content of eru can lead to bowels irritation and if it's not properly washed, it can have spores of organisms such as Amoeba leading to diarrhea.

It is the traditional meal of the Bayangi people here in Cameroon yet it's enjoyed by many. Speaking of where i first tried it, i can't say since i grew up with the dish and its common where i come from. So to cook your eru, you'll need the following ingredients.

• Eru(your desired quality)
• Waterleaf(enough for the quantity of eru so it's not hard or too soft).
• Canda(your desired quality, you can use meat too).
• Dry fish(your desired quality).
• Palm oil.
• Crayfish.
• Pepper, salt, maggi

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• So first you wash your canda properly tp remove sand or any dirt. Slice to desirable sizes,then slice some onion into it and put on fire to boil till it's ready.
  

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• While waiting, arrange your fish, wash and keep aside.
  

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• Next, fix the water leaf by take out its flowers and cutting the hard stems, then wash it, slice into the pot you'll be cooking in and put on fire.
  

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• Now you just stir the waterleaf until its a bit cooked but not too soft. Then wash your eru in enough water,add to the waterleaf on fire and stir.

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• Now you can add your canda and fish, then mix together. Also add your palm oil and stir. Again, add your maggi, salt and pepper to taste
  

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• Lastly, add is your crayfish (you pick out dirt, hit it before adding). That's it, just stir and its ready to be served.
  

THE RESULTS

You can eat it with waterfufu, garri, plantain and anything you're comfortable with.

I invite @rockana, @fonjougiresse and @bongk. Thanks for your time...

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10% post reward goes to @ukraine-steem

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