Esusu is a corn meal delicacy that is very common in Abia state, amongst the Abiribas. It is a combination of maize or corn, pepper and salt, including some seasonings. When combined, water is added and everything is blended into a puree. Very smooth and warm, leaves are used to gradually wrap scoops like moimoi into the leaves and cooked until it is set and ready to be eaten! When unwrapped you have to enjoy this corn meal with this pumpkin and okro soup! Let us see the way it is prepared in the kitchen!

Recipe for 3 servings:

• 1 bunch pumpkin (ugbo-goro)

• 3 cups okro (chopped)

• 2 cooking spoons palm oil

• 1 onion, sliced

• 3 tablespoons ground crayfish

• 4 fresh peppers (crushed)

• 4 pieces mangala fish

• 1 kilogram assorted meat and ponmo

• 1 large stockfish

• Salt and seasoning to taste

Method:

Wash the pumpkin in salted water and shred, set aside and cook the meat, fish and stockfish with salt and seasoning to taste. When tender, add the palm oil, crayfish, and stir until the mixture is thoroughly mixed. Add the peppers and onions before adding the okro and the pumpkin leaves. Stir and serve with corn meal wrapped in leaves, you know what I mean- Esusu, of course.