Nutrition

Kaaweku

Kwaaweku is a staple food for royals in Ada. The name ‘Kaaweku’ is derived from two syllables – Kaawe which means crab in the Ada language and ‘Ku’ which is taken from ‘banku’ because of its preparation which is similar to that of banku.

In other languages, this food made from roasted corn flour and palm nut soup has different names with the most common being ‘Apapransa’ as it is called by the Akans. In the Ewe language, it is called, Dzemkpl3, and in Ga, it is called ‘Akplijii’.

Ingredients

-1kilogram of palm nut extract

-2 large onions

-4 large peppers

– 3 large tomatoes

-Two tablespoonfuls of grinded ginger

-Two tablespoonfuls of garlic

– Half cup of roasted corn flour

– Fish/meat

-Momone

-Two tablespoonfuls of powdered shrimps

-Smoked salmon

-3 large crabs

Three tablespoonfuls of salt

Preparation

-Prepare the meat or fish to be used

-Season with your choice of seasonings, add blended onions, garlic, ginger if preferred

-Add salt to taste

-Allow fish/meat to steam for about 5-10 minutes

-Blend tomatoes and pepper

-Add to the steamed meat or fish

-Dilute palm nut extract with warm water and put on fire to boil.

– Dilute and melt the palm extract in warm water.

– Strain the palm nut extract to meat.

-Add crab after 5 minutes

-Allow soup to boil/ cook for 15- 25minutes (Normally ready when the palm oil separates to the top. Also, taste to see if the fresh taste of the palm is completely gone).

When Palm nut soup is ready, proceed to Kaaweku preparation

-Scoop about eight ladles into a separate saucepan

-Add about 9-10 tablespoonful of the cornmeal gradually and a spoonful at a time, stirring the mixture at the same time and continuously till desired pasty texture as achieved and all lumps are completely dissolved.

-Add a scoop of soup and allow to steam for a couple of minutes.

– Serve into your bowl, garnishing with the crab on top, and enjoy. Soure: Ghanafoods.com

Nutrition

Benefits of Tamarind Juice

Tamarind seed

Tamarind juice is particularly abundant in vitamin C, which is important for a strong immune system, healthy skin and wound healing.

Additionally, tamarind provides significant amounts of B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, as well as essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron.

– Antioxidant properties

Tamarind contains potent antioxidants, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat harmful free radicals in the body. This oxidative stress reduction can help prevent cell damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.

-Digestive health

Tamarind contains dietary fibre and natural laxatives that promote regular bowel movements, alleviate constipation and improve overall gastrointestinal health.”

– Heart health

Regular consumption of tamarind juice may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. It can help lower cholesterol levels due to its high fibre content and antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease.

– Anti-inflammatory properties

Tamarind juice does a great job in curbing inflammation in the body. High in anti-inflammatory compounds such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids, this property makes it potentially beneficial for individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis or chronic inflammatory diseases.

– High magnesium content

Tamarind is rich in magnesium- 110 mg per 120 g of pulp. This simply concludes that drinking tamarind is a convenient way to meet your daily magnesium requirements. It plays an important role in the formation of bones, regulates heart rhythm, and contraction of muscles, and keeps blood sugar levels under check.

Source; Healthshots.com