Native rice is one of those traditional meals that does not require too many ingredients, yet the taste is rich and satisfying. What makes it special is the natural ingredients used and the unique aroma that comes from them.

1. The first step is going to the market to get the main ingredients. For this dish, you will need smoked fish, crayfish, palm fruit, scent leaf, and fresh pepper. Most of the other basic cooking ingredients, like salt, seasoning cubes, and onions, are things you likely already have in your kitchen.

2. Start by parboiling your white rice and keeping it aside. This helps the rice cook faster and prevents it from becoming too soft when it is finally added to the soup base.

3. Next, boil the palm fruit until it becomes soft. After boiling, pound it properly and extract the thick palm fruit water from the chaff. This palm fruit extract is what gives native rice its rich color and deep traditional flavor.

4. After that, steam your smoked fish and keep it aside. At this point, your fresh pepper should already be blended or ground, since the pepper will go directly into the pot without frying.

5. Place your pot on the gas and pour in the palm fruit extract. Add the blended fresh pepper, seasoning cubes, and salt. You can add other natural spices if you like, but it is better to avoid too many artificial spices so the original taste of the native rice remains.

6. Then add your crayfish, onions, and the water from the fish you steamed earlier. Allow everything to boil together so the flavors can mix well.

7. Once it starts boiling properly, pour in the parboiled rice and allow it to cook. When the rice is almost ready, add your smoked fish and stir gently so the fish does not break too much.

8. Finally, add your scent leaf and allow the food to heat for a few more minutes. The scent leaf will release a beautiful aroma that completes the dish. After that, you can bring the pot down, and your native rice is ready to be served.

One interesting thing about native rice is that you can add any protein of your choice, such as kpomo or meat. For those from the Yoruba side, adding iru is also allowed and gives the rice another unique flavor.

If you try this meal, you will definitely fall in love with the taste. It is simple, traditional, and full of flavor. 🍲