Nigerian Egg Roll is a popular street food in Nigeria that features a crispy and flavorful pastry filled with a savory egg mixture. It’s a delicious snack that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce. The combination of the flaky pastry and the seasoned egg filling makes Nigerian Egg Roll a delightful treat. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making these tasty snacks from scratch.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup warm water
For the filling:
- 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For frying:
- Vegetable oil
Steps:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled and cubed butter to the bowl. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the warm water to the flour mixture while stirring with a fork. Continue mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
- In a bowl, mash two of the hard-boiled eggs with a fork. Add the mashed eggs, curry powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the sautéed onion and bell pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball. On a floured surface, flatten each dough ball with a rolling pin to form a circle.
- Place one hard-boiled egg in the center of each flattened dough circle. Spoon a portion of the filling mixture over the egg.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the egg and filling, and pinch them together to seal. Roll the filled dough gently between your palms to ensure it is evenly sealed.
- In a deep skillet or pot, heat enough vegetable oil for frying over medium heat. Carefully place the filled dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Once fried, remove the Nigerian Egg Rolls from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- Allow the Nigerian Egg Rolls to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Make sure the butter for the dough is chilled. This helps create a flaky and tender pastry.
- You can add additional seasonings to the filling according to your taste preferences. Some popular additions include garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can include finely chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce in the filling.
- For a shiny and golden exterior, you can brush the Nigerian Egg Rolls with beaten egg before frying.
Variation:
To add more variety to your Nigerian Egg Rolls, you can incorporate additional ingredients into the filling. Some popular options include cooked and seasoned ground meat (such as beef or chicken), diced cooked vegetables (such as carrots or peas), or shredded cheese. Be creative and experiment with different flavors to make your own unique version of Nigerian Egg Rolls.
Nigerian Egg Roll is a delightful snack that combines a crispy pastry with a savory egg filling. By following this recipe, you can recreate this popular Nigerian street food in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice, Nigerian Egg Rolls are sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and satisfying snack. So, gather your ingredients, start rolling the dough, and indulge in the deliciousness of Nigerian Egg Rolls.
