AMAZING MEALS FOR DINNER IN NIGERIA

Kinds of Food for dinner in Nigeria

Before we go into the kinds of amazing meals for dinner in Nigeria lets have an understanding of what food is; So what is food?

Food can be defined as, substance consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, fat, and other nutrients used in the body of an organism to sustain growth and vital processes and to furnish energy. The absorption and utilization of food by the body is fundamental to nutrition and is facilitated by digestion. Plants, which convert solar energy to food by photosynthesis, are the primary food source. Animals that feed on plants often serve as sources of food for other animals. Gotten from encyclopedia Britannica

OR

Food is any substance consumed by living organisms to provide nourishment and energy for their growth, maintenance and overall well-being. It can come from both plant and animal sources and typically contains essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Food serves as the fuel that sustains life and supports various bodily functions. It can also be a source of pleasure and cultural significance, often varying in taste, texture, and preparation methods across different region and cultures. Gotten from ChatGPT

Also Read: https://afrikanaffairs.com/2024/10/08/the-best-african-cuisines-part-1/

The Nigerian dinner ideas include hundreds of Nigerian meals that could be served as night foods in Nigeria. There is really no basis for categorizing food as breakfast, lunch or dinner in Nigeria because the list is completely based on popular opinion, as different people accept different meals for the night, the average Nigerian eats eba and soup as the last meal of the day. Some say it’s because eba and soup are considered generally easy to make and always comparatively cheap. Most homes even stock soups in freezers. Bowls and bowls of different soups waiting for their turn at the dining table.

Let’s look at lists of foods for dinner in Nigeria

Plantain porridge: plantain porridge can be served as dinner in Nigeria, it’s a popular and hearty Nigerian dish made with ripe plantains, vegetables and often some form of protein lie fish or meat. It’s a satisfying meal that can be even be enjoyed at any time of the day, including dinner. Being one of the top Nigerian meals, this porridge is also easy to cook. It is rich on vitamins and will make you full in the evening. By the way, plantains are extremely popular in Nigeria because this product can be cooked with many different dishes and in different ways too, thanks to a big number of tasty recipes known all across the country. It’s definitely a suitable option for an evening meal in Nigeria. Gotten from legit.ng

Jollof Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes, peppers and spices can be served as food for dinner in Nigeria. This is another favorite meal of Nigerians who love to have protein and rice for dinner. Usually, this dish is made on birthdays, Christmas and different holidays and celebrations. It is very popular all across the country, among different tribes. You mix chicken with seasonal cubes, vegetables, tomato stew, and rice, cook the dish and let your family and friends (or party guests) enjoy the awesome dinner idea you have turned into a fantastic reality.

Spaghetti: Spaghetti is a type of pasta that is known for its long, thin strands and can be served as dinner in Nigeria. It is easy to make with ingredients you probably already have at home and great for those nights when you need something quick but filling! Spaghetti can be eaten alone or with some sauce (like tomato sauce), or it can be topped with meatballs or other ingredients depending on your tastes. The most important thing when cooking spaghetti is to make sure you don’t overcook it; otherwise, it will become mushy and lose its texture! If you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe that will feed your family or friends, spaghetti may be just what you need!

Swallow and soup: (Semo/Wheat/pounded yam/Eba) for the ‘swallow’ lovers, you can consider semo/wheat/pounded yam which you can enjoy with various types of soup such as Egusi soup, Ogbono soup, vegetable soup, oha soup, okro soup. You can pair them with your choice of protein like fish, meat, or vegetables for a satisfying dinner. They are quite delicious and people love them because they are made from locally-grown foods. Also, the price of these foods is not too expensive when compared to other foods. And they provide a good balance of carbohydrates and protein.

Yam and Egg Sauce: If you are the type that like yam, then you can consider having it with egg sauce or you can do yam porridge. This is one of those foods that nourish you well and helps your body to relax properly. It’s also very easy to make compared to other foods out there. So, you want to give it a shot as one of the dinner food ideas in Nigeria. So, if you are in Nigeria and looking for the best food to have for dinner, then look no further.

Moi Moi: this is commonly enjoyed as dinner in Nigeria. It’s a nutritious and protein-rich meal made from ground peeled beans, onions, and spices, often served with a variety of side dishes like rice, bread, it can also be served with pap, custard or even eaten on its own, making it a popular and filling dinner choice in Nigeria.

White rice and Sauce or stew: This is a very popular food that can also be served as dinner in Nigeria, boiled white rice that is served with vegetable sauce or stew. Alternatively, you could serve white rice with banga stew or tomato stew. The sauce or stew can vary in flavor and ingredients, with options like tomatoes-based stew, vegetable sauce, or spicy pepper sauce. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s often served with protein such as chicken, beef, or fish as well as various vegetables. This combination is a staple in Nigerian cuisine and is cherished for its delicious taste and versatility.

So, if you are in Nigeria and looking for the best food to have for dinner in Nigeria. Then look no further. These verities of food listed above are great options anytime, any day, and anywhere.

Classes of food

Food has sustained man since days of yore. Man has never lived for a long time without food. Because food is pretty much as old as man. All plants and creatures need food to survive. We can briefly characterize food as a substance devoured by a life form and it offers nourishing help for such an organism. Food can be in different structures; it comes in form of plant or in animal. These supplements come as fats, nutrients, minerals and proteins of which can be found in various exhibits and assortments of spices, flavors, and dishes.

Food: is any substance which when taken into the body of living organism is capable of maintaining growth and development. It regulates the body functions and controls harmful or dangerous substances that might enter into the body.

Classes: According to oxford dictionary classes can be defined as a set or category of things having some property or attribute in common and differentiated from others by kind, type, or quality.

OR

A number of persons or things regarded as forming a group by reason of common attributes, characteristics, qualities, or traits; kind; sort.

We have different types of food: example

Rice
Garri
Semovita
Eggs
Vegetables
Yam
Bread
Beans

We are what we eat. That is why eating healthy is important; luckily for us, science can help us with this. Did you know that the food we eat can be divided into groups based on the nutritional properties they offer? Let’s find out how many classes of food we have and their functions.

There are seven major classes of food based on their nutrient properties:

Carbohydrates: These are energy-giving nutrients found in potatoes, rice, wheat, maize, and other starches.
Proteins: These are bodybuilding nutrients found in meat, legumes and dairy products.
Fats: These are found in nuts and fruits like avocados.
Fiber: These are necessary for digestion and are found in fruits and vegetables.
Minerals: These are necessary for improving bodily functions and are found in most foods, fruits, and vegetables
Vitamins: These boost immunity and are found in fruits and vegetables.
Water: This is used to create bodily fluids and is found in fruits, juices, and other liquids.

Then let’s break them down bit by bits

Meaning and Functions of the Seven Classes of Food

Carbohydrates: One of the highly consumed classes of food. Carbohydrate comes in different varieties and forms. A high quantity of carbohydrate is found in yam, bread, corn, rice, potato, fibers, sugar, etc. Carbohydrate has a lot of starch and provides the human body with glucose and the body converts this glucose into energy to support the body to function properly. Some sources of carbohydrates are unhealthy while some others are healthy. The healthy sources include vegetables, fruits; beans unprocessed or minimally processed grains. They provide the body with fibers, vitamins, minerals and a lot of other important nutrients. On the other hand, unhealthy sources of carbohydrates include pastries, white bread, sodas and highly processed and refined foods. Carbohydrates are also called Energy giving foods because they one of the major sources of energy.

Proteins: Apart from giving us energy, we need food to build and repair worn-out tissues in the body. A growing child needs an adequate supply of bodybuilding foods to enable them mature healthy, grow stronger bones, heal the skin from wounds, etc. While pregnant women and growing children need more supplies of protein because of the several changes their bodies go through, every human irrespective of their age needs bodybuilding foods because the body is continually breaking down old tissues and needs to build new ones. Hence, there is a need for an adequate supply of bodybuilding foods. Protein is the major source of bodybuilding foods. The importance of protein cannot be overemphasized. The importance of protein can be visible in the creation process of the muscles, in the sending of messages and growth of the hair. Protein contains a high amount of energy; this energy can be derived from the meat we eat and this meat gives extra resources to grow complex nervous systems and develop a healthy brain. As a result of this energy derived from meat, it is pertinent that children, pregnant and lactating women and those recovering from injury eat meals that contain a high amount of protein.
Fats: Fat and oil are typically described and grouped together, they are usually grouped together. Fats can be characterized as solid or semi-solid triglycerides — fatty substances, while oil are clear liquids. Fats and oil are significantly sourced from plants and creatures and they are one of the three significant classes of food other than proteins and sugars. Fats and oils are fundamental for human sustenance as an essential wellspring of energy; calories structure a significant wellspring of energy for the body, they back and assist with creating cells and help in muscle development and mineral assimilation. Being a major source of energy, fats and oil is essential for human nutrition; they lower the risk of arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Unlike most people believe, consumption of fats are not totally bad, there are healthy fats which can be found in vegetables, fish, seeds and nuts.
Vitamins: Vitamins are imperative for warding off infection and remaining solid. The body needs these micronutrients to bolster its capacities. There are 13 fundamental vitamins that the body ought to work appropriately, counting vitamins A, C, B6, and D. Vitamins are fundamental for solid vision, skin, and bones. Vitamins lower the chance of lung and prostate cancer, and they’re effective cancer prevention agents. Vitamins like vitamin C boost the safe framework and offer assistance the body recuperates. A person may typically obtain all of the vitamins they require through a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins. Those who consume fewer fruits and vegetables and those who have digestive problems, on the other hand, may need to take a vitamin supplement to avoid or reduce a deficiency.
Minerals: This is another important class of food. Minerals support the body. They are fundamental for some body functions including building solid bones and teeth, controlling your digestion, and remaining appropriately hydrated. The most well-known minerals are calcium, iron, and zinc. They help in reinforcing bones, and assists with nerve signal transmission, keeping up with sound circulatory strain, and muscle withdrawal and unwinding.
Water: Water is like the most important class of food because you can go for quite a long time without food, however you can’t last in excess of a couple of days without water. Water is totally essential for the adequate functioning of each framework in the human body. It is the primary component that the human body is made up of; about 62% of the human body weight is water. Water is essential for plant and animal survival. It’s made up of hydrogen and oxygen. Water can be found in fruit, organic products, vegetables, and a variety of cuisine. It takes on a bigger role in digesting support. Water expands the capacity of your cerebrum and improves your disposition. In the body, it serves as a protector and an ointment.
Fiber: Basically, fiber foods are those foods that are rich in fiber contents. Fiber foods are highly encouraged because of their health benefits, one of which is the fact that it helps in digestion and a smooth bowel movement.

In Conclusion

The best approach to receive enough of these basic nutrients is to eat a diversified diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins and fats, and whole grains. These micronutrients and macronutrients are essential for your body’s regular function and wellness. The human body is incapable of producing everything it requires to function. Which is why these basic nutrients/classes of food listed above are required for good health.