‘My cooking represents diversity and uniqueness of African and intercontinental dishes’

EDENBYNKECHI is a trademark for Chef Nkechi. She is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University and CEO, EdenbyNkechi, a catering and lifestyle outfit. She is a seasoned chef and has worked with and for companies and just completed a season contract, earned by her capabilities and talents with Cameron Hotels, Nigeria.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Odili Nkechi, a native of Ndoni LGA in Rivers State. I currently run a catering service and food in litre bowl delivery in Delta State. I graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State, where I studied English literature in 2018.

You are a young chef, among many others in the country. What’s your uniqueness?

I am building a brand that represents the diversity and uniqueness of African dishes and of course intercontinental ones as my recipes are sometimes a mixture of both. Food is not only meant to be healthy and refreshing but at the same time appealing and delicious.

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When did you discover your love for cooking?

My passion for cooking started a long time ago and it finally became a source of income during my final year in school.

What has been your major challenge?

I’ve worked with Cameron hotel Ile-ife for a year. Being a southern girl living in a Yoruba city did come with some cooking challenges though. The Yorubas are known for their spicy dishes and one time I was told my moi moi wasn’t ‘peppery’ enough.

Where do you see yourself in a couple of years from now?

I look forward to owning a restaurant someday and catering for top notch events in the future.

What recipe do you have for us today?

The Nigerian fried rice.

Nigerian fried rice

There are various methods and recipes in creating this very special dish which Nigerians have also adopted and of course, customised. My favourite recipe is easy and straight to the point.

Ingredients
▪ 4 cups of washed raw rice
▪ Runner beans, carrots, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, spring onions, sweet corn, green peas. (You are free to throw in as much veggies as you’d love)
▪ Seasoning cubes, curry, thyme, salt, black pepper, garlic, ginger.
▪ Diced liver and sausages (optional)
▪ Spice supreme fried rice spice or any fried rice seasoning of your choice
▪ Amoy sesame oil (optional)
▪ Vegetable oil
▪ Cooking butter

Preparation
Add thoroughly washed rice into a pot of clean water, add seasoning cubes, salt, curry and chicken broth. Cook until soft. (The liquid must be enough to cook the rice).
Dice and slice all your veggies to any shape and size of your choice.
In a hot pan, add a little amount of cooking butter and some vegetable oil
Next, you’d add your spring onions, crushed garlic and ginger and stir (I throw in half a teaspoon of thyme to the oil, the method brings out more flavor from the dried thyme leaves)
Add diced liver and sausages and stir.
Add your carrots next as it takes a while to cook than the other veggies.
Add all veggies into pan and stir continually…
A tablespoon of fried rice spice and black pepper should be added to the veggies. (I do not add seasoning cube or salt to my veggies as I already added to the cooked rice. To add taste to the veggies, I add the fried rice spice and black pepper only at this point)
Add the cooked rice and stir evenly, making sure the veggies are thoroughly spread through.
Add some drops of sesame oil for a unique taste.
Our fried rice is ready!
Serve hot and enjoy with some grilled chicken or turkey.
Check other menus via Instagram @edenbynkechi