Saturday, 1 June 2013

‘Why I dumped three degrees for cooking’

Despite obtaining three university degrees, among which is a Masters‘ degree, Mrs. Adebunmi Adebusuyi returned to her first love – cooking. In this interview with BLESSING EKUM, the manager of African Kitchen and co-owner of Rotbum International Catering Services, Ibadan, Oyo State, shares her experience in the kitchen and her love for a native dish in Ogun State.
Can you share your journey into catering?
I did not actually start out as a caterer. I read Guidance and Counselling Education for my first degree; I obtained another degree in Psychology and went on to study for a Masters’ degree in Managerial Psychology all from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State. But I had always known I loved cooking. I never went to any catering school, but as a child, I always spent time in the kitchen with my mother. Some people keep telling me I can make more money if I work with my certificates.  But my motive for opting for catering is not so much about the money but more about my passion for cooking.

A lot of people feel intimidated cooking for a good cook. Do your friends and family feel this way?
I don’t condemn other people’s food no matter how it tastes. I might just give an advice if needed. But when it comes to joint cooking, I usually take over and encourage others to leave the cooking for me.
Of the meals in your menu, which is your favourite to prepare?
I enjoy preparing amala with gbegiri and ewedu.
Is that also your favourite food?
I love amala and ewedu or okro soup.
What state are you from?
I am from Ogun State but my husband is from Ondo State.
People from Ondo State love pounded yam. One would think this would have rubbed off on you.
I am not that keen about pounded yam. I prepare it mainly because of my husband.
Do you pound?
Yes I do. I actually had to learn how to pound it like Ondo State indigenes do.
How do they pound it different from others?
The way an Ondo person pounds yam would make you fall in love with pounded yam. The method of pounding makes it have a different texture and level of succulence when compared to others.
What is your disposition to the use of processed flour?
I feel it is not real. The texture, taste and aroma are nothing compared to that pounded in a mortar.
What is the latest meal you’ve learnt to prepare?
That is edikang ikong soup.
Were you satisfied with the outcome the first time you prepared it?
Yes. A friend who is from Calabar, Cross River State, taught me the recipe and after preparing it, they were excited that it turned out well.
Do you eat as much as you cook?
Interestingly, I don’t eat much. I think the saying that when you cook, the aroma fills your tummy, applies to me.
What are some of the local dishes prepared in Ogun State?
There is ikokore, ebiripo and ofada rice.
Are these still regularly served in homes?
Sure. Most Remo indegenes in Ogun State can’t do without ebiripo.
How is it prepared?
You will need cocoyam. There is the red and the none species. You can make use of either, but the red variety tastes sweeter than the none.
You grate cocoyam and add a bit of salt and seasoning to taste. A little water to soften the consistency will be necessary if it is too thick. You then wrap in moin moin leaves and steam for some minutes. You can serve with any soup or stew.
Which soup do you prefer it with?
I prefer it served with ata dudu which is prepared by chopping atarodo (fresh pepper), which is poured into bleached palm oil and fried for a while. Locust beans is added to it and stirred. This would be ready in some few minutes.
How often do you prepare this meal?
Because its preparation involves grating which is time consuming, I prepare it occasionally. My family, especially my kids, enjoy it.

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