16/09/2026
For those who don’t know what Onunu is, let me explain it small. 😂
Onunu, spelled O-N-U-N-U, is basically boiled yam and ripe plantain mashed together to form a soft dough.
The Okirikans call it Ipopo — I-P-O-P-O.
Traditionally, the yam and ripe plantain are boiled, salted and mashed together, usually with some red oil. But I’ve seen different variations of it. Some people add fresh pepper, some add onions, and some have their own way of doing it.
And honestly, food is versatile.
I’m not going to come and fight you because you added onions to your Onunu. 😂 If that is how you enjoy it, please, enjoy your food.
Onunu is usually eaten with pepper soup, while some people eat it with Odu, which is more like a thick, rich sauce/stew.
And let me tell you something…
It is delicious
If you have never tried it before, you really should.
Nutritionally, you are getting a good amount of carbohydrates from both the yam and ripe plantain, which gives you energy. They also provide fibre and minerals such as potassium, with the plantain also contributing some vitamins. The red palm oil adds fat and fat-soluble nutrients to the meal.
So yes, it is filling, satisfying and packed with the goodness of two very familiar Nigerian staples.
But beyond all the nutrition talk…
Onunu is just good food. 😂
Have you tried it before?
And if you have, are you eating yours with pepper soup or Odu?
I own no rights to the music