Sunday rice is a weekly fixture in most Nigerian homes. The anticipation of the traditional dish after church services makes every Sunday complete for some. For others, just the pure joy of preparing the delicacy and sharing it with the family or neighbours does the magic.
Sunday rice is usually plain-white rice and stew (made with tomatoes and pepper) with chicken, beef, or fish. However, on special occasions, it could be Jollof, fried, concoction, or any other variation of cooked rice.
Rice is a staple food in Nigeria and to most Nigerians, rice is not just an ordinary meal. It is a special meal eaten on special days and ceremonies. A typical Nigerian does not joke with his Sunday rice as he sees Sunday as a special/resting day.
How the eating of rice on Sundays became a Nigerian tradition is something that remains a mystery to many. History has it that rice was introduced to Nigeria as a foreign meal.
However, over the years rice has taken over as the most common meal. There are several states producing rice in Nigeria, but due to the high consumption, it is still imported in large quantities.
Sunday rice is usually prepared in a special way compared to other days. One thing special about Sunday rice is that it is usually eaten with a large quantity of beef, chicken or fried fish.
Many Nigerians grew up eating rice every Sunday as it was mandatory to cook rice and stew on Sundays in the home. Interestingly, this tradition has well continued into adulthood.
The atmospheric condition of Sundays seems to have a special bond with cooked rice. Rice on Sundays is almost inevitable in a Nigerian home.
Be it Jollof, stew, fried, sauced or any pattern of rice, when it comes to Nigeria, rice is one food that knows no boundaries and it’s cooked in various special ways.
It is also one food that has a high percentage rate of acceptability in various parts of the country. A major reason for this is that it is the unwritten constitutional food for every event.
If you’re cooking for your event, it has to be rice basically before any other food; else your preferred recipe may not be generally accepted.
