Mrs. Hannatu Musa sells something called “awara” in Bwari Area Council, FCT. She says more people are buying “awara” instead of meat because meat is too expensive.
“Awara” is like tofu, made from soybeans, which is very healthy and has lots of vitamins. It’s popular in the north and many people like it because it’s healthy and tastes good.
Mrs. Musa has noticed more people buying “awara” lately, especially those who don’t eat much meat.
They like it because it has protein like meat but costs less. Some even use it in soups and stews instead of meat.
The snack is usually served with pepper, cabbage, and cucumber. It can also be eaten with pap or ‘kunu’. Making “awara” takes time and skill, so many people prefer to buy it ready-made.
One customer, Madam Christine Douglas, started eating “awara” when she moved to Abuja five years ago.
Her neighbor introduced her to it, and she’s been buying it since then. She likes how it tastes and how it can replace meat, especially now that meat is expensive.
“I have introduced other women too to it: it is very delicious if well prepared.
“I like the way it is usually garnished: it goes well with rice and now that meat is expensive, I use it to balance my diet,’’ she said.
Dr. Kemi Adegoke-Abraham, a nutritionist, says “awara” is healthy because it’s made from soybeans, which have lots of vitamins and low carbohydrates.
It’s good for people watching their carb intake or those with diabetes. Some studies even suggest that soybeans can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
