Hello From Lagos, Nigeria

I have recently moved continents, Africa to be precise. I can tell you it’s not for the faint hearted! First I had to deal with packing all the things I have acquired in the last 13 years. I had to decide what to keep and what to throw away or give to charity. Wifey was quite brutal when it came to things to keep. I wanted to keep some things just for sentimental reasons but she was having none of it. She seemed quite detached, like she had no heart. Then again they were my belongings not hers.

I found saying goodbye quite hard so the way I dealt with that was not to make a big deal about my move. I didn’t have a certain date until the very last minute. I tried not to have a proper send off party or leaving do drinks. I just couldn’t deal with it all. As I sit here typing, I realized what a good idea it was for me not to make a big deal about my move. I miss Aberdeen though. Terribly! After all the UK was my home for 13 years. It’s the simple things I miss. Taking a walk home or the shops without being harassed by traffic, okada drivers and flies! Sitting in Starbuck and just staring idly and of course Marks and Spencer. Sigh! And let’s not get me started on the people I miss. Sob sob sob…

I miss having my things around me. The cookbooks, rack of spices and Kofo. You know what I mean, familiar things around. I am currently living out of four suitcases. Highly annoying! Some of my things are with my parents in Abuja and my whole kitchen is in a friend store.

Moving to Lagos has its perks though. I was going to say weather but right now I am not convinced this kind of heat is a perk! I am amongst good friends and family so it’s less lonely. Cheap fuel and at this very moment I am eating yam (4 thick slices) and egg sauce that cost me less than a pound! At this rate I might need to employ the services of a personal trainer.

Opposite the office there is Falomo Bridge where I hear they sell huge prawns and fresh fish underneath it, somewhere I look forward to going to because a few days ago I went to a supermarket to buy prawns for the pasta I was craving. I thought it was a joke when I saw the price. I substituted the prawns with chicken instead. I will go to Falomo Bridge with my camera and share the pictures with you guys.

I need you guys to bear with me as I try and settle down. I am still very much committed to this blog and I will try and share my food experiences as I explore Lagos.

Pasta in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

500g of Spaghetti (A packet)

1½ of plum tomatoes – chopped

300g of chicken fillet – diced

1 green pepper – chopped

8 sprigs of spring onions

3 scotch bonnet (fresh chilies) - chopped

½ cup of sunflower oil

4 Knorr cubes

1 tablespoon of mixed herbs

Directions:

In a large pan, boil the pasta as per packet instructions, rinse and drain. While the pasta is boiling, heat the oil in a large saucepan including one Knorr cube for about a minute and fry the diced chicken until they are golden brown. Removed the fried diced chicken and keep aside. Add all the vegetables and cook for about 15 minute, add the mixed herbs and 2 Knorr cubes. Then add the boiled pasta and simmer for about 5 – 10 minutes. Add the remaining Knorr cube if needed after tasting for salt.

Enjoy!