Salty or Not

We met over blood pressure issues…

At the clinic

Her: What Nigerian do you know who doesn’t cook with salt?

Her: It’s a cultural abomination

Still her: I left my last doctor for telling me to cook without salt

Me: You sure he didn’t say “less salt”?

Her: Less salt, no salt
Tomah-to Tomay-to

Salt is necessary for most of my cooking as a Nigerian

Me: I’m Nigerian- American

I use salt and I agree it is important

After all the Bible says “ We are the salt of the earth” .. Matthew 5:16 …we add flavor … good to the world!

…but don’t use much of it

Her: doc, you don’t understand… I cook original Naija food

Me: so do I

We go into specifics (like efo riro, ogbono soup, yam porridge … I digress)

Her: eeerrmmmm??

Me: less salt is doable

Few tips: I continued!

*Use other seasonings including but not limited to ginger, white pepper, cilantro etc
It gives your tastebuds a healthy distraction

*in boiling rice, add a little olive oil some red onions and add salt last …when almost ready if you have to…
You will only need less salt based on this!

Her: ahhh Thank you! I’ll try it

We then go on to discuss our favorite dishes … spices and all…

We talk about how fresh veggies are different from overcooked ones on our soups … subject for another day!


With less salt,
Dr. Olabintan