Starch (Usi) is a popular type of swallow in the Southern part of Nigeria especially with people from Delta state. It’s typically used in eating Delta Banga soup, Owho Beans and Owho soup. It’s made from cassava starch which is also used in laundry here in Nigeria for stiffening cloths to give it a crisp, polished look. Starch (Usi) is a byproduct of cassava and is usually sold caked up just like Pap. It has a white colour with a very distinct aroma. Knowing how to make starch swallow is a distinguishing skill of any Deltan and is surprisingly very easy.

There’s a special pot used in preparing starch known as starch pot. It’s a thick non-stick aluminum wok pan, but you can also use a non stick fry pan with a handle to make it easy to control the starch while it’s being made. The preparation of starch is a skilled process but practice does make perfect!

Ready in 20 minutes

Serves 3 people

280 calories 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of starch
• 2 cups of water
• Palm oil

Preparation

1. Combine the starch with water in a bowl to form a slurry. It should be runny but still able to coat the back of a spoon. Transfer the mixture to the cooking pan.
2. Add a couple drops of palm oil to the starch slurry, this gives the swallon its yellow color when done. Using too much oil will make the swallow very oily and using too little oil will leave you with a pale and unappetizing looking starch. For 1 cup of starch, I would use 3 tablespoons red palm oil. 

• Use a wooden spoon to mix everything very well. Starch usually settles and cake up at the buttom of the pan if left for a few minutes, so you need to keep stirring at all times.
• Transfer the pan to the stove, and place the heat on low to medium and start stirring continuously. After a few minutes, the starch begins to solidify, this is a crucial moment as leaving the starch or not stirring enough could cause lumps to develop. 
• Stir vigorously nonstop till a solid yellow mass is formed. This is a pretty good arm workout with a delicious reward at the end. 

• Once the starch balls together, allow it to cook for a few minutes  before taking it off the stove. Starch is best served hot so serve immediately.

Tips

Starch (Usi) is a Niger Delta delicacy and is typically eaten with the following soups:

Delta banga soup 

Owho soup. 

Okro pepper soup 

Owho Beans

Egusi pepper soup