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In the twenty-plus years we’ve run Chris Memorial, we have prepared literally thousands of meals for hundreds of hungry children and teachers. Along the way, we’ve discovered one extremely popular dish that even the pickiest of toddlers tends to wolf down with glee. What do you think it is? Jollof rice? Chicken? It’s not what you’d expect.

It’s actually banku and okro stew! Why banku and okro of all dishes? We’ve pondered that question for ages, and there’s no definitive answer. Maybe banku and okro is just that tasty. The stew is salty and savory, the fish adds complexity and the banku is just a little bit sour for a complex melding of flavours.

It’s also easy to eat. Sometimes persuading the child to take that first bite is a challenge, but once they open their mouths, banku and okro stew slides down easily. No need to spend a lot of time chewing, which is easier for little teeth and easily distracted minds. We make sure our banku is neither too soft nor too hard so that even very small children can eat it smoothly and safely.

So there you have it. If you have a toddler giving you a hard time at mealtimes, why not introduce them to the joys of banku and okro stew? As a bonus it’s very filling, so a little bit goes a long way. Other “swallowables” like fufu also tend to be popular with young ones, though not as much as the evergreen okro. Why don’t you give it a try and let us know how it turns out? You might be pleasantly surprised.