Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

Read Time:3 Minute, 16 Second

The Book?

Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn follows a 30 year old British Nigerian woman who has always felt the pressure to get married after her aunties and mum constantly pray for her to find a huzband and deliver her from ‘singleton.’ Not to mention, her cousin Rachel announces her engagement to get married so she devises a plan to find a wedding date. In a few words, the book could be described as ‘Modern day Bridget Jones with more relatability and sense’ to the character and a tone of voice that’s like hearing one of your good friends talk consistently.

Yinka is a hopeless romantic who just wants to find love in her own time and be accepted for who we are, just as we all do. But in a world where dating apps blind others perceptions of their dream partner and colourism still reminds Black women like me that we are not other people’s first choice for love and dating. This was explored beautifully through Blackburn’s writing with how dream-like Yinka was when she thought of the men she encountered (Alex, Derek, Donovan). Immediately, I wondered if her star sign was a Cancer or a Pisces by the way Yinka was written. Her personality seems like one in my opinion.

Coming from African and Caribbean backgrounds like Yinka and myself, family is definitely important and we don’t want to let them down when it comes to family traditions, even to rush into marriage and kids. But Yinka’s story dwells into an amazing tale of self-love, being true to yourself, family and life goals. Thank you Blackburn as this book has inspired me to keep going and pursue what I want most in my life!

The Spicy Dish?

Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? is being paired up with Yam Pottage or Asaro, a Nigerian yam and vegetable dish. It perfectly goes with the book and the main character, Yinka. The great thing about this dish is that it’s quite common and can be served at weddings and events even within the book like at Kemi’s baby shower or Rachel’s engagement party. The lovely Tinuola of Tinuola’s Blog has shared her wonderful recipe of Yam Pottage (or Asaro). It’s known as a Nigerian delicacy and a combination of puna yam, tomatoes and scotch bonnet chillies.

Ingredients

1 Medium sized White Puna Yam
1 Big Onions
3-4 Medium-size Tomatoes
2 Red Ball pepper
2 Scotch Bonnet or more if yours is not hot (atarodo)
1-2 Garlic clove
½ tsp each Curry & Thyme
Smoked or dry fish
smoked Turkey
2 tablespoon ground crayfish
1 medium-size Onions (dice)
½ cup Palm oil or vegetable oil or 50/50
4 Seasoning cubes
Salt to taste
Spinach (Optional)
Scent Leaves (Optional)

How-to Recipe

Grab a sharp knife to Peel the yam and cut into chunks, wash them, and leave them in warm water and set them aside.
On medium heat, heat up a non-stick pan or dutch oven with palm oil or vegetable oil and add the diced onions and the ground Cray Fish and allow them to saute about 2 minutes.
Add the blended tomatoes, onions, Red ball pepper, scotch bonnet, and garlic. Cover to cook for about 5- 6 minutes, then open and add your seasoning cubes, curry & thyme and salt to taste.
Now add the the meat and fish of your choice, mine are smoked turkey and smoked Mackerel. Cover again for 2-3 minutes to incorporate all ingredients
At this Juncture, add the chunk white puna yam, add water to the level of the yam or as the desired thickness. Cook until the yam is tender enough and the soup thickened to your desired consistency.
And finally add the scent leaves and the spinach or your desired leafy green. Cover and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Serve it warm and enjoy the most delicious yam porridge ever