Boli is a popular roasted plantain snack or meal in Nigeria. It is native to the Yoruba people of South West Nigeria, where it is traditionally enjoyed with groundnuts. Due to acculturation, the snack has also become widespread among the Rivers people in South South Nigeria, where it is referred to as bole.
Cultural and Regional Variations
In South West Nigeria (Yorubaland):
- Known as boli
- Eaten with groundnuts
- Can be consumed as a snack or main meal
- Often served with pepper sauce and meat, roasted fish, or fried chicken, especially during festive periods
In South South Nigeria (particularly Port Harcourt and environs):
- Pronounced as bole (accent variation)
- Typically eaten with roasted fish
- Has evolved from a festival food to a popular street food
Modern Evolution
- Originally made with half-ripe plantain and spicy palm oil-based sauce (with pepper and utazi leaves)
- Now includes variations with:
- Roasted potatoes
- Roasted yam
- Gradually becoming a staple food in homes across Rivers State
References
- YouTube: Video on how to prepare Boli(https://www.youtube.com)