Nigerian Cuisine: Royal Red Stew Makes Its Mark in East Tennessee

Helen and Paul Okpokowuruk, engineers from Nigeria, have introduced Royal Red Stew in East Tennessee. Their business aims to simplify traditional Nigerian cooking, with five flavors available, including popular curry. Operating from a food incubator, they gained visibility through Food City, greatly enhancing their market reach and bringing joy to local consumers.

The Okpokowuruks have introduced Nigerian culinary traditions to East Tennessee through their product, Royal Red Stew. This red sauce, crafted by Helen and Paul Okpokowuruk, is now available alongside local Southern gravies and reflects their heritage from Nigeria. With backgrounds in engineering, their transition from professional careers to food producers evolved as they sought to connect with their new community in Johnson City.

Helen and Paul dedicate around seven hours to each batch of their slow-cooked, tomato-based stew, aiming to simplify the preparation of traditional Nigerian dishes for local residents. Their cooking operations take place at Mountain Harvest Kitchen, a food incubator they find suitably equipped for their needs. Currently, the Royal Red Stew line features five flavors ranging from mild to extra hot, with the curry flavor being particularly popular.

During a visit to their kitchen, Helen showcased Nigerian beef stew, shrimp, and jollof rice, a staple in celebrations across West Africa. They have incorporated their stew into rice dishes, adding vegetables, chicken, or shrimp to create authentic flavors with less effort needed by the consumer. Jollof rice, for instance, is a significant dish, often served during weddings and other gatherings, and the Okpokowuruks aim to ease its preparation for everyone.

Food has always been integral to Helen’s life, especially through the influence of her mother, a former dietitian and restaurant owner in Nigeria, who emphasized food preservation. With five children, the couple’s motivation to create a food business increased as their family dynamics changed. Initially focusing on sales to African specialty stores, they later garnered attention at the Pick Tennessee Products convention, a major moment that significantly boosted their visibility.

At this convention, they caught the eye of Food City’s CEO, Steve Smith, who facilitated their product’s placement in multiple stores across several states, marking a significant milestone for their brand. Paul expresses gratitude for their success, attributing it to this pivotal opportunity, while Helen finds joy in the happiness their products bring, indicating fulfillment and rewarding experiences from customer reactions.

Helen and Paul Okpokowuruk have effectively brought the rich flavors of Nigerian cuisine to East Tennessee with their Royal Red Stew products. Through dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, they transformed their engineering careers into a successful food business, fostering a cultural exchange and enriching the local dining experience. Their journey illustrates the importance of community connection and culinary heritage while providing convenience for those keen on exploring international flavors.

Original Source: www.timesnews.net