Introducing Nigerian Flavors: Royal Red Stew in East Tennessee

Helen and Paul Okpokowuruk have introduced Royal Red Stew, a line of Nigerian sauces, to East Tennessee, making the flavors of their homeland accessible to local cuisine. Their venture, stemming from their engineering backgrounds, highlights a dedication to culture and community. Their products gained visibility at a major convention, significantly boosting their distribution in regional supermarkets.

The culinary landscape of East Tennessee is experiencing a delightful infusion of Nigerian flavors thanks to the efforts of Helen and Paul Okpokowuruk. These distinguished engineers have introduced Royal Red Stew, a line of authentic Nigerian sauces, into local markets, creating a bridge between their heritage and their new community in Johnson City. The Okpokowuruks aim to make Nigerian cuisine accessible and enjoyable for Southern Appalachians.

Originating from Nigeria, Helen and Paul both hold engineering degrees, with Helen specializing in food engineering. Her career journey led her to Procter & Gamble and later to Frito-Lay as she and Paul relocated to Charlotte before settling in Johnson City, where they established Royal Red Stew as a retirement venture. \n
Their signature recipe, which draws from Helen’s childhood experiences, requires about seven hours of meticulous preparation to produce a rich, tomato-based stew. This labor-intensive process is aimed at providing convenience to customers who wish to savor Nigerian dishes without significant time investment.

All production takes place at Mountain Harvest Kitchen in Unicoi, a food business incubator that the Okpokowuruks describe as ideal for their operations. Currently, they offer five varieties of Royal Red Stew, ranging from mild to extra-hot, with curry being their most popular flavor.

During a recent visit, Helen showcased several dishes, including a Nigerian beef stew and jollof rice, a staple at West African celebrations. She emphasized the significance of jollof rice in cultural gatherings, asserting its essential role in festivities throughout the region.

Helen’s passion for food stems from her mother, who was dedicated to dietary practices and food preservation. The Okpokowuruks are committed to addressing food accessibility through their business. With five children, the couple began this venture focusing on African specialty stores and local festivals before achieving a breakthrough at the Pick Tennessee Products convention.

At this notable event, Steve Smith, CEO of Food City, discovered their products and ensured the Royal Red Stew line was made available in stores across several states. The Okpokowuruks credit this opportunity as a pivotal moment in their business journey, leading to their growing success.

In conclusion, Helen and Paul Okpokowuruk have successfully brought the flavors of Nigeria to East Tennessee through their Royal Red Stew product line. Their journey from engineering careers to culinary entrepreneurs showcases their dedication to sharing their heritage while enhancing the local food scene. With the support of Food City and their commitment to quality, they continue to make Nigerian cuisine accessible and enjoyable for all.

Original Source: www.timesnews.net