Suwaiba Dalhatu
Ogbono soup is a well-known Nigerian dish that is mainly prepared using ground ogbono seeds, sometimes referred to as African bush mango seeds. It is often enjoyed with pounded yam, eba (garri), fufu, or other swallows and has a rich, thick texture. The dish is packed with protein, making it beneficial for the body.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Ogbono Soup Recipe
Equipment
2 cooking pots – Available on Amazon and Jumia
Chopping board – Available on Amazon and Jumia
Knife – Available on Amazon and Jumia
Blender or dry mill – Available on Vevor, Amazon and Jumia
Ingredients
1 cup of ogbono seeds
1 medium-sized stockfish
Beef
Crayfish
Seasonings
1 bunch of Ugu leaves
Locust beans (ogiri okpei)
Kpomo
Sharki
Palm oil
Onions
Habanero pepper
Salt to taste
Procedure for Making Ogbono Soup
STEP 1: Wash the Ugu leaves, cut them using a knife or chopping board, and set them aside.
STEP 2: Put the ogbono seeds and ogiri okpei (locust beans) into a blender or dry mill and blend until it turns into a smooth powder. Set it aside.
STEP 3: Soak the stockfish in hot water, shred it, and separate the flesh from the bones.
STEP 4: Wash the meat, sharki, and kpomo, and add them to a medium-sized pot. Add salt, seasonings, and chopped onions. Cover the pot and let it simmer in their juices for 5 minutes to enhance the flavor. Add water to the pot and cook for 30 minutes.
STEP 5: Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside, leaving the sharki and kpomo in the pot. Add the stockfish to the pot and cook for 20 minutes. When done, take out the content, add it to the container containing the meat, and keep the broth aside.
STEP 6: Add palm oil to the second pot and cook on low heat for 30 seconds. Then add the blended habanero pepper to the oil, stir, and fry for 2 minutes.
STEP 7: Reduce the heat and allow it to cool for 30 seconds. Then add the ogbono powder to the pot, mix well until combined.
STEP 8: Pour in the broth from STEP 5 into the pot and stir well with a scooping spoon until well combined.
STEP 9: Put it back on low-medium heat and allow it to cook for 30 seconds. Add a little water if you prefer a thicker consistency, or add enough water to reach your desired thickness for a watery consistency. Stir thoroughly.
STEP 10: Add the cooked beef, stockfish, kpomo, sharki, ground crayfish, seasonings, and salt to taste. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
STEP 11: Open the pot and add the cut Ugu leaves, stir again, and cook for 2 minutes on low heat.
STEP 12: Your Ogbono soup is ready.
How to Serve Ogbono Soup
It is best served with Amala. It can also be enjoyed with Tuwon Shinkafi, Tuwon Semo, Eba (Garri), and Pounded Yam, among others. Don’t forget to have a chilled drink nearby to complement the meal.
Occasions to Serve Ogbono Soup
It can be eaten as one of the three main meals of the day, especially lunch and dinner. It can also be served on traditional occasions, naming ceremonies, and other events.
How to Store Ogbono Soup
It is best stored in a refrigerator. If you are storing it for a longer period, use a plastic bag or airtight container, and label it to keep track of the storage time. Alternatively, you can warm it in the mornings and evenings, which allows it to last for a few days. Adding bitter leaf to the soup during the cooking process can help extend its shelf life.
Health Benefits of Ogbono Soup
As mentioned earlier, ogbono soup is highly nutritious. It helps reduce bad cholesterol and improves high-level lipoproteins that are good for heart health. It also has traditional medicinal uses and offers other benefits.
Conclusion
If you follow the above steps carefully, you will achieve a great result. Some people prefer to put the blended ogbono soup into a bowl, add palm oil, and stir until well combined. Then they add the broth and allow it to cook. If you are certain you are using original ogbono, you can cover the pot; otherwise, it’s better to keep it open to avoid losing its viscosity.
That’s a wrap! I hope you find this article helpful. If you do, kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you.
You are always welcome to Northpad Nigeria for more delicious recipes.
FAQs
What are the ingredients for ogbono soup?
There are numerous ingredients. Some are basic and some are optional. It all depends on your choice. You may wish to use this: 1 cup of ogbono seeds, 1 medium-sized stockfish, beef, crayfish, seasonings, 1 bunch of ugu leaves, locust beans (ogiri okpei), kpomo, sharki, palm oil, onions, habanero pepper, and salt to taste.
What is ogbono soup in English?
It is called African Bush Mango Soup.
Which state in Nigeria is ogbono soup from?
It soup traditionally from Edo state.
Is ogbono soup Yoruba or Igbo?
The Igbo people, who are from the southeast of Nigeria, are the source of ogbono soup. It is made of ground ogbono seeds, which are found in the southeast of Nigeria and grow on trees.
