Ultimate Guide to Slimy Ogbono Soup Recipe | 7 Steps | Nigeria

Introduction

Welcome to a culinary journey through the heart of West Africa with this delightful recipe for savory Ogbono Soup! If you’ve never tried this traditional dish before, get ready to be pleasantly surprised by its unique flavor and rich texture.

Ogbono Soup, also known as Ofe Ogbono or Draw Soup, is a popular Nigerian dish made from ground Ogbono seeds, also known as African bush mango seeds. It’s known for its characteristic slimy consistency, which may sound unusual to some but is beloved by many for its comforting and satisfying qualities.

In this recipe, we’ll take you through the steps to create a delicious batch of Ogbono Soup that will surely become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to African cuisine, this recipe is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and simple preparation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Stand Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Ogbono Soup:

• 1 cup of ground Ogbono seeds
• 2 cups of assorted meats (such as beef, goat, or chicken), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup of assorted seafood (such as shrimp, fish, or crayfish), cleaned and deveined
• 2 cups of fresh spinach or bitter leaf, chopped
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 tablespoons of palm oil
• 2-3 tablespoons of ground crayfish
• 2-3 cups of beef or chicken broth
• 2-3 cups of water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process and bring this flavorful Ogbono Soup to life!

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your savory Ogbono Soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Meats and Seafood

• Start by washing and cutting your assorted meats into bite-sized pieces.
• Clean and devein the seafood, if necessary.
• Season the meats and seafood with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Heat the Palm Oil

• In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Ground Ogbono Seeds

• Once the onions are translucent, add the ground Ogbono seeds to the pot.
• Stir continuously to prevent the Ogbono from clumping together.

Step 4: Incorporate the Broth and Water

• Gradually add the beef or chicken broth to the pot, stirring constantly to ensure the Ogbono is well incorporated.
• Add enough water to achieve your desired consistency, keeping in mind that Ogbono Soup tends to thicken as it cooks.

Step 5: Simmer and Add Seasonings

• Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the ground crayfish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Add Meats, Seafood, and Greens

• Once the soup has simmered and thickened to your liking, add the assorted meats and seafood to the pot.
• Allow the meats and seafood to cook in the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
• Stir in the chopped spinach or bitter leaf and let it wilt into the soup.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Once everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded together, your Ogbono Soup is ready to serve.
• Serve hot with your favorite side dish, such as fufu, pounded yam, or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving of Ogbono Soup:

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Conclusion

As someone who grew up enjoying Ogbono Soup, preparing this dish always brings back fond memories of family gatherings and shared meals. The aroma of the palm oil mingling with the earthy scent of the Ogbono seeds never fails to make my mouth water.

There’s something truly comforting about the slimy texture of Ogbono Soup, which may seem unusual to those unfamiliar with it but is cherished by many in West Africa. Each spoonful is a burst of flavors, from the rich broth to the tender meats and seafood, all enhanced by the nutty undertones of the Ogbono seeds.

I hope this recipe has inspired you to give Ogbono Soup a try in your own kitchen. It’s not only a delicious and nourishing dish but also a wonderful way to explore the diverse flavors of African cuisine.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute for fresh spinach in this recipe. Simply thaw the spinach and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.

Q: Can I omit the seafood and use only meats? A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. You can omit the seafood altogether or use only meats for a heartier version of Ogbono Soup.

Q: Can I use store-bought Ogbono powder instead of grinding the seeds myself? A: Yes, you can use store-bought Ogbono powder as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reconstituting the powder with water before adding it to the soup.

Hey there! I’m Christine, a nutritionist on a mission to make healthy eating fun, delicious, and totally doable for everyone. So, let me give you a peek into my world and how I ended up here.

Growing up, I wasn’t exactly a kitchen whiz. Sure, I knew the basics of eating healthy, but cooking? That was a whole different story. It wasn’t until I started my journey as a nutritionist that I truly began to appreciate the magic of food.

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