Okro Soup

Okro soup is made with okra vegetables cooked in a delicious mixture of palm oil, shrimps, goat meat, fish, and African spices and simmered to perfection!
If you are looking to learn how to cook okra soup, stay with me as my okro recipes are foolproof, quick, and delicious.

Where Did Okro Soup Originate From?

It originated from Southern Ethiopia. Related to cotton and other mallow family plants, okra is an ancient vegetable that originated in southern Ethiopia in far antiquity.
It provides thickness and savors in the one-pot stews that are the basis of many traditional African diets.

Okro Soup (Nigerian Okra Soup)

Okra Soup is one of the quickest and easiest Nigerian soups to prepare. Some argue that a lot of work goes into the cutting of the two vegetables used in preparing this recipe. Yes but once the vegetables are ready; it cooks in no time at all. This soup is known as Miyan Kubewa in Hausa.

Is Nigerian Okra Soup Healthy?

It’s rich in magnesium, folate, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, K1, and A. Okra may benefit pregnant women, heart health, and blood sugar control. It may even have anti-cancer properties.

Does Okra Increase Fertility?

Okra water causes multiple eggs to be released during ovulation and increases the female’s chances of having twins or triplets. Some scientists have also suggested that apart from okra water, okra leaves also boost ovulation and fertility.

Does Okra Make You Gain Weight?

Additionally, okra is low in calories and carbs and contains some protein and fiber. Many fruits and vegetables lack protein, which makes okra somewhat unique. Eating enough protein is associated with benefits for weight management, blood sugar control, bone structure, and muscle mass ( 4, 5 ).

How To Cook Okro Soup

This soup is made with okra vegetables cooked in a delicious mixture of palm oil, shrimps, goat meat, fish, and African spices and simmered to perfection! This loaded okro soup is a staple in West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.

Do I Need Potash to Make Okra Soup?

These days you necessarily don’t need potash (Kaun) to make okra soup draw. Some people are anti-potash in food. I sometimes blend my okra on a pulse for a coarse texture to make plain okra and it always turns out well without the need for potash.

Each time I make ila alasepo, I use potash maybe because my mum always says you must add potash to make it draw.

Well, either way, the use of potash works well for me but it also has to be used in moderation or it will kill the elasticity of the okra. Long story short, don’t use potash for this soup if you are not confident.

Tips & Variations

  • For a vegan option, you can substitute with mushrooms.
  • Be careful not to overcook it, or the okra might begin to turn brown.
  • You can add some habanero pepper for more heat.
  • If the okra soup is too thick, you can add a little water to dilute it.

Best Serves For Okro Soup

This soup can be served With:

  1. Eba (Garri)
  2. Cassava Fufu
  3. Semolina
  4. Amala
  5. Pounded Yam

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Nigerian Okra Soup

Servings 0

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 800g fresh Okro chopped
  • 200g beef washed
  • 800g Assorted beef & dried cod, washed and cut to small pieces (I used ponmo, shaki and panla)
  • Smoked fish
  • 2 Seasoning (I used Knorr beef cubes)
  • 2 tbsp Locust bean (iru)
  • Cayenne pepper (use according to your preference)
  • 2-3 tbsp palm oil (optional but I prefer it as it adds a bit of colour to the okra)
  • Salt
  • A tiny bit of Potash (Kaun)
  • 1 small onion
  • Water/ stock (1.5 to 2 cups)
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Ground crayfish
  • cup Ukazi leaves (optional)
  • Ginger and garlic (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Chop okra and set aside
  • Place a pan on medium heat and add beef, assorted beef and dried cod, salt, seasoning, onion, ginger, garlic and little water (adjust salt and seasoning to your taste) bring all to boil until tender. You can use a pressure cooker for this as it is quicker.
  • Once beef and fish are tender as desired, separate the stock from it and sieve to achieve a clean stock. (Skip this step if you are ok with the bit and bob from stock)
  • Place a clean pan on medium heat then add the stock about (1.5 cups) the beef, assorted beef and dried fish and bring to boil for about 3-5 minutes, add potash then the chopped okro. Stir till all is well combined and cook for another minute
  • Add crayfish and cayenne pepper. Stir till well combined, add palm oil, stir and cook for about 2 minutes
  • Add seasoning and salt (adjust salt and seasoning to own taste especially if you are using stock) add ukazi leaves (if using) stir and add smoked mackerel then cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Plate up your Nigerian okro soup and accompany with your swallow of choice.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Ewedu Soup

Ewedu soup is indigenous to the people of Yoruba, a very popular Nigerian ethnic group. If you are living outside Nigerian you might wanna start looking up easy-to-make Nigerian foods, I doubt you would find all the ingredients for preparing ewedu in your location, except of course you know where to look.

It is loved by the Yorubas and also by some other tribe that can lay their hands on it. To full surprise, most Foreigners that visit Nigeria often always love requesting the recipe.

What Is Ewedu Soup?

Ewedu soup is a savory soup commonly eaten by the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. It is made using Jute leaves, a highly nutritious leafy green plant eaten in countries all around the world.

Ewedu has a mucilaginous (somewhat slimy) texture when cooked, similar to Egyptian molokhia or okra soup, making it a perfect dish to go with fufu.

Is Ewedu a Spinach?

Ewedu is also known as jute mallow/Egyptian spinach is an unsung hero in our kitchen. Ewedu is packed with nutrients our bodies can’t produce. It is also called “Ahingbara” by the Igbos and “Rama” in the Hausa language.

How Do You Preserve Ewedu Leaves?

Storing Ewedu Leaves is pretty simple. Remove the leaves from their stem, rinse and wrap in a kitchen towel. Keep in an airtight bag then store in your fridge; Never put it in the freezer, as this will reduce the potency of your ewedu. You are welcome!

What Are Benefits of Ewedu Leaves?

It contains vitamins that are very important as an antioxidant. Essential fatty acids in Ewedu can keep skin moist.
In the same way, it prevents the loss of water through the skin, thus reducing the wrinkles that are the main cause of aging.

Can a Pregnant Woman Eat Ewedu Soup?

It has been observed especially among the Yoruba-speaking community of Nigeria that pregnant women who eat ewedu soup made from ewedu leaves frequently experience quick, smooth, almost painless delivery. It is also good for prevention from 6 months of pregnancy.

Is Ewedu Good For Diabetics?

Vegetables are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating more of this type of soup will help to effectively manage a diabetic condition. Among the vegetable soups that a diabetic patient can eat are water leave soup, Edikaikong, Afang Soup, Okra soup, Ewedu Soup, and a couple of others.

Can I Drink Ewedu Raw?

Now, people make it into smoothies and they drink it raw! The immature fruits are dried and ground into powder for the preparation of a slimy sauce. It has been demonstrated that anti-nutrient levels in the leaves are low, while zinc bioavailability is high. Ewedu leaves can be used to make face masks.

Ways to Prepare Ewedu Soup

Ewedu soup is traditionally prepared with a broom, a small bunch of broomsticks, known as ijabe is used to mashed until it dissolves in the liquid and forms a light slimy soup, however, your blender can save you the stress it takes to do this repeatedly which is what I used for this delicious soup.

There are more simple ways to prepare this soup without the use of the mashing broom. You can slice the leaves to tiny bits and commence cooking. One of the qualities of the ewedu leaf is the ability to draw, perhaps the reason you can not make this soup with any other leaf.

Can I Cook Ewedu Without Potash?

Yes, you can still prepare ewedu soup without potash if you love it the traditional way. 

Ewedu Soup Can be Served Over:

Ewedu is traditionally served with soups such as beef stew, chicken stew, fish stew, or buka stew and then accompanied with a swallow of choice. The popular swallow you can serve it with includes fufu, eba, or amala.

You can also serve this green soup with gbegiri for some abula experience.

Storing And Reheating

Ewedu soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days but can be frozen for much longer. To reheat, you can use the microwave or reheat it on the stove.

If frozen, it is best to bring it out the night before and let it thaw overnight in the fridge.

Tips

  • Do not cook the ewedu soup for too long. You only need to bring it to a boil and simmer for about 3 minutes.
  • If your iru is frozen, soak in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain.
  • Traditionally, only ground crayfish is added to ewedu soup, since it is almost always paired with stew. I add more spices for flavor but you can omit the extra spices if you wish, and only add ground crayfish.

MORE NIGERIAN SOUP RECIPES

Efo riro

Egusi Soup

Okra Soup

Afang Soup

Ofe Nsala

If you made this recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback

Ewedu Soup

Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • Ewedu leaves (corchorus olitorius)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of powdered potash
  • 1.5 cups of water
  • Ewedu Broom or a blender
  • Stock Cubes (1 or 2 cubes)
  • 4-5 Spoons of ground crayfish
  • Salt to taste
  • Chilly Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Directions
  • Nicely pick just the leaves (no stem allowed), then go ahead and wash properly with a lot of water to remove any sand left on it.
  • Pour 1.5 cups of water to a cooking pot and heat to boiling point, add the washed ewedu leaves, soak the half teaspoon of potash in half cup of water and filter into the pot (to soften the leaves), cook for 7-10 minutes.
  • Then use the cooking broom to mash (more like pound) continuously inside the pot, this will turn the leaves to tiny bits after mashing for about five minutes.
  • Alternatively, You can also transfer into a blender and pulse a couple of times, I think this way is easier and better.
  • That was how I made the soup above, couldn’t find the ewedu broom.Transfer back to the pot and add the ground crayfish, maggi, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Allow to simmer for just five minutes and you are done with making ewedu soup.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Ofe Nsala

Ofe Nsala soup or White Soup is a tasty, fast and easy soup recipe that has its origins in the riverine areas of Nigeria.

Nsala Soup is perfect for a cold rainy day due to its spicy taste. Because it is so easy to prepare, and always loved by many.

What is Ofe Nsala Soup?

Ofe Nsala (Nsala Soup) is a delicious soup, popular in the eastern part of Nigeria. It is also known as ‘‘white soup” because of its light color, due to the absence of palm oil.

The authentic Nsala soup recipe calls for fresh whole Cat Fish, which gives this soup its unique taste. But in the absence of whole catfish, catfish fillets or conger eel can be used.

Ofe Nsala is also similar to Afia Efere, which is the Efik-style white soup, but the extra condiments added to Afia Efere is what differentiates it from Nsala.

Ingredients

  • Cat Fish: 4 one-inch thick pieces
  • Fresh or dry Utazi Leaves (Gongronema latifolium)
  • Thickener: Raw White Yam / Yam Powder / Potato Puree
  •  Habanero peppers: to taste
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1 handful crayfish
  • 1 stock cube
  • 1 Ogiri Okpei (Nigerian traditional seasoning)

Alternative Ingredients

  1. You can use Conger Eel (Congrio in Spanish) instead of Cat fish. Buy the part towards the tail because the pieces you’ll get from there are smaller and do not have large holes in them.
  2. When using yam powder as thickener, mix the powder with hot water first to make a thick smooth paste (as if you are making pounded yam) before adding it to the soup.
  3. Adding the powder directly into the soup will make the soup mushy and you may end up with lumps.
  4. In the absence of habanero pepper, you can use dry chilli pepper.
  5. Utazi leaves do not have any good alternative. If you don’t have it, no worries because it only adds a slightly bitter flavour to the soup.

Before Preparation

  1. Cut the catfish into 1 inch thick cylindrical discs and remove the intestines.
  2. Place in bowl and pour very hot water on the fish. This process of pouring hot water on the fish toughens the skin of the fish so that the pieces do not disintegrate while cooking the soup. Leave for about 2 minutes and wash the fish with cold water. You should also wash off any slimy substance on the outer skin of the fish at this time.
  3. Boil a few cubes of raw white yam. When soft, pound with a mortar and pestle till a smooth paste is formed, then set aside.
  4. You can substitute white yam with yam powder or potato puree for the thickening.
  5. Wash and pound/blend the utazi leaves, the chilli pepper and the crayfish and set aside. Utazi is bitter in taste and only used for flavouring so one or two leaves should be enough especially when using the fresh leaves.

Directions

  1. Place the catfish in a pot and pour enough water to cover the fish. Add the seasoning and cook till done.
  2. Feel free to add beef and dry fish to this soup recipe.
  3. When the catfish is almost done, add the crayfish, pepper and utazi leaves blend.
  4. Also add the yam paste in small lumps and salt to taste.
  5. Cover the pot and allow the contents to cook at high heat till all the yam paste have dissolved. While cooking, if you think that the yam paste will make the soup too thick, you can remove some that are yet to dissolve.

Nsala Soup Can be Served Over:

  1. Eba (Garri)
  2. Semolina
  3. Amala
  4. Pounded Yam

Edikang Ikong (Vegetable Soup)

Edikang ikong soup or Ekaikong is a popular Nigerian vegetable soup made with two types of hearty green leafy vegetables, packed full of healthy seafood and meat proteins.

It is a general notion that this soup is very nutritious and this is very much so.

What is Edikang Ikong Soup?

Edikang Ikong soup is a traditional Nigerian soup that is highly nutritious and protein-packed. This soup is made with a generous amount of fresh leafy vegetables, goat meat, shrimps, palm oil, and other ingredients of great nutritional value. This delicious soup tastes so good and has a load of health benefits.

Because of the assorted meats and variety of proteins used to make this soup, it used to be known as “rich man’s food.” However, it is now enjoyed all over the country.

Where Does Edika Ikong Soup Come From?

The Nigerian Edikang Ikong soup or simply Vegetable Soup is native to the South-southern states(Efiks) of Nigeria(Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.)

The Efik-Ibibio are a minority ethnic group in Nigeria. They occupy the South-South geopolitical zone in the country and are also known as the people of the Niger Delta. The people have a rich culture; they are known for the fattening room tradition and the Ekombi dance.

The Edika Ikong soup is considered to be a delicacy among some Nigerians and is sometimes served during occasions of importance such as traditional weddings, coronations, ordinations, child dedication, and so on.

What Is Edika Ikong Soup Made Of?

Edikang Ikong is primarily made from Waterleaf (Malabar spinach) and Ugwu leaves (fluted pumpkin leaves).

Waterleaf is native to the Americas and the Caribbean but is now widely cultivated all over the world. Ugwu leaves (also known as Ugu leaves) are another popular leafy vegetable native to West Africa.

Is Edika Ikong Soup Healthy?

This soup has several health benefits. It is a great food for new mothers. Apart from replenishing the blood lost during childbirth, the nourishment from this soup supports proper lactation.

This soup is also a perfect blood tonic for the malnourished; it helps to increase blood flow. It is also an anti-aging food and eliminates stress.

Afang Vs Edikang Ikong. What’s The Difference?

Afang is made from afang vegetables (okazi in Igbo) and water leaves. It is very similar to Edikang ikong. The afang leaves differentiate them since edikang ikong soup is traditionally made with water leaves and Ugwu while afang soup is made with okazi and waterleaf vegetables. Check out all you need to know about afang soup here.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: Waterleaf (Malabar spinach), ugwu leaves (fluted pumpkin leaves). These are the traditional leafy greens used for this recipe.
  • Spices: Cayenne pepper (or ground pepper), bouillon or Maggi stock cubes, ground crayfish, salt.
  • Protein: Goat meat, smoked or dried fish, and shrimp.
  • Other ingredients: Palm oil, onion, water, and stock.

Alternative vegetables for those who cannot buy water leaves and pumpkin leaves:

Use the following to replace the classic Nigerian vegetables for this soup:

  • Normal frozen spinach
  • Ground frozen spinach
  • Lamb’s lettuce (canonigos in Spanish)

Defrost the frozen spinach, cut the normal frozen one into tiny pieces and mix with the ground frozen spinach. Wring out the water from these and add them when the written recipe requires you to add the pumpkin leaves.
Wash, pick and cut the Lamb’s Lettuce into tiny pieces. Add them when the written recipe requires you to add water leaves.

How To Make Edikang Ikong Soup

Not to worry this soup won’t take the whole day. It’s quick and easy. The way is easier and quicker than the traditional method you knew growing up because I have simplified it for you.

Storage And Reheating

You can store Edikang Ikong in the refrigerator for up to five days and two weeks in the freezer before it starts to lose its taste. To reheat:

  1. Put it on low heat for 5 to 10 mins if from the fridge.
  2. Add a few drops of water, so it doesn’t burn.

If from the freezer, leave it to thaw entirely before warming on the stove for a few minutes.

What To Eat With Edikang Ikong Soup

One can savor this soup with various foods.

Tips And Variations

  • For best results, use the recommended leafy greens to get the full nutritious and delicious taste from the soup, but spinach and kale would substitute nicely.
  • If you particularly enjoy spicy food, you can make it a whole lot spicier by adding scotch bonnet pepper or more cayenne pepper.
  • I use goat meat but any animal protein will work for this recipe.
  • If the soup turns out too watery, add more vegetables and simmer on low heat for 5 to 10 minutes.

GET MORE NIGERIAN SOUP RECIPES!

Egusi Soup

Okra  Soup

Afang Soup

Ofe Nsala

Let’s get cooking!

Edikang Ikong Soup

Edikang Ikong Soup (Vegetable Soup)

59f3906c8ceb76e85697f49b7a26f25c?s=30&r=gAFN Snr Chef
The Nigerian Edikang Ikong soup or simply Vegetable Soup is native to the Efiks,people from Akwa Ibom and Cross River states of Nigeria. It is a general notion that the Edikang Ikong soup is very nutritious and this is very much so.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine Nigerian
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg pumpkin leaves
  • 500 g water leaves   (Talinum Triangulare)
  • 600 g beef, Kanda, shaki and Dry fish
  • pepper, Salt and ground crayfish to taste
  • 200 ml palm oil
  • 1 cup periwinkle
  • 2 medium onions
  • 2 - 3 bouillon cubes

Instructions
 

  • Wash and cut the pumpkin and water leaves into tiny pieces. Put them in separate sieves to drain out all the water as much as possible.
  • Cut the Kanda into small pieces. Cook the beef, kanda and the dry fish with the 2 bulbs of diced onions and the bouillon cubes with as little quantity of water as possible.
  • When the meat is done, add a generous amount of palm oil, the crayfish and pepper and leave to boil for about 10 minutes. The palm oil serves as the liquid in the Edikang Ikong soup. You should try as much as possible to make it the only liquid in the soup.
  • Add the periwinkle and water leaves and leave to cook for another 5 minutes. You may have to cook for less time at this stage so that the water leaves are not over-cooked.
  • Now add the pumpkin leaves and salt to taste. Stir the contents of the pot very well and turn off the heat. Cover the pot and leave to stand for about 5 minutes.

Notes

Alternative Vegetables For Those Who Can't Buy Water Leaves.
Use the following to replace the classic Nigerian vegetables for this soup:
  • 1kg normal frozen spinach
  • 200g ground frozen spinach
  • 250g lamb's lettuce (canonigos in Spanish)
Defrost the frozen spinach, cut the normal frozen one into tiny pieces and mix with the ground frozen spinach. Wring out the water from these and add them when the written recipe requires you to add the pumpkin leaves.
Wash, pick and cut the Lamb's Lettuce into tiny pieces. Add them when the written recipe requires you to add water leaves.
 
EDIKANG IKONG CAN BE SERVED OVER:
  • Garri (Eba)
  • Semolina
  • Amala
  • Cassava Fufu or with Pounded Yam.
 
Keyword Nigerian Soup, Pumpkin Leaves, Vegetable Soup
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Disinfecting Your Kitchen

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Natural Ways to Disinfect Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are kitchen wares that we unavoidably use every day. For this reason, it is very important to disinfect your cutting boards to avoid contamination. This is very likely as they get tiny slices and cuts with time and they become a breeding ground for different kinds of bacteria like salmonella and e-coli. These are easy DIY steps to disinfect your cutting/chopping boards with available supplies you can find lying around the house.

  1. Vinegar: Vinegar is great for everything. The acetic acid in it helps combat bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella and White vinegar is a great way to disinfect and clean your boards. Spray with white vinegar and leave for 10-30 minutes before wiping it down. This can be done every time you use your cutting boards to keep it clean regularly. You could also put a layer of baking soda across the top of your board and spray it white vinegar. White vinegar 2
  2. Lemons: If your cutting board becomes dirty, especially with an odour, I recommend lemon. Though they don’t disinfect, they are great for de-odourising your board, especially the ones used for chopping garlic and onions. Cut the lemon in half and scrub the board with it or you could just use a piece of cloth and lemon juice. To help absorb odors, just add a bit of salt on your board while scrubbing.lemon and salt 1
  3. Salt: After washing your cutting board with hot water and soap, toss some salt on it and rub with a damp. Salt is excellent because it acts as an abrasive to remove stains and odors. Baking Soda
  4. Baking Soda: Baking soda as a natural product is very safe and non-toxic because its mild alkali can dissolve grime and dirt easily in water. Keep your wooden cutting board cleaner by occasionally scrubbing it with a paste made from baking soda and water. Make a paste of 1 part each of baking soda, salt and water. Scrub your cutting board with this paste and rinse in hot water after. download 2
  5. Bleach: It is not really advisable to use furniture polish or any other household cleaner for butcher blocks or cutting board used for meat or fish. It is better to scrub in small circles with a brush dipped in a solution of 1 teaspoon bleach diluted in 2 liters water without saturating the wood. The bleach will kill any harmful bacteria on your cutting board. Wipe with a damp paper towel then buff dry with a clean cloth. bleach
  6. Hydrogen peroxide:Hydrogen peroxide fights the production of bacteria on your cutting board, especially after using it for meat. Use about 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide for chopping boards that are used for chopping up raw meat. Just spray enough hydrogen peroxide on the chopping board to get into the cuts and rub with a clean cloth. You have to rinse the board down with water carefully before using it again. Hydrogen Peroxide 3

 

 

 

 

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