Authentic Nigerian Oha Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Taste of West African Cuisine
Oha Soup is a traditional Nigerian delicacy known for its rich and aromatic flavors. Made with fresh Oha leaves, catfish, and a blend of authentic African spices, this soup is a delicious representation of West African cuisine. Follow this simple recipe to create a pot of Oha Soup that's perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients:
- 1 bunch of dried Oha leaves - Buy Now
- 1/2 cup of ground crayfish - Buy Now
- 1/2 cup of cocoyam powder (for thickening) - Buy Now
- 2 cubes of Maggi Chicken or any chicken bouillon cubes - Buy Now
- 2-3 red chilli peppers, chopped (adjust to taste) - Buy Now
- 1 cup of stockfish pieces, soaked and softened - Buy Now
- 2-3 pieces of catfish fillets, cut into chunks - Buy Now
- 1-2 teaspoons of Cameroon pepper (adjust to taste) - Buy Now
- 1 teaspoon of ground okpei (traditional African spice) - Buy Now
- 1/4 cup of red palm oil - Buy Now
- Garri (cassava flakes) for serving - Buy Now
- Water (as needed)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oha Leaves: Soak the dried Oha leaves in warm water until they soften, then rinse thoroughly and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cocoyam Paste: In a separate bowl, mix the cocoyam powder with water until it becomes a thick paste. This paste will serve as a natural thickener for the soup. Set it aside.
3. Prepare the Protein: In a separate pot, cook the beef, dried catfish and stockfish. Add maggi seasoning to taste
4. Cooking the Soup:
- Add the ground crayfish, Cameroon pepper, and ground okpei to the pot containing the protein.
- Add the red palm oil.
- Add the cocoyam paste to the pot and stir well to combine with the palm oil.
- Stir continuously for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate.
5. Season and Simmer: Season the soup with additional salt and to taste if needed. Simmer the soup for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Incorporate Oha Leaves: Gently add the sliced or soaked Oha leaves to the pot. Be careful not to overcook them; they should maintain their freshness and color. Stir well to combine.
7. Serve: Your Nigerian Oha Soup is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with a side of Garri (cassava flakes) for a traditional African meal.
Enjoy your homemade Oha Soup with the unique flavors of Oha leaves.
