If you’ve looking for a step-by-step article that teaches you how to prepare Ogbono soup this article is for you.
Ogbono soup is a well-known delicacy in Nigeria and across Africa.
It’s prepared and served on occasions such as birthday parties, wedding parties and restaurants all across Nigeria; it’s also known as bush mango or African mango.
Ogbono soup is also called dika nut soup or draw soup.
The botanical name of Ogbono seed is Irvingia gabonensis; it has the following health benefits.
- It helps reduce inflammation
- It helps in weight loss
- It has protein
- It reduces blood pressure
- It improves fertility
You can buy Ogbono seeds in local stores in Nigeria or African stores abroad.
Ingredients For Ogbono Soup
- Blended Ogbono seeds
- Vegetables like ugu (pumpkin leaves ), bitter leaves, or uziza leaves
- Palm oil
- Salt
- Seasoning cubes
- Crayfish
- Locust beans (iru, also called dawadawa) Adding locust beans is optional
- Stockfish
- Any meat like beef, goat, chicken
- Assorted meat like shaki (tripe)
- Any dry fish
- Dry pepper
- Ponmo (cow skin)
- Onion.
How To Prepare Ogbono Soup
In Nigeria, we have different ways or methods for preparing Ogbono soup; we have the boiling method or frying method.
Preparing Ogbono Soup Boiling Method
Step 1
Use a dry blender to blend 1 cup of Ogbono seeds into powder.
Also, blend half a cup of crayfish and 1 teaspoon of pepper (you can blend them separately or together with the Ogbono)
Step 2
Put a medium-sized pot in the fire, add a little water and then add your meat.
Next, add one chopped onion, then two seasoning cubes, a little salt and leave it to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes.
While your meat is boiling, put the blended Ogbono inside a bowl.
If you blended the crayfish and pepper separately, then you have to add it to the Ogbono in the bowl.
After putting the Ogbono, crayfish and pepper in a bowl, add some palm oil.
Next, put the bowl on top of the boiling water inside the pot and leave it for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3
Remove the bowl from the top of the boiling water.
Then, add some water to the already boiling water in the pot.
You can add locust beans at this point if you want
Next, use your cooking spoon to stir the Ogbono inside the bowl and then start putting the Ogbono inside the pot with your spoon.
After adding the Ogbono to the pot, stir for about 3 minutes to ensure the Ogbono dissolves appropriately.
Step 4
Add fish and vegetables, then allow to simmer for about 2 minutes; reduce the heat, and your Ogbono is ready to be served.
Preparing Ogbono Soup Frying Method
Step 1
Use a dry blender to blend 1 cup of Ogbono seeds into powder.
Also, blend half a cup of crayfish and 1 teaspoon of pepper (you blend them separately or together with the Ogbono)
Step 2
Put a medium-sized pot in the fire, add a little water and then add your meat.
Next, add one chopped onion, then two seasoning cubes, a little salt and leave it to cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, then keep it aside.
Step 3
Place an empty pot on the fire and heat it for about 15 seconds, then add your palm oil.
After about 5 seconds of putting the palm oil in the pot, turn the blended Ogbono, crayfish and pepper into the pot and stir continuously for about 15-20 seconds.
Next, turn the pot containing your meat and water into the Ogbono pot and stir for about 5-10 seconds.
Step 4
Add fish and vegetable ugu (pumpkin leaves) and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes; reduce the heat, and your Ogbono soup is ready to be served.
How Ogbono Soup Is Served
Ogbono or draw soup can be served in different combinations, such as:
Ogbono soup and eba
Ogbono soup and fufu
Ogbono soup and pounded yam
Ogbono soup and semo
Ogbono soup and amala
Ogbono soup and agidi
Ogbono soup can be reheated without losing its taste if it’s refrigerated, although it’s important to note that reheating Ogbono often increases its saltiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ingredients for Ogbono soup?
- Blended Ogbono seeds
- Vegetables such as pumpkin leaves
- Salt
- Maggi seasoning cubes
- Crayfish
- Dry pepper
- Ponmo (cow skin)
- Onion
- Fish
- Assorted meat
- Meat
- Locust beans
- Stockfish
- Red palm oil
What Is Ogbono Soup Called In English?
It is called dika nut in English. Its botanical name is Irvingia gabonensis, and it is commonly called draw soup.
How Do I Dissolve Ogbono?
You can dissolve Ogbono by putting it in a small bowl and placing it on hot boiling water or dissolve it by placing it on a heated palm oil and stir.
Can Ogbono Be Blended With Water?
Ogbono cannot be blended with water.
What can I use to blend Ogbono?
Use a blending machine or dry mill to blend your ogbono.