Ogbono Soup

Ogbono Soup, also known as Ofe Ogbono or Draw Soup, is a popular Nigerian soup known for its thick and viscous texture. Made from ground ogbono seeds (African bush mango seeds), this soup is rich in flavor and often enjoyed with fufu, pounded yam, or rice. Here’s a traditional recipe for Ogbono Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup ground ogbono seeds
• 2 cups assorted meats (beef, chicken, goat meat, or fish), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup palm oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 cups chopped vegetables (spinach, ugu leaves, or bitterleaf)
• 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
• 2-3 tablespoons ground dried pepper or red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1-2 stock cubes (or seasoning powder), optional
• Salt to taste
• Water or meat stock, as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Wash and cut your assorted meats into bite-sized pieces. If using fish, clean and cut into chunks. Chop the onion and vegetables accordingly.
2. Cook the Assorted Meats:
   • In a pot, combine the assorted meats with chopped onions, seasoning cubes (if using), salt, and enough water to cover the meats. Cook until tender and set aside. Reserve the meat stock for later use.
3. Prepare Ogbono Paste:
   • In a dry skillet or pot, lightly toast the ground ogbono seeds over low heat for a few minutes. This helps to enhance the flavor of the ogbono.
   • Gradually add palm oil to the toasted ogbono seeds while stirring continuously to form a smooth paste. Ensure there are no lumps.
4. Cook the Ogbono Soup:
   • Heat palm oil in a separate pot. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
   • Add the ogbono paste to the pot and stir-fry for about 5 minutes over medium heat. This step helps to reduce the raw taste of the ogbono.
   • Pour in the reserved meat stock (or water) gradually while stirring to achieve your desired consistency. Ogbono soup is typically thick but can be adjusted based on preference.
   • Add the cooked assorted meats and any remaining stock from cooking the meats. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Seasonings and Vegetables:
   • Stir in ground crayfish, ground dried pepper (or chili flakes), and additional seasoning if needed. Adjust salt according to taste.
   • Add the chopped vegetables to the soup and simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant in color.
6. Check and Adjust:
   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning or thickness as needed by adding more water or stock if too thick.
7. Serve:
   • Once the soup is ready, remove from heat and serve hot with fufu, pounded yam, rice, or any preferred side dish.
8. Enjoy Your Ogbono Soup:
   • Enjoy the rich and flavorful Ogbono Soup with your favorite accompaniments, savoring the delicious blend of ingredients and textures.

Ogbono Soup is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a popular choice in Nigerian cuisine. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite meats or vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your cooking and dining experience!