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Oha Soup

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Oha Soup, also known as ‘Ofe Oha,’ is a delicious and hearty Nigerian soup made from the leaves of the Oha tree, combined with a rich, flavorful broth made from meats, fish, and traditional spices. It’s a popular dish in the southeastern regions of Nigeria and is usually served with pounded yam, fufu, or rice. The unique flavor of the Oha leaves makes this soup an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

Oha leaves (fresh or frozen)
Goat meat, beef, or chicken (cut into pieces)
Stockfish (optional)
Dried fish (optional)
Palm oil
Yam (for thickening)
Ground crayfish
Ground pepper (or scotch bonnet)
Onions (optional)
Seasoning cubes or powder
Salt to taste
Water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat: Wash the goat meat, beef, or chicken and place in a pot. Add onions (optional), seasoning cubes, and salt. Add water and cook until tender.
  2. Prepare the Yam Thickener: Peel and cut the yam into small cubes. In a separate pot, boil the yam until soft. Then, mash it with a little water until smooth. This will be used to thicken the soup.
  3. Make the Broth: In the pot with the cooked meat, add the stockfish, dried fish (if using), and ground crayfish. Pour in some water to create the soup base. Bring to a boil.
  4. Add Palm Oil: Stir in the palm oil and ground pepper (or scotch bonnet) for spiciness. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes.
  5. Add Yam Paste and Oha Leaves: Add the mashed yam paste to the soup to thicken it. Stir well to incorporate. Finally, add the Oha leaves and cook for another 5–10 minutes. The Oha leaves should retain their vibrant green color and remain slightly tender.
  6. Taste and Adjust: Check for seasoning and adjust with salt or additional seasoning cubes if needed. The soup is now ready to serve.

Notes

  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with more vegetables like mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable stock.
  • Extra Spice: Increase the amount of scotch bonnet pepper or add chili peppers for more heat.
  • Meat Combination: Use a mix of goat meat, beef, and chicken for a more diverse meat base.
  • Thickening Alternatives: You can use cocoyam or okra to thicken the soup if you don’t have yam.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/oha-soup/