Banga Soup originates from Niger Delta, and the South Eastern parts of Nigeria. The Igbos refer to it as Ofe Akwu. This meal has become a staple in homes and restaurants across the country. This Banga soup recipe will make you an expert in no time.
According to the Knorr website, the ingredients you need are;
- 1 kg Palm Fruits
- Beef
- Dry Fish
- Vegetable: Scent Leaves for Ofe Akwu or Dried & Crushed bitter leaves for Delta-style Banga Soup
- Onions
- Crayfish (You can choose to use it blended as you desire)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Ogiri Okpei (Iru)
- Knorr Chicken
- Salt to taste
You can make this coveted dish from the comfort of your kitchen via the following steps;
- Extract the palm fruit concentrate from the palm fruits. If using the tinned palm fruit concentrate, open the tin and set aside.
- Cook the beef and the dry fish with diced onions and Knorr cubes till done.
- Wash and cut the scent leaves into tiny pieces. The scent leaves give the Banga Soup (Ofe Akwu) its unique aroma and taste. If cooking Delta-style Banga Soup for starch, you should either cook this soup without vegetables or use dried and crushed bitter leaves.
- Cut some onion & set aside, Pound the crayfish, ogiri okpei and pepper in a mortar and set aside. You can also grind them with a dry mill as you desire.
- Set the pot of palm fruit extract on the stove and start cooking at high heat. Leave to boil till you notice some red oil at the surface of the Banga Soup.
- If your Banga Soup looks watery, cook till the soup has thickened to the consistency you like for your soup.
- Add the beef, dry fish and stock from the meat, onions, crayfish and pepper and leave to boil very well.Add the scent leaves or any other vegetable, pepper and salt to taste.
- Leave to simmer for about 2 mins. The Banga Soup is done and ready to be served.
This video by Ify’s Kitchen, will further aid your Banga-Chef aspirations.
Do you like this Banga soup recipe? Will you be cooking it? Let us know in the comments.
Ndewoo!
