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Ogbono Soup

How to Make Nigerian Ogbono Soup

Florence Akpotaire
Ogbono soup is a delicious Nigerian dish made with ground Ogbono seeds. It has a thick and slightly slippery texture.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Nigerian
Servings 4 People

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Ogbono seeds (blended)
  • 500 beef (with assorted meats like shaki, pomo, or goat meat)
  • 1 medium-sized dry fish (washed and deboned)
  • 1 medium-sized stockfish (optional)
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
  • 3 tablespoons palm oil
  • 2 tablespoons ground pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 seasoning cubes
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups water or as needed
  • 2 cups vegetable (ugu or spinach, washed and chopped)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Meat:

  • Wash the beef and assorted meats thoroughly.
  • Place them in a clean pot, add sliced onions, garlic, ginger, salt, and seasoning cubes. Do not add water initially.
    Making Ogbono Soup Meat in a Pot
  • Allow the meat to steam on low heat for about 30 minutes. The meat will release its own juices.
  • If the liquid dries up and the meat is still tough, add a small amount of water and let it cook until tender.
  • Separate the cooked meat from the meat stock and set them aside.
    Meat Stock

Prepare Other Ingredients

  • Wash and debone the dry fish, then place it in a separate bowl.
    Dried Fish
  • Slice an onion and set it aside.
  • Blend the crayfish and keep it in a bowl.
    Blended Crayfish

Cook the Ogbono Soup

  • Gradually pour in the stock while stirring to prevent lumps.
  • Add the cooked meat, stockfish, and dried shrimp.
  • Cover and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Season the Soup:

  • Heat palm oil in a pot over low heat.
    Palm Oil and Sliced Onions
  • Add the blended Ogbono and stir continuously for about two minutes until it forms a smooth paste. The color will change to a darker brown.
    Ogbono Darkens
  • Gradually add the reserved meat stock while stirring to dissolve the Ogbono paste.
  • Add the cooked meat, dry fish, crayfish, and ground pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  • If the soup is too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.

Final Touches

  • Add the sliced onions and allow the soup to cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped vegetables and let them cook for 2–3 minutes to retain their nutrients.
    Chopped Spinach
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    How to Make Ogbnono Soup
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