Teresa's Recipes
Oha Soup
Oha soup is a beloved traditional Nigerian delicacy known for its rich flavor and hearty ingredients. Made with the unique oha leaves, assorted meats, and a blend of spices, this soup embodies the essence of Nigerian cuisine. Often enjoyed with a side of fufu or pounded yam, Oha soup brings warmth and comfort, making it a perfect dish for gatherings and celebrations. Its roots trace back to the Igbo people of Nigeria, where it has been cherished for generations as a symbol of hospitality and community.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, cut into pieces Assorted meat (beef, cow foot, tripe, etc.)
- 1/2 pound, soaked and cut into pieces Stockfish
- 1/2 pound, cleaned and cut Dry fish
- 1 cup Palm oil
- 1 large, chopped Onions
- 2 tablespoons, ground Crayfish
- 2 cups, shredded Oha leaves
- 2-3, to taste Seasoning cubes
- to taste Salt
- 2, chopped (adjust to taste) Pepper (scotch bonnet or habanero)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6-8
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Begin by washing the assorted meat thoroughly. Season with salt and seasoning cubes. Place in a large pot with enough water and cook until the meat is tender, approximately 1-1.5 hours.
- Once the meat is tender, add the soaked stockfish and dry fish to the pot. Continue cooking until both are soft, about 20-30 minutes.
- In a separate pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Next, add the chopped pepper and ground crayfish to the sautéed onions. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Carefully pour the cooked assorted meat, stockfish, and dry fish into the pot with the sautéed ingredients. Stir well to combine.
- Add enough water to reach your desired soup consistency. Season with salt and additional seasoning cubes if needed. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Finally, add the shredded oha leaves to the pot and stir gently. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the oha leaves to wilt and infuse their flavor into the soup.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with your choice of swallow (e.g., fufu, pounded yam, or eba) for a satisfying meal.
Tips
- For a more intense flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked fish or meat.
- If oha leaves are unavailable, you can substitute with other leafy greens like spinach or kale, though the flavor will differ.
- This soup can be made in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer preservation.