- The soups of the Igbo people reflect a connection to their land, culture and tradition
- These soups are nourishing and comforting while showcasing the Igbo people’s diverse ingredients and flavours
- Here are 10 traditional soups of the Igbo people in Nigeria
The Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria are known for their rich and flavourful soups, which play an essential role in their cuisine and cultural identity. These soups are much more than just meals, they are a part of family traditions, often prepared with love and shared during important occasions.
Igbo soups are nutritious and made from a variety of locally grown ingredients such as leafy vegetables, meats, and fish. These soups are typically served with swallow foods like fufu, pounded yam, or garri.
10 traditional Igbo soups
Here are 10 of the most popular soups enjoyed by the Igbo people.
1. Ofe Nsala (White soup)
Credit: Kikifoodies
Ofe Nsala is a light, peppery soup made without palm oil, which gives it a distinct appearance. It is usually prepared with catfish, goat meat, or chicken and thickened with yam. The use of utazi leaves gives the soup a slightly bitter, tangy flavour. Ofe Nsala is often enjoyed during special occasions and is believed to be nourishing for new mothers.
2. Ofe Onugbu (Bitterleaf soup)
Credit: Dooney’s Kitchen
Ofe Onugbu, or bitter leaf soup, is a favourite among the Igbo, made with thoroughly washed bitter leaf and thickened with cocoyam. The bitterness of the leaf is tamed by rich additions like goat meat, stockfish, and other proteins. It is packed with nutrients and has a distinct, slightly bitter but savoury flavour that many enjoy.
3. Ofe Oha (Oha soup)
Credit: Ify’s Kitchen
Ofe Oha is a classic Igbo soup made from the tender oha leaves, native to southeastern Nigeria. The leaves are soft and have a mild flavour, making the soup taste earthy and satisfying. Thickened with cocoyam and prepared with a variety of meats, fish, and sometimes stockfish, Ofe Oha is often made for special occasions due to the delicate nature of the oha leaves.
4. Ofe Akwu (Palm Nut soup)
Credit: Rex Clarke Adventures
Ofe Akwu, also known as Banga soup, is made from palm fruit extract, giving it a rich, deep orange colour. This soup is often cooked with assorted meats, fish, and sometimes vegetables like scent leaves. It can be served with rice or swallow foods and has a unique and sweet flavour.
5. Ofe Okazi (Okazi soup)
Credit: Top Nigerian Food Blog
Ofe Okazi is prepared with okazi leaves, which are shredded and added to the soup alongside proteins like goat meat, stockfish, and dry fish. This soup is typically thickened with achi or cocoyam and has a slightly bitter taste.
6. Ofe Ugba (Oil Bean soup)
Credit: Big Mama Spices
Ofe Ugba is made using ugba, the fermented seeds of the African oil bean tree. The oil bean seeds are rich in protein and are mixed into the soup with ingredients like fish, meats, and vegetables. The fermentation gives the soup a strong, distinct flavour, making it a prized dish at family gatherings and traditional events.
7. Ofe Egusi (Melon seed soup)
Credit:Cookpad
Ofe Egusi is one of the most popular Igbo soups, made from ground melon seeds (egusi) which give the soup a thick and creamy texture. The soup is often cooked with leafy vegetables like ugu (pumpkin leaves) and proteins such as goat meat, fish, or beef. It is hearty, flavorful, and full of essential nutrients.
8. Ofe Ugu (Pumpkin leaf soup)
Credit: Ify’s Kitchen
Ofe Ugu is made using pumpkin leaves (ugu), a common vegetable in Igbo cuisine. The leaves are combined with meats, fish, and seasonings to create a light, healthy soup. Ugu leaves are rich in iron and other essential vitamins, making this soup both nutritious and delicious.
9. Ofe Achara with Akpuruakpu Egusi
Credit: Ounje Aladun
Ofe Achara is a soup made from bamboo shoots, known locally as achara, which are combined with vegetables like ugu and proteins such as fish or meat. The soup is typically thickened with cocoyam or achi and offers a unique crunchy texture due to the bamboo shoots.
10. Ofe Owerri
Credit: Uzoms Kitchen
Ofe Owerri is a rich, traditional Igbo soup that hails from Owerri, the capital of Imo State in southeastern Nigeria. It is known for its luxurious blend of various vegetables, meats, and fish, this soup is often seen as a symbol of wealth and celebration. The soup is typically made with a mix of pumpkin leaves (ugu), and uziza leaves. It's cooked with a combination of meats, including goat meat, stockfish, and snail. Cocoyam is used as a thickener, making the soup filling. What makes Ofe Owerri special is its versatility and the careful balance of ingredients. It's a dish usually reserved for special occasions like weddings, family gatherings, and festivals due to the variety and richness of the ingredients.
Other traditional Igbo soups include Ofe Okwuru (Okra soup), Ofe Ogbono, Ofe achi, Ofe Ugbogoro, Ofe Anala, Ofe Awa, Ofe Akwukwo nri, Ofe Uziza, Ofe Ukpo, Ofe Mpoto, Ofe Akpalata and Ose Ani.
5 traditional soups of the Ibibio people in Nigeria
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier compiled five flavourful and nutritious traditional soups of the Ibibio people in Nigeria.
Among them are Edikang Ikong soup, Afia Efere, Atama soup, which are mostly made with leafy greens and proteins.