How to make tasty oha soup

To enjoy the traditional taste of Nigerian food, you must try oha soup. It is an exquisite and delicious soup filled with healthy ingredients and boasts of a rich cultural tradition. Ready to learn how to cook oha soup that will have you licking your fingers clean? You’ve come to the right place. Let's break down all the steps, from choosing the best ingredients to make the perfect oha soup.

What is Oha Soup?

Oha Soup, also known as Ora Soup, is a traditional Nigerian dish from the Igbo ethnic group. It is a hearty soup made from oha leaves (Pterocarpus mildbraedii), which are tender, slightly bitter, and have a unique aroma. Due to its rich ingredients and cooking steps, Oha Soup is often prepared for special occasions, celebrations, and gatherings.

What does Oha Soup taste like?

Oha soup has a unique and distinct flavour that is difficult to compare directly to other soups. The aroma of the Oha leaves becomes more pronounced when added to the hot soup. It infuses the dish with an aromatic quality that complements the other ingredients, giving the soup an inviting scent.

When prepared well, Oha Soup is a perfect balance of flavours, where the bitterness of the leaves is offset by the richness of the broth from the meats.

Health Benefits of Oha Soup

Oha soup offers a range of potential health benefits when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the health benefits associated with Oha soup:

1. Nutrient-Rich: Oha Soup is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins (such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and B vitamins), minerals (such as calcium, iron, and potassium), and dietary fibre. These nutrients play vital roles in supporting overall health and well-being.

2. Rich in Antioxidants: Oha leaves contain antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, which help neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. Antioxidants contribute to reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

3. Immune System Support: The combination of vitamins and minerals in Oha Soup, particularly vitamin C, can help boost the immune system's defences and enhance its ability to fight off infections and illnesses.

4. Healthy Bones and Teeth: Oha Soup's calcium content contributes to the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Calcium is essential for bone health and helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

5. Iron Source: Assorted meats used in Oha Soup provide a source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron found in plant foods. Iron is crucial for preventing anaemia and ensuring proper oxygen transport.

6. Digestive Health: The dietary fibre in Oha Soup supports healthy digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in the prevention of constipation.

Oha Soup Ingredients

● 1 bunch of Oha leaves (substitute: uziza leaves if unavailable)

● Assorted meats (such as beef, goat meat, and tripe), washed and cut into bite-sized pieces

● Stockfish and/or dried fish (pre-soaked and cleaned)

● Palm fruit extract (banga) or palm oil

● 1 onion, chopped

● 2-3 fresh pepper or chilli peppers (adjust to your spice preference)

● 2 tablespoons ground crayfish

● 1 teaspoon ground ogiri or iru (fermented locust beans)

● Seasoning cubes or powder (to taste)

● Salt (to taste)

● Water

● Cocoyam or achi/thickener (for a thicker consistency)

● Periwinkle (for added flavour)

● Cocoyam leaves or spinach (as a substitute for Oha leaves if unavailable)

How to cook Oha soup

• Peel and dice the cocoyam corms. Wash thoroughly to remove excess starch. Boil the diced cocoyam in a pot of water until tender. Drain and set aside.
• If using palm fruit extract, heat a small amount in a pot until the oil separates from the fruit solids. Set aside.
• In a large pot, heat palm oil or palm fruit extract over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add ground crayfish and ground pepper. Stir well.
• Pour in the precooked assorted meats, stockfish, and dried fish. Stir to combine.
• Mash the boiled cocoyam corms until smooth and free of lumps. You can add a small amount of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
• Add the mashed cocoyam to the pot and stir well to incorporate it into the soup. This will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.
• Add salt, seasoning cubes, and ground ogiri or iru (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.
• Gently fold in the shredded Oha leaves into the soup. Be careful not to overcook the leaves; they should retain their vibrant colour and texture.
• Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to meld the flavours and ensure the Oha leaves are cooked but still slightly crunchy.
• Serve the Oha soup hot with your choice of side dishes, such as fufu, pounded yam, or eba.

Tips to Note When Cooking Oha Soup

Use fresh Oha leaves for the best flavour and texture. If fresh leaves are not available, frozen Oha leaves can be a good alternative.

When using cocoyam as a thickener, ensure that it is properly peeled, diced, and boiled until tender. Mash the cocoyam to a smooth consistency before adding it to the soup.

Choose a variety of meats for depth of flavour. Assorted meats like beef, goat meat, and tripe work well. Pre-cook the meats until tender before adding them to the soup.

If using palm fruit extract, ensure it's well-cooked to eliminate any bitterness and to allow the oil to separate from the fruit solids.

Add shredded oha leaves toward the end of the cooking process to preserve their colour and texture. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become slimy.

When adding cocoyam and Oha leaves to the soup, stir gently to avoid breaking down the cocoyam or mashing the leaves.

What to serve Oha soup with?

Oha soup is traditionally served with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich and flavourful nature. These side dishes often provide a balance of textures and flavours, enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some popular options for what to serve with Oha soup:

● Fufu

● Poundo Yam

● Eba

● Semolina

If you're looking to get Oha ingredients and other great African ingredients, why not try our African grocery store?