Ogbono Soup Recipe (Nigerian Draw Soup)

how to make your own Ogbono Soup

Ogbono soup, also known as draw soup, is a beloved Nigerian delicacy made with ground African wild mango seeds (ogbono) and enriched with assorted meats, fish, and vegetables. Here’s how to prepare this flavorful dish:

Ingredients

• 1 cup ogbono seeds (ground into a fine powder)
• 1/2 cup palm oil
• 1 kg assorted meats (beef, goat meat, or chicken)
• 2 cups stockfish (pre-soaked)
• 1 cup dried fish (washed and deboned)
• 1/2 cup ground crayfish
• 2 tablespoons ground pepper (to taste)
• 2 bouillon cubes (optional)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 cups ugu leaves (or spinach, washed and chopped)
• 1 cup bitter leaf (washed, optional)
• 5 cups water or meat stock

Instructions

1. Prepare the Assorted Meats:

• Wash the meats thoroughly and place them in a pot with the chopped onion, bouillon cubes, and salt.
• Add water to cover the meat, then boil until tender. Set aside the meat and stock.

1. Heat the Palm Oil:

• In a large pot, heat the palm oil over low heat. Be careful not to overheat it to preserve its flavor and nutrients.

1. Incorporate the Ogbono Powder:

• Add the ground ogbono seeds to the warm oil. Stir continuously to dissolve the ogbono completely into the oil. This prevents lumps and helps the soup achieve its “draw” texture.

1. Add Stock and Simmer:

• Gradually add the meat stock (or water) while stirring to achieve a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes until the soup thickens.

1. Add Protein:

• Add the cooked meats, stockfish, and dried fish to the pot. Stir well to combine.

1. Season the Soup:

• Add ground crayfish, pepper, and more bouillon cubes or salt to taste. Stir and simmer for another 5-7 minutes.

1. Add Vegetables:

• Stir in the chopped ugu leaves or spinach and optional bitter leaf. Allow to cook for another 3-5 minutes.

1. Serve:

• Remove from heat and serve hot with pounded yam, eba, semovita, or fufu.

Tips for Best Results:

• Consistency: Add more stock or water if the soup is too thick, or let it simmer longer to reduce it if too watery.
• Meat Variety: Include offals like cow tripe (shaki) or cow skin (kpomo) for extra texture and flavor.
• Vegetable Options: If you can’t find ugu leaves, spinach, kale, or bitter leaf are great substitutes.

Enjoy your delicious Ogbono Soup, a hearty and comforting meal loved across Nigeria! 🍲✨