How to Cook Nigerian Ora Soup

How to Cook Nigerian Ora Soup (Oha Soup)

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This recipe post would walk you through how to make the traditional Ora/Ofe Oha Soup.

How to Cook Nigerian Ora Soup (Oha Soup). An Overview

Ora (Oha) soup is indigenous to Nigeria’s south-eastern region. It’s a traditional soup that’s similar to bitterleaf soup but made with Ora leaves.

Although Oha soup is native to the eastern part of Nigeria, most Nigerian families from other tribes enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal.

Ora (Oha) Soup is unique because the tender ora leaves used in this soup recipe are seasonal, as opposed to their bitterleaf counterpart, which is available all year.

Though only the vegetable distinguishes the Ora Soup and the Bitterleaf Soup, they taste so different that it’s difficult to believe that just one ingredient can make such a difference in a recipe.

Oha leaves are obtained from an African evergreen tree. The plant’s scientific name is Pterocarpus mildraedii.

It contains a variety of nutrients, including fiber, amino acids, calcium, iron, potassium, and vitamin A.

How to Make Oha Soup ~ Steps to Making Oha Soup

This is a delicious soup that is simple to make, and you can be sure that no matter how you make it, it will be delicious.

This recipe is one of those native Igbo soups that you can’t get enough of. If you ever come to see me and I make Oha soup for you, know that you are very important to me.

Oha Soup Ingredients

• Beef/ Chicken/lamb/turkey or your preferred protein
• Stockfish
• Smoked fish
• Palm oil
• Onions
• Periwinkle (Optional)
• Ground crayfish
• Ponmo
• Cocoyam or Achi ( Soup Thickeners)
• Oha leaves (cut using a knife or shredding with your fingers)
• Uziza leaves (chopped)
• Seasonings
• Salt
• Water/Stock

Notes on the ingredients:

• Ora (Oha) is a unique vegetable hence does not have a good alternative.
• Ogiri Igbo is non-compulsory; it gives Ora Soup a traditional taste.
• Traditional Oha soup can be made using either palm oil or Banga/palm fruit extract

Method ~ How to Cook Nigerian Ora Soup

1. Firstly, place the meat, kponmo, and stock fish in a pot, add the seasoning and onions, and simmer for 5 minutes before adding a little water, covering, and cooking until the meat is tender.
2. Secondly, you can either cook the peeled cocoyam alongside the meat to save time, or cook the cocoyam separately.
3. When it’s done, add 2 cups of water and the palm oil, and cook for about ten minutes. (Remove the cocoyam and pound it in a mortar, or blend it in a blender or food processor.)
4. Then, cook for another seven minutes after adding the ground crayfish, ground pepper, and salt.
5. After that, stir in the pounded cocoyam paste or achi (before you add achi to your soup, make sure you dissolve it in a little water, if not your soup will cake up). Allow the soup to cook for three minutes.
6. Lastly, add your Oziza leaves first (they are stronger than Oha leaves), then your Oha leaves. Cook for one minute, then remove from the heat.

Your delectable Oha soup is now ready. Serve with your favorite swallow (Eba, Pounded yam, Fufu, wheat, etc)

How to Make Ofe Oha Na Egusi, Recipe for Oha soup with Achi, how to make oha soup with ofor, how to prepare oha soup with cocoyam powder

The idea is to make Egusi, achi, ofor, and cocoyam powder paste as the thickener as opposed to using fresh cocoyam paste or any other traditional thickeners.

How to Cook Nigerian Ora Soup ~ Which thickener is best for Oha soup?

This hearty and nutritious soup is traditionally made with the leaves of the African Pterocarpus soyauxii/Pterocarpus mildbraedi tree, also known as Oha leaves.

To give it its distinct consistency, it is thickened with cocoyam paste, Achi, Egusi, or Ofor.

There is no best thickener; it all depends on personal preference and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Cook Nigerian Ora Soup

People also inquire about the ingredients for Oha soup and what Oha soup is made of.

Oha Soup is a delicious Soup recipe from Nigeria’s eastern region. It’s one of those native Igbo soups that you can’t get enough of.

This hearty and nutritious soup is traditionally made with the leaves of the African Pterocarpus soyauxii/Pterocarpus mildbraedi tree, also known as Oha leaves.

What is the English name for Oha leaf?

African Rosewood plant

The Igbo name for the African Rosewood plant is “Oha” or “Ora,” while the English name is the African Rosewood plant.

This plant is extremely medicinal and grows into a massive tree with green leaves all year.

The green leaves are extremely nutritious and are used to make a delicious local soup known as Oha/Ora soup.

Is Oha soup similar to white soup? Is Oha soup the same as white soup?

Our oha soup is a delicious spin on a local favorite known as White soup. It is an ideal companion for swallowing meals.

Is it okay to eat rice with Oha soup?

Winnie recommends boiling the palm oil in the stock for 5-6 minutes.

This helps to eliminate the curdling that palm oil frequently causes in some Oha soups.

Some people, it appears, eat Oha soup with rice.

Which tribe is the owner of Oha soup?

Oha soup is an Eastern Nigerian delicacy commonly prepared by the Igbo people from an evergreen tree with the botanical name Pterocarpus mildraedii.

The oha leaf is the main ingredient in the soup; other ingredients include uziza,achi (soup thickener), meat, crayfish, palm oil, and salt.

Is Oha soup good for diabetics?

Oha leaf is a nutritious, leafy-green vegetable that is used to make oha soup and has numerous health benefits.

Diabetes, some forms of cancer, health disease, anemia, and bone disease have all been linked to the consumption of this vegetable.

Is Oha soup therapeutic?

It contains vitamins that aid in the preservation of tissues, bones, and teeth.

Oha’s fiber content also aids in the prevention of cholesterol buildup, making the heart healthier.

What are the benefits of ora soup?

A well-prepared ora soup aids digestion. It contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, nutrient exploration, and absorption.

It keeps constipation at bay. This fiber aids digestion, allowing food residue to be easily pushed out of the body. It keeps blood glucose levels in check.

What does Oha soup do to the body? Amazing health benefits of Oha Leaves

Promotes Good Digestion

Because of its high fiber content, including oha leaf in your cooking can help facilitate better digestion.

Fibre aids in the digestion of food, preventing constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues.

How to Prepare Oha Leaves ~ How to cut Oha leaves

Cut the Ora (Oha) leaves into tiny pieces with your fingers. This method prevents the vegetable from becoming darker in color.

This usually occurs when you cut the ora leaves with a knife.

Oha Leaf English Name

African Rosewood plant

The Igbo name is “Oha” or “Ora,” and the English name is the African Rosewood plant.

This plant is extremely medicinal and grows into a massive tree with green leaves all year.

The green leaves are extremely nutritious and are used to make a delicious local soup known as Oha/Ora soup.

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