Nsala Soup: Igbo White Soup | How to Cook Nigerian Ofe Nsala

September 5, 2023 Odiraa

Nsala Soup: Igbo White Soup | How to Cook Nigerian Nsala Soup

Ofe Nsala is the quickest and easiest Igbo soup to make, making it the soup of choice for special guests who come on the spur of the moment.

It’s a hearty fresh fish soup made traditionally using Catfish. Nsala soup is a simple dish to make.

It has the same components as pepper soup, and both are spicy soups that are ideal for the winter months.

The thicker appearance of ofe nsala, on the other hand, distinguishes it from pepper soup.

Checkout More Nigerian Soups Recipes >>>

A ceremonial food is ofe nsala and nni Ji (pounded yam). It’s worth noting at this point that various Nigerian riverine communities make different versions of the soup.

The flavoring, seasoning, and spicing of the soups, on the other hand, are what distinguishes them.

Nsala soup, also called “Ofe Nsala” by Igbos, “Afia efere” by Calabars, and “White soup” in English, is a popular dish in Nigeria’s eastern and southern regions.

It’s called white soup because it’s one of the few Nigerian soups that doesn’t call for palm oil, but some people do add a bit. Ofe nsala and Pregnancy are two of the easiest one-pot soups I enjoy making.

Ofe Nsala and Pregnancy

Nsala soup is completely healthy during pregnancy, according to the NIGERIAN HEALTH BLOG.

There is no scientific evidence that ofe nsala is detrimental to pregnant women or their unborn babies.

As a result, pregnant women can enjoy the deliciousness of white soup without worrying about negative consequences.

Ofe Nsala Origin: Nigerian Foods

The soup is native to Nigeria’s eastern region. Fresh whole catfish is used in the genuine Nsala soup recipe, which gives the soup its distinct flavor.

Although catfish and other types of fish are typically used in Ofe Nsala, I like it with hard/old chicken, goat meat, or even smoked turkey, so feel free to experiment with other proteins if you’re not a fan of fresh fish.

Ofe Nsala Soup Recipe

This soup’s main ingredients are yam and catfish.

However, you can cook with any other protein of your choice, albeit catfish is a must.

Pounded yam is the best thickening for Ofe Nsala, but if you can’t find fresh yam, you can use Achi, yam flour, or Cocoyam instead.

If you’re going to use Cocoyam, keep in mind that it has a slimy texture that will impact the consistency of your soup. If you can’t get fresh Utazi or Uziza leaves, you can substitute dry leaves or simply do without.

How to Prepare Nsala Soup

Below is a simple recipe, using Fish and small pieces of yam as thickener together with utazi leaves.

However, one may choose not to use all of the components in this recipe; it is entirely up to the individual.

Ofe Nsala Soup Ingredients

Cat Fish or any other fish of your choice
Fresh or dry Utazi Leaves/parsley leaves/bitter leaf (optional)
Thickener: 6 small-sized raw yam cubes / Yam Powder / Potato Puree/ Achi
Chili pepper/chopped Scotch bonnet peppers (to taste)
chopped onions
Salt (to taste)
2 tablespoons of ground crayfish
Seasoning
1 teaspoon of fresh Nigerian traditional seasoning- fresh ogiri or open or Iru (locust beans)

Preparation: How to Make Ofe Nsala Soup

Firstly, peel the yam and cut it into cubes. Wash and boil until tender, then using a mortar and pestle pound to a smooth paste.
Then, shape into teaspoon ball sizes and put them aside. You can also use a food processor/blender to achieve the same result.
After that, wash the utazi leaves, the peppers, and the crayfish and set them aside. Utazi is bitter hence, one or two fresh leaves are good for flavoring.

Cooking Direction

Firstly, put the catfish into a medium-sized pot, pour water enough to cover it, and then add the chopped onions, seasoning cubes, and salt to taste. Cook until the fish is tender
Secondly, add the peppers, salt, crayfish, and traditional seasoning of choice – ogiri/iru/Okpei.
Then, put the yam paste bit by bit and leave the soup to boil completely until the fish is soft.
Finally, add 1 or 2 utazi leaves for flavoring, taste for salt, and simmer for 30 seconds.

Now you have a rich and delicious Soup. Serve hot. This Nigerian Soup is usually served with Eba (Garri), Semolina, Amala, Pounded Yam, and others.

What can I use to thicken my Nsala soup?

Pounded yam is the traditional thickening for Ofe Nsala, but if you can’t get fresh yam, you can use Achi, yam flour, or Cocoyam. If you choose to use Cocoyam, keep in mind that it has a slimy consistency, which will impact the consistency of your soup.

Which Nigerian tribe owns white soup?

the Igbo tribe of Nigeria

Ofe Nsala is a Nigerian delicacy unique to the Igbo tribe, particularly the residents of Anambra state.

Unlike other traditional soups, Ofe Nsala is known as white soup because it is made without the use of palm oil.

What is Nsala soup made of?

Nsala soup is made with utazi leaves and little pieces of yam. The soup comes from Nigeria’s eastern region.

The catfish is a key element that gives the soup its distinct flavor. Nsala is similar to Afia Efere, which is common among the Efik ethnic group.

What are the benefits of Nsala soup?

Cold symptoms can be alleviated by eating chicken nsala soup. When you have a cold, this hot spicy soup will help remove your nasal congestion.

It is, however, high in vitamins E, and C, and bioflavonoids, which improve your immune system and help you combat colds.

Is ofe nsala healthy?

A nutritious and healthy diet makes one look and feel good. Ofe nsala soup, commonly known as white soup, contains protein, vitamins C and E, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Because of its spicy flavor, nsala soup is ideal for a cold rainy day.

Which soup is the richest soup in Nigeria?

Ofe Owerri is one of the richest and most popular soups from Nigeria’s southeast area, where the Igbos originate.

Ofe Owerri is typically served with your choice of swallow (eba, semovita, fufu, or pounded yam).

Which Nigerian soup is the healthiest?

Edikaikong: This soup combines two potent vegetables: ugu (pumpkin leaves) and waterleaf.

Edikaikong soup, with its high fiber and vitamin content, is an ideal choice for a healthy diet and skin.

Nsala soup Ingredients ~ What is Nsala soup made of?

Nsala soup is made with utazi leaves and little pieces of yam. The soup comes from Nigeria’s eastern region.

The catfish is a key element that gives the soup its distinct flavor. Nsala is similar to Afia Efere, which is common among the Efik ethnic group.

Ingredient for white soup ~ What is a white soup made of?

Unlike other traditional soups, Ofe Nsala is known as white soup since it is prepared without the use of palm oil.

While catfish is traditionally used, chicken can alternatively be used, as in the. Ofe Nsala is a Nigerian delicacy unique to the Igbo tribe, particularly the residents of Anambra state.

Ingredients for white soup with goat meat

Ingredients: goatmeat, uziza leaves, uda spice, uziza seeds, goat intestines, coco yam to thicken, salt, and Maggi.

Recipe for white soup ~ What is the history of white soup in Nigeria?

White soup is from the Efik tribe and is similar to Igbo soup ‘Ofe Nsala’ except that fewer ingredients are used and the latter does not contain uyayak; instead, Ofe Nsala’ has Utazi and Ogiri. Calabar people are mostly of the Efik tribe.

Ingredients and preparation of white soup ~ What does white soup give the body?

Nutritious and nutritious diet makes one look and feel nice.

Ofe nsala soup, commonly known as white soup, contains protein, vitamins C and E, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids.