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

August 9, 2023 Odiraa

Ofe Nsala: 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 to see us 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.

On the other hand, the thicker appearance of ofe nsala 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.

Meaning

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 entire Cat Fish is used in the original 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 (ofe nsala and 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 Recipe

This soup’s main ingredients are yam and catfish.

However, you can cook with any other protein 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 a thickener and 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 them 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.

FAQs

What ingredients go into Nsala soup?

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 related to Afia Efere, which is spoken by the Efik ethnic group.

What is the English name for Ofe Nsala?

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 since it is prepared without the use of palm oil.

What is the benefit of Nsala soup?

It is frequently prepared for mothers who have recently given birth.

The capsaicin found in pepper enhances the therapeutic benefits of ofe nsala.

The presence of capsaicin in pepper and vitamin C in the soup makes it a good food for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, coughs, and flu.

What is the least expensive soup to make in Nigeria?

Soup with okro is the cheapest. Okro soup is one of the simplest and least expensive soups to cook in Nigeria.

You can serve it simply or with stew on the side. You can also add some oil, pepper mix, dry fish, and seasonings of your choosing.

Is ofe nsala good for losing weight?

Can Aid with Weight Management. Nsala soup is a delicious soup that you may include in your Nigerian weight loss diet.

The soup is generally low in calories, but this might vary based on the ingredients and method of consumption. The calories in nsala may range from 400 to 550.

What is the best Yoruba soup?

Efo-Riro (spinach stew) is the most popular soup among Yorubas, hence it is always present at any gathering.

It always stands out and has an enticing flavor, especially when enough Iru (locust beans) are added to the soup.

What spices are in Nsala soup?

Calabash nutmeg, uda, Cameroon pepper, uziza seeds, uziza leaves, Aidan fruit, cayenne pepper, and other spices are used to make white soup spices (Nsala spices).

White soup spices are used in the preparation of white soup (Ofe Nsala), which has a spicy flavor that lingers in the back of your throat, imparting a distinct flavor to soups.

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

While catfish is traditionally used, chicken can alternatively be used

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 since it is prepared without the use of palm oil.

Nsala soup spices ~ What are Nsala spices?

Calabash nutmeg, uda, Cameroon pepper, uziza seeds, uziza leaves, Aidan fruit, cayenne pepper, and other spices are used to make white soup spices (Nsala spices).

White soup spices are used in the preparation of white soup (Ofe Nsala), which has a spicy flavor that lingers in the back of your throat, imparting a distinct flavor to soups.

How to cook Nsala soup with meat ~ How to cook white soup with assorted meat

To make Nsala Soup, also known as Ofe Nsala or White Soup… Wash the meat and cook it in a pot with onion, salt, and stock cubes until soft
Then, peel the yam and cook it for 12 minutes, and pound until soft.
Once the water is boiling, add the fresh pepper, crayfish, and ogiri.
After that add the pounded yam paste in parts and leave to simmer until the yam paste melts.
Finally, cook for 30 minutes after adding the utazi leaves and tasting for salt.

Thickener for Nsala soup

Thickeners for Nsala soup thickeners such as cocoyam paste, crushed oats, and mashed Irish potatoes can be used to produce your Ofe Nsala but the standard thickener is yam

Is ofe nsala healthy?

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

What is the best way to make white soup without yam?

For the thickening, you can use yam powder or potato puree instead of white yam.

How to Prepare Ofe Nsala with Achi

It is acceptable to use alternative thickeners such as cocoyam, achi, yam flour, and so on. However, it’s best to use fresh pounded yam.