Oha Soup
A rich and flavorful Igbo specialty from Nigeria, Oha Soup is a celebratory dish often prepared for special occasions. It features tender assorted meats and fish, thickened with cocoyam, and infused with the unique aroma of fresh oha leaves.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Oha leaves
- 300 g Cocoyam (for thickening)
- 500 g Assorted meat (e.g., beef, goat meat, tripe)
- 200 g Stockfish and dried fish (e.g., Eja Iru, Eja Oro)
- 100 ml Palm oil
- 1 medium Onion
- 2-3 cubes Seasoning cubes (e.g., Maggi, Knorr)
- to taste Salt
- 2 tablespoons Ground crayfish
- 50 g Uziza leaves (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the meat and fish: In a large pot, combine the assorted meat and soaked stockfish. Add chopped onion, seasoning cubes, and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the meat is tender. If using dried fish, add it during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 2
Add the cocoyam paste: Once the meat is tender, add the prepared cocoyam paste to the pot. Stir well to combine and allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup begins to thicken. Ensure the cocoyam is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 3
Incorporate palm oil and seasonings: Pour in the palm oil and stir. Add salt to taste, crumbled seasoning cubes (if needed), and ground crayfish (if using). If using uziza leaves, add them now. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the palm oil to cook through.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Add the oha leaves: Gently add the hand-shredded oha leaves to the pot. Stir them in and cook for just 2-3 minutes. Oha leaves are delicate and should not be overcooked, as they can lose their vibrant color and unique texture. They should remain slightly tender-crisp.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 5
Serve hot: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Oha soup is best served immediately while the leaves are fresh and fragrant. It is traditionally served with fufu, pounded yam, or eba.
⏱️ N/A
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Oha leaves should always be shredded by hand to preserve their texture and flavor. Avoid chopping them with a knife.
- ✓The quality of the palm oil significantly impacts the soup's taste and color. Use a good quality, fresh red palm oil.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cocoyam paste to achieve your desired soup thickness.
- ✓This soup is a staple at Igbo celebrations and gatherings, signifying hospitality and festivity.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add smoked fish or other preferred seafood.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add more assorted meats or seafood for a heartier soup.
- Substitute oha leaves with other edible leaves like uziza or bitter leaves for a different flavor profile.
- Include additional vegetables like ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves) or spinach.