Embark on a culinary adventure rooted in the heart of Nigerian tradition with the art of preparing Okazi Soup, a beloved dish celebrated for its rich flavours and vibrant ingredients. This iconic soup, also known as Afang Soup, showcases a harmonious blend of indigenous herbs and choice meats, creating a dish that embodies the essence of Nigerian cuisine. Join us as we delve into the steps of crafting this aromatic and nourishing masterpiece that promises to tantalize the taste buds and evoke the spirit of home-cooked goodness.
Here’s a basic recipe you can follow:
Ingredients:
250g sliced okazi leaves
250g sliced water leaves
Assorted meats, cooked and diced
Stockfish and dried fish (pre-soaked and cleaned)
1 cup periwinkle (optional)
1 cup palm oil
2 onions, chopped
3-4 fresh peppers (scotch bonnet or habanero)
6 pieces of okpei
2 tablespoons ground crayfish
Seasoning cubes
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Wash the okazi leaves thoroughly and slice thinly.
Season and cook the assorted meats with onions, seasoning cubes, and salt until tender.
Clean and soak the stockfish and dried fish until they are soft. Cut into smaller pieces if necessary.
Blend the fresh peppers together with one onion and okpei until smooth.
Cooking the Soup:
a. In a pot, heat the palm oil until it becomes clear (bleached). Be careful not to burn it.
b. Add the remaining chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
c. Pour in the blended pepper mixture and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the raw taste of the peppers is gone.
Add the cooked assorted meats, stockfish, and dried fish to the pot. Stir well to combine.
Add the sliced okazi leaves first and stir. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.
Then add the water leaves, and stir to combine.
Season the soup with ground crayfish, seasoning cubes, and salt to taste.
Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If the soup is too thick, you can add a little water or stock to reach your desired consistency.
If using periwinkle, add them to the pot towards the end of cooking and simmer for a few more minutes.
Once everything is cooked and well combined, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve your delicious okazi soup with a side of fufu, rice, or any preferred swallow.
Enjoy your homemade okazi soup! Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
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