Authentic Ofe Ugba: A Detailed Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Ugba (Ukpaka)
  • 2 medium-sized stockfish
  • 1 dry fish
  • 2 cups of palm fruit concentrate
  • 2 Scotch bonnet peppers
  • 1 teaspoon of powdered edible potash (food tenderizer)
  • 1 teaspoon of Ehu seeds (Calabash Nutmeg)
  • 1 tablespoon of crayfish
  • 2 seasoning cubes
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 onion
  • 10 Utazi leaves
  • 2 tablespoons of palm oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by soaking the ugba in lukewarm water for 10 minutes.
  2. Wash the stockfish and dry fish with hot water; this helps to soften them and remove dirt. After washing, de-bone the fish.
  3. Grind the ehu seeds, crayfish, and pepper, and set aside.
  4. Dissolve the potash in water and sieve out the water. Set the potash water aside.
  5. Put the potash water into a pot. Add the palm oil to the pot and stir until a yellowish solution is obtained.
  6. Add the ground ehu, crayfish, pepper, diced onions, seasoning cubes, and salt to taste. Stir the potash and palm oil mixture and leave to boil for a few minutes.
  7. Add the ugba, stockfish, and dry fish to the pot. Cover the pot and leave it to cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the ugba to absorb the palm oil and potash mixture.
  8. Fine chop the utazi leaves and add to the pot. Stir and add salt if necessary. Leave it to simmer for 2 minutes.
  9. Ofe Ugba is ready to be served. It is best enjoyed with yellow garri or white garri.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing ingredients.
  • Pot - Used for cooking the Ofe Ugba.
  • Sieve - Needed to strain the potash water.
  • Grinder - Used to grind the ehu seeds, crayfish, and pepper.
  • Measuring spoons - Required to accurately measure ingredients like potash and crayfish.
  • Cooking spoon - Used for stirring and mixing the ingredients while cooking.
  • Soup bowls - Used for serving the Ofe Ugba.

Recipe variations

  • Add chunks of cooked beef or assorted meat to make it a meaty version of Ofe Ugba.
  • Include chopped ugu leaves or spinach for added nutrition and color.
  • Replace palm fruit concentrate with tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
  • Add dried shrimp or crayfish for an extra seafood flavor.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the stockfish and dry fish and use vegetable stock instead.
  • Experiment with different types of peppers such as bell peppers or habanero peppers for varying levels of heat.
  • Add diced bell peppers and carrots for a crunchier texture.
  • Include smoked fish or smoked turkey for a smoky flavor.
  • Replace the palm oil with coconut oil to give it a unique taste.
  • Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds on top for added nuttiness.

Recipe overview

Ofe Ugba, also known as Shredded Oil Bean Soup, is a traditional Igbo dish from Nigeria that is both delicious and nutritious. The main ingredient, Ugba, is oil bean which has been shredded and then fermented. This dish is a delightful fusion of savory flavors, combining ingredients like stockfish, dry fish, palm fruit concentrate, and the unique taste of Ugba itself. In this recipe, you'll be guided through a step-by-step process to prepare Ofe Ugba. While the recipe involves a few traditional Nigerian ingredients, with some patience and careful preparation, you'll have a tasty dish that delivers a wonderful culinary experience. The aroma and taste of this dish are simply fabulous, and it pairs perfectly with yellow or white garri. Embrace an authentic African culinary adventure with this Ofe Ugba recipe!

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen Ugba instead of fresh Ugba? Yes, you can use frozen Ugba. Just make sure to thaw it completely before soaking it in lukewarm water.
  2. Can I substitute palm fruit concentrate with palm oil? No, palm fruit concentrate gives Ofe Ugba its authentic flavor and consistency. Palm oil alone won't provide the same taste and texture.
  3. Can I omit the potash (food tenderizer)? Potash helps to soften the ugba and enhance the flavors. It is recommended, but if you can't find it, you can omit it, although the texture may not be the same.
  4. Can I use a different type of fish instead of stockfish? Stockfish has a unique taste that complements Ofe Ugba. However, if you can't find stockfish, you can substitute it with dried cod or any other dried fish.
  5. How spicy is Ofe Ugba? The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your taste. You can increase or decrease the amount of Scotch bonnet peppers to control the spice level.
  6. Can I store leftover Ofe Ugba? Yes, you can store leftover Ofe Ugba in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
  • Pot - A large cooking pot for boiling and simmering the Ofe Ugba.
  • Sieve - A tool for filtering and separating solid particles from liquids.
  • Grinder - Used to grind the ehu seeds, crayfish, and pepper.
  • Knife - For chopping and dicing the onions and utazi leaves.
  • Cutting Board - A surface for safely cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • Stove - Used for cooking and heating the pot.
  • Serving Dish - A dish or plate for serving the Ofe Ugba.
  • Spoon - For stirring and serving the Ofe Ugba.

Origin stories

Ofe Ugba, also known as Ukazi Soup, holds a special place in the culinary tradition of the Igbo tribe in the southeastern part of Nigeria. This delicacy is typically prepared with ugba (oil bean), which is a local ingredient that undergoes a unique fermentation process before it's fit for consumption. The fermentation process is so central to the taste and allure of this dish that the word 'ugba' itself is derived from 'Ugba', the Igbo word for fermentation. Interestingly, the soup is as much a social centerpiece as it is a meal. It is a traditional must-have at festive celebrations and important occasions, symbolizing communal unity and hospitality. The rich, aromatic flavor of Ofe Ugba, deeply rooted in age-old traditions, permeates every social gathering and brings a sense of shared history to the dining table.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.