Delicious Afia Efere: Traditional Nigerian White Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into parts
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 cubes of chicken seasoning
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 inch of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon of ground efirin (Nigerian basil)
  • 1/2 cup of crayfish, ground
  • 2 cups of palm fruit extract
  • 1 teaspoon of ground Uziza seed
  • 2 fresh yellow Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped
  • 2 cups of fresh goat meat, cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of Ukpaka (oil beans), soaked and washed
  • 1 tablespoon of ground Ehu seeds (Calabash Nutmeg)
  • 2 Ogiri Okpei (traditional seasoning)

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the chicken thoroughly and place it in a large pot.
  2. Add the salt, black pepper, chicken seasoning cubes, half of the chopped onions, garlic, ginger and half of the crayfish. Mix well.
  3. Add water to the pot, cover it and put it on medium heat. Allow the chicken to cook until it's tender.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, heat the palm fruit extract in another pot until it's at a rolling boil. Continue boiling it until it thickens into a paste.
  5. In a different pot, cook the goat meat with the remaining onions, garlic, ginger and crayfish. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Once the meat is cooked, add the palm fruit extract, Uziza seed, Scotch bonnet peppers, and remaining crayfish. Stir well and let the mixture simmer.
  7. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and sauté the remaining onions until they're golden brown. Add the Ehu seeds, Ogiri Okpei, and Ukpaka. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes.
  8. Add this sauteed mixture to the pot with the meat and palm fruit extract. Stir well.
  9. Finally, add the cooked chicken to the pot. Allow everything to simmer together for another 10-15 minutes so that the flavors can blend together.
  10. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Your Afia Efere is ready to be served!

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Used for cooking the chicken and meat.
  • Another pot - Used for boiling and thickening the palm fruit extract.
  • Pan - Used for sautéing the onions and other ingredients.
  • Cutting board - Used for chopping the onions and other vegetables.
  • Knife - Used for cutting the chicken, onions, and other ingredients.
  • Grater - Used for grating the fresh ginger.
  • Blender - Optional, but can be used to blend the cooked palm fruit extract for a smoother consistency.
  • Wooden spoon - Used for stirring the ingredients in the pots.
  • Measuring spoons - Used for accurately measuring the salt, black pepper, and other spices.

Recipe variations

  • Use beef or lamb instead of chicken and goat meat.
  • Replace the palm fruit extract with tomato paste for a different flavor.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, ugu (pumpkin leaves), or bitter leaf for a healthier twist.
  • Include smoked fish or dried shrimp for added seafood flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices such as curry powder, thyme, or bay leaves.
  • Make it vegetarian by using tofu or tempeh instead of meat.
  • Substitute palm fruit extract with coconut milk for a creamier version.
  • Add diced potatoes or yam for a heartier meal.
  • Try using different types of peppers like habanero or jalapeno for varying levels of spiciness.
  • Replace crayfish with shrimp or prawns for a seafood twist.

Recipe overview

Are you ready to take your taste buds on an adventurous journey to Nigeria? Today we are going to prepare Afia Efere, which is also known as White Soup due to its light color. A staple in the Efik cuisine of the Cross River state in Nigeria, this soup is rich, creamy, and packed full of aromatic flavors. Afia Efere is traditionally made with chicken or goat meat, flavored with native spices and thickened with a palm fruit extract. The result is a delicious and hearty soup that's perfect served over rice, yam, or plantain. Although the list of ingredients might look long, don't be intimidated! Each one adds a unique and essential flavor to the dish, and the process is easier than it seems. In this recipe, we'll walk you through each step on how to prepare this iconic Nigerian dish. By the end of it, you'll have a pot full of flavorful Afia Efere ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to a taste of West Africa. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook Afia Efere?
    The total cooking time for Afia Efere is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  2. Can I use chicken breast instead of a whole chicken?
    Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of a whole chicken. However, keep in mind that using a whole chicken with bones will result in a more flavorful dish.
  3. What can I substitute for palm fruit extract?
    If palm fruit extract is not available, you can substitute with canned palm fruit concentrate or palm oil. However, the flavor and texture of the dish may differ slightly.
  4. Can I omit the goat meat?
    Yes, you can omit the goat meat if you prefer a vegetarian version of Afia Efere. Simply increase the quantity of other vegetables or protein alternatives like mushrooms or tofu.
  5. Is Afia Efere spicy?
    Afia Efere has a mild to medium level of spiciness. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the quantity of Scotch bonnet peppers or add some chili powder.
  6. Can I make Afia Efere in advance?
    Yes, Afia Efere can be made in advance. In fact, the flavors tend to develop and intensify when the dish is allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight. Simply reheat it before serving.
  7. Can I freeze Afia Efere?
    Yes, Afia Efere can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Afia Efere, often referred to as "White Soup" due to its light coloration, hails from the Efik ethnic group in the Cross River State of Nigeria. It's a staple at traditional weddings and festive occasions, where it's often served with pounded yam or fufu. The soup gets its unique taste from a combination of local spices and seasonings, including the hard-to-find Calabash Nutmeg and Ogiri Okpei. These traditional ingredients are a testament to Nigeria's rich biodiversity and culinary heritage. Interestingly, the name 'Afia Efere' directly translates to 'White Soup' in the Efik dialect, a simple yet fitting name for such a hearty and satisfying dish.

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.