Ofe onugbu

Dish

Ofe onugbu

Bitter leaf soup

Ofe onugbu is made by sautéing onions and garlic in palm oil until they are soft. A variety of meats such as beef, goat, or chicken are then added to the pot and browned. Stock or water is added to the pot along with ground crayfish and smoked fish. Bitter leaf is added to the pot just before serving to give the soup its signature flavor.

Jan Dec

Origins and history

Ofe onugbu is a traditional dish in the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. The soup is often served during special occasions such as weddings or funerals.

Dietary considerations

This soup is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting the smoked fish.

Variations

Variations of Ofe onugbu may include the addition of other vegetables such as pumpkin or okra. Some recipes may also call for the use of palm nut cream to add richness to the soup.

Presentation and garnishing

Ofe onugbu can be garnished with a sprinkle of ground crayfish or chopped fresh herbs.

Tips & Tricks

To make the soup even richer, add a can of coconut milk to the pot just before serving.

Side-dishes

Ofe onugbu is often served with fufu or eba, which are starchy side dishes made from cassava or yam.

Drink pairings

A glass of palm wine or Nigerian beer pairs well with Ofe onugbu.