HOW TO PREPARE OGBONO SOUP.

Ogbono Soup, sometimes referred to as Draw Soup because of its slimy texture, is a popular Nigerian soup recipe. Made from ogbono seeds (wild African bush mango seeds), it is often served with fufu, pounded yam, or other starchy sides. Here’s a guide on how to prepare Ogbono Soup:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup ground Ogbono seeds
250g meat (beef, goat, or chicken)
Stockfish and/or dried fish
2 tablespoons ground crayfish
2 tablespoons locust beans (optional)
1 handful of leafy vegetables (ugu, spinach or bitter leaf, washed and sliced)
1 medium onion (chopped)
Scotch bonnet pepper or ground pepper (to taste)
2 seasoning cubes or powder
Salt to taste
5 cups of water or meat broth
Palm oil
Steps:

1. Prepare the Meat and Fish:
   Wash and Season Meat: Cut the meat into bite-size chunks, season with chopped onions, seasoning cubes, and salt. Allow it to marinate for about 15-30 minutes.
   Boil the Meat: In a pot, cook the meat until it’s tender and produces broth.
   Prepare Fish: If using stockfish or dried fish, soak them in hot water to soften, then remove bones and flaky parts.
2. Prepare the Ogbono Mixture:
   Heat Palm Oil: In a separate pot, heat a few tablespoons of palm oil until it becomes clear (don’t overheat).
   Mix Ogbono: Turn off the heat and add the ground ogbono to the hot oil, stirring continuously until it’s well-mixed.
   Add Broth: Gradually add the meat broth or water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps until it blends with the ogbono.
3. Cook the Ogbono Soup:
   Simmer: Place the pot on medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
   Add Meats and Fish: Add the cooked meat, stockfish, and/or dried fish to the pot.
   Spices: Add ground crayfish, locust beans (if using), chopped pepper, and remaining seasoning cube.
   Cook: Allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Vegetables and Adjust Seasoning:
   Vegetables: Add your preferred leafy vegetables and stir them into the soup.
   Taste: Check for seasoning, adding salt and/or seasoning cube as necessary.
   Cook: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
5. Serve:
   Turn Off Heat: Once the soup has thickened to your liking and the vegetables are cooked, turn off the heat.
   Serve: Serve the Ogbono soup with a side of pounded yam, fufu, eba, amala, or any other similar staple.
   Notes:
   Sliminess: Ensure not to cover the pot completely when cooking Ogbono soup to retain its sliminess.
   Vegetables: Different types of vegetables can be used based on your preference and availability. Some people also use frozen spinach as an alternative.
   Spiciness: Adjust the quantity of Scotch bonnet pepper according to your desired level of heat.
   Enjoy your Ogbono Soup!