Go Back
Nigeria Vegetable Soup Recipe

Nigeria Vegetable Soup Recipe

Shika
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Nigerian
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large cooking pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Blender or mortar and pestle​

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups ugu leaves fluted pumpkin leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 cups waterleaf finely chopped
  • 1 pound assorted meats beef, tripe, and cow skin, cleaned and chopped
  • 1 cup periwinkles optional
  • 1 cup dried fish deboned and shredded
  • 1 cup stockfish soaked and shredded
  • 1 cup crayfish ground
  • 2 cups palm oil
  • 2 medium onions chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons ground pepper
  • 2 seasoning cubes
  • Salt to taste​

Instructions
 

Prepare The Ingredients

  • I start by thoroughly washing and chopping the ugu and waterleaf. It's essential to rinse them multiple times to remove any sand or impurities. I also clean and chop the assorted meats, soak the stockfish until it's soft, and shred the dried fish.​

Cook The Meats

  • In a large pot, I combine the assorted meats with chopped onions, minced garlic, seasoning cubes, and a pinch of salt. I add enough water to cover the meats and cook them over medium heat until they're tender. This usually takes about 45 minutes.​

Add The Seafood

  • Once the meats are tender, I add the soaked stockfish, shredded dried fish, and periwinkles to the pot. I let them cook together for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.​

Introduce Palm Oil And Crayfish

  • I pour in the palm oil and add the ground crayfish to the pot. Stirring well, I let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes. The palm oil gives the soup its characteristic rich color and depth of flavor.​

Incorporate The Vegetables

  • I first add the finely chopped waterleaf, stirring it into the soup. After about 3 minutes, I add the ugu leaves. I mix everything thoroughly and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. It's important not to overcook the vegetables to retain their nutrients and vibrant color.​

Season And Serve

  • I taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and ground pepper as needed. Once satisfied with the flavor, I remove the pot from heat. The soup is now ready to be served hot.​

Notes

While palm oil is a traditional ingredient in this recipe, it's high in saturated fats. If you're watching your fat intake, consider using it in moderation or exploring alternative cooking oils.​
Keyword Nigeria Vegetable Soup Recipe