Nigerian vegetable soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines local leafy vegetables, particularly ugu (fluted pumpkin) and water leaves, with meat and fish to create a hearty meal traditionally served with various swallows (Nigerian dough-based sides).
This healthy soup showcases the versatility of Nigerian cuisine by incorporating nutrient-rich vegetables with protein sources, creating a well-balanced meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 15 cups water leaves, sliced
- 12 cups ugu leaves (fluted pumpkin), sliced
- 1 kg (35 oz) goat meat
- 1 whole roasted mackerel
- 1 cup crayfish, ground
- 6 scotch bonnet peppers
- 400ml palm oil
- 2 seasoning cubes
- 2 tablespoons ground ofor (thickener)
- Salt to taste
- 1 onion, sliced (for meat seasoning)
- Prep time: 35 minutes
- Cook time: 55 minutes
- Serves: 12
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Thoroughly wash and thinly slice the ugu leaves and water leaves separately. Strain in a sieve to remove excess water.
- Step 2: Clean the roasted mackerel, remove bones, and break into smaller pieces.
- Step 3: Season goat meat with salt, sliced onions, and seasoning cubes. Cook with 2 cups water until tender.
- Step 4: Pound or blend the scotch bonnet peppers with crayfish and set aside.
- Step 5: Add the prepared fish to the cooked meat and simmer until water nearly evaporates.
- Step 6: Pour in 400ml palm oil and stir well.
- Step 7: Add water leaves first, stir and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Step 8: Add the ground crayfish-pepper mixture and salt to taste.
- Step 9: Incorporate the ugu leaves and stir gently.
- Step 10: Add the ground ofor while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Step 11: Simmer for final 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Additional Instructions
- Serve hot with any Nigerian swallow of choice (Fufu, Eba, Semo, or Pounded Yam)
- Add water leaves gradually to make stirring easier
- Ensure vegetables are properly drained to avoid a watery soup
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 380 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 22g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 15g
- Approx. Fat: 28g
