How to make a Nigerian Ora Soup

Nigerian Ora Soup, also known as Oha Soup, is a traditional soup from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. It is made with Ora leaves (also called Oha leaves), which are tender and have a slightly bitter taste. Ora Soup is typically enjoyed with a carbohydrate base like fufu, pounded yam, or eba. Here’s a recipe to make Nigerian Ora Soup:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Ora leaves, washed and shredded
• 500g assorted meats (such as beef, cow foot, or tripe), precooked and tender
• 1 cup stockfish pieces, soaked and cooked until soft
• 1 cup dry fish, cleaned and deboned
• 1/2 cup crayfish, ground
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons palm oil
• 2 tablespoons ground ogiri (locust bean)
• 2 cups of ugu leaves (pumpkin leaves) or spinach, washed and shredded (optional)
• 2 stock cubes (bouillon cubes)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Prep the Ora Leaves: Wash the Ora leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Shred them finely using a knife or tear them into small pieces by hand. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meats and Fish: If your meats are not already precooked and tender, cook them until they are well done. Also, soak the stockfish pieces in water for a few hours until soft, then cook until tender. Clean the dry fish, removing any unwanted particles and deboning it.
3. Cook the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
4. Add the Assorted Meats and Fish: Add the precooked and tender assorted meats, stockfish, and dry fish to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions.
5. Season the Soup: Add the ground crayfish, stock cubes, and ground ogiri (locust bean) to the pot. Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly.
6. Add Water: Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients in the pot. Adjust the quantity of water based on your desired consistency for the soup. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Add the Ora Leaves: Add the shredded Ora leaves to the pot and stir gently to incorporate them into the soup. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring that the leaves soften and release their flavors.
8. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
9. Optional: If using ugu leaves or spinach, add them to the pot and stir. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt.
10. Serve: Nigerian Ora Soup is traditionally served with a carbohydrate base like fufu, pounded yam, or eba. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it alongside your preferred carbohydrate.

Nigerian Ora Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that highlights the unique taste of Ora leaves. Enjoy its deliciousness as part of a traditional Nigerian meal!