Countries 
VEGAN NIGERIAN OHA SOUP
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped oha leaves substitute with spinach if oha leaves are not available
- 1 cup cocoyam or yam peeled and grated
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 4 medium tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons palm oil
- 1 teaspoon ground crayfish optional
- 1 teaspoon ground ogiri or ugba optional, for additional flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the grated cocoyam or yam and enough water to cover it. Cook over medium heat until it becomes soft and mushy, stirring occasionally. If using yam, it may take longer to cook than cocoyam.
- In a separate pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the chopped red and green bell peppers to the pot and sauté until they soften.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they break down and release their juices.
- Stir in the cooked cocoyam or yam paste, and then gradually add the vegetable broth or water, stirring continuously to combine the ingredients and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Add the ground crayfish (if using), ground ogiri or ugba (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the chopped oha leaves to the pot and stir gently to incorporate them into the soup.
- Taste the Oha Soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and let the Oha Soup sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Nigerian Oha Soup hot with fufu, pounded yam, or any preferred accompaniment.
Notes
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 250 | Total Fat: 10g | Total Carbohydrates: 35g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Protein: 10g
For your kitchen tools, check Sur La Table.
If you enjoyed this recipe or have suggestions on how we can improve it, please leave us a comment below. Also, make sure to check out other dishes I’ve created or stories I’ve written about food culture – here.
