Learn how to make Afang Soup the authentic Nigerian way with simple steps, rich ingredients, health benefits, variations, and expert tips for a delicious, nutritious vegetable soup everyone loves.
Introduction 🌿 🍲
Afang Soup is one of the most treasured vegetable soups in Nigeria, especially among the Efik and Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States. Known for its deep green colour, rich aroma, and bold flavour, Afang Soup is a true celebration of leafy vegetables and traditional cooking techniques.
What makes this Nigerian vegetable soup unique is the combination of finely shredded afang leaves (wild spinach) and waterleaf, slow-cooked in palm oil with assorted meats, stockfish, crayfish, and traditional seasonings. The result is a thick, hearty, and satisfying soup that pairs beautifully with Nigerian swallows.
If you’ve been searching for a how-to make Afang Soup guide that is authentic, detailed, and easy to follow, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🌟
- 🌿 Authentic Taste: This is a traditional Soup recipe passed down through generations
- 🥩 Protein-Rich: Loaded with assorted meat, stockfish, and dried fish
- 🥬 Nutrient-Dense: Packed with leafy greens and healthy fats
- 🍲 Perfect For Family Meals: Hearty, filling, and satisfying
- 🇳🇬 Cultural Classic: A true Nigerian vegetable soup favourite
🥬 Ingredients Needed 🧄
Below are the essential ingredients required to prepare Afang Soup successfully:
- Afang leaves: Finely shredded wild spinach that gives the soup its signature texture
- Waterleaf: Adds moisture and softness to balance the toughness of afang leaves
- Fluted pumpkin leaves (ugu): – can also be substituted with spinach if necessary
- Palm oil: Provides richness, colour, and authentic flavour
- Assorted meat: Beef, shaki (tripe), cow skin (kpomo), or goat meat
- Stockfish: Adds deep umami flavour
- Dry fish: Smoked or dried for extra taste
- Crayfish: Ground for aroma and traditional depth
- Periwinkle (optional): Adds seafood sweetness
- Onions: Enhances flavour base
- Scotch bonnet pepper: For controlled heat
- Seasoning cubes: For balance
- Salt: To taste
Other ingredients
- Periwinkle (optional, but commonly used)
- Snails (optional)
- Water (as needed)
🍳 Equipment Needed 🔪
- Wooden spoon
- Large cooking pot
- Blender or food processor
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Chopping board
👩🍳 Step-By-Step Guide On How To Make Afang Soup 🍲
🔹 Step 1: Cook The Assorted Meat
- Wash all meats thoroughly: Prepare the assorted meats by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- Place in a pot with onions, seasoning cubes, and salt
- Cook until tender, and the stock is rich
🔹 Step 2: Prepare The Fish
- Soak the stockfish until soft and clean thoroughly
- Rinse dry fish and debone
- Add both to the cooked meat
🔹 Step 3: Add Palm Oil & Crayfish
- Pour palm oil into the pot
- Add ground crayfish and stir gently
- Allow to cook for 5–7 minutes
🔹 Step 4: Add Waterleaf
- Add chopped waterleaf gradually
- Stir and allow excess water to cook off
🔹 Step 5: Add Afang Leaves
- Introduce shredded afang leaves: Wash thoroughly to remove any dirt. Traditionally, you should slice the leaves finely. For dried Afang, it should be soaked in water to rehydrate before use.
- Stir thoroughly to combine
🔹 Step 6: Season & Simmer
- Add pepper, seasoning cubes, and salt to taste
- Simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes
- Stir occasionally
Your Afang Soup is now ready.
✅ Tips For A Perfect Result 🌟
- 🥬 Always shred afang leaves finely for the best texture
- 🔥 Cook on low heat after adding vegetables to preserve nutrients
- 🧂 Taste frequently and adjust seasoning gradually
- 🥩 Use a variety of meats for richer flavour
- 🍲 Avoid adding water after vegetables are added
🍽️ Serving Suggestions 🥄
This Nigerian vegetable soup is best served with:
- Fufu
- Eba
- Pounded yam
- Semolina
- Wheat swallow
🔄 Variations You Can Try 🌈
- Seafood Afang Soup: Use prawns, snails, and crab
- Vegetarian Afang Soup: Skip meat and fish, add mushrooms
- Extra Thick Afang Soup: Reduce waterleaf quantity
Afang Soup Recipe
Afanng Soup
Equipment
- 1 Cooking Pot big enough to contain the soup
Ingredients
- 15 cups sliced fresh waterleaves
- 1/2 cup ground crayfish
- 3 cups ground fresh Ukazi leaves
- 3 cubes of knorr (sweetener)
- 1 stockfish head (medium size)
- 2 medium-sized dried or roasted fish
- 1.5 cups of palm oil
- 1 cup of Periwinkles optional
- snails optional
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 6 Red fresh pepper
- 2 kg Assorted meat
Instructions
- Grind the ukazi leaves, act as the thickener for this soup.
- Season the meat with a half cup of sliced onions, salt, two seasoning cubes and other spices of choice.
- Slice the water leaves and set aside in a sieve so excess water will drain away.
- Add the palm oil, crayfish and stir all together. Add one seasoning cube, ground pepper, snails and salt to taste, allow cooking for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the water-leaves; allow to simmer for 6 minutes while you stir continuously.
- Add the ground ukazi leaves. Stir all together, cover the pot and allow another 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.
- and you are done with a delicious afang soup.
- Serve with eba, fufu or pounded yam
Notes
📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal | 21% |
| Protein | 28 g | 56% |
| Fat | 30 g | 46% |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g | 4% |
| Fiber | 6 g | 24% |
| Iron | 6 mg | 33% |
| Vitamin A | 850 IU | 28% |
🔗 Source: SnapCalorie – Afang Soup↗
🌱 Health Benefits And Advice 💚
The Soup offers numerous health benefits:
- 🥬 Supports digestion due to high fiber content
- ❤️ Promotes heart health with healthy fats
- 🦴 Supports bone strength with iron and minerals
- 🧠 Boosts immunity from leafy greens
- ⚖️ Helps maintain a healthy weight when eaten moderately
For best results, consume the soup as part of a balanced diet.
Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions 🤔
Q1. Can I make the soup without waterleaf?
👉 Yes, but waterleaf helps soften the afang leaves and balances texture.
Q2. Can I freeze Afang Soup?
👉 Yes, Afang Soup freezes well for up to 3 months.
Q3. Is Afang Soup healthy?
👉 Absolutely. Afang Soup is nutrient-dense and rich in fiber and protein.
Q4. Can I use spinach instead of afang leaves?
👉 Spinach can be used, but it will not give the authentic taste of Afang Soup.
🌟 Final Thought ✨
Learning how to make Afang Soup at home allows you to enjoy one of Nigeria’s most beloved vegetable soups in its purest form. This Afang Soup recipe is rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying—perfect for family meals, celebrations, or weekend cooking.
If you’re looking for a powerful Nigerian classic that delivers on flavour, nutrition, and tradition, Afang Soup deserves a permanent place in your kitchen.
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