Learn how to make Ofe Nsala Soup (White Soup) with this authentic Nigerian recipe. This comforting Igbo white soup is light, nourishing, spicy, and perfect with pounded yam or fufu.
Introduction 🍲
Ofe Nsala Soup is one of the most cherished traditional soups from southeastern Nigeria, especially among the Igbo people. Often referred to as White Soup because it contains no palm oil, this delicacy stands out for its clean, light appearance and deeply comforting flavour profile. Despite its simple colour, Ofe Nsala Soup is bold, aromatic, and richly spiced, delivering warmth with every spoonful.
Traditionally prepared with fresh catfish or chicken, Ofe Nsala Soup is commonly served to nursing mothers, people recovering from illness, and guests of honour. It is believed to restore strength, improve appetite, and soothe the body. This soup is naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and adaptable, making it ideal for modern healthy eating while preserving cultural authenticity.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make Ofe Nsala Soup step by step, using accessible ingredients while maintaining the true traditional taste Nigerians love.
Table of Contents
What is Ofe Nsala Soup (White Soup)?🥘
Ofe Nsala, also known as “white soup,” is an Igbo dish originating from southeastern Nigeria. It’s called white soup because, unlike many other Nigerian soups, how to make Ofe Nsala Soup doesn’t involve palm oil. The base is typically catfish, sometimes goat meat or chicken, yam or cocoyam thickener, crayfish, pepper, salt, stockfish/dry fish, and leaves such as utazi. The broth is clear but flavourful. This authentic Igbo white soup is light yet satisfying, perfect for people who want something deeply tasty without heavy oils.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- 🍃 Naturally light and oil-free, yet deeply flavourful
- 🌶️ Comforting heat from traditional spices
- 🐟 Highly versatile (catfish, chicken, or goat meat)
- 👩🏽🍳 Beginner-friendly with clear, structured steps
- 🍽️ Perfect pairing with pounded yam, fufu, or rice
- 🇳🇬 Deeply rooted in Igbo culinary heritage
Ingredients for Ofe Nsala Soup (White Soup)🛒
Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to learn how to make Ofe Nsala Soup (White:
- 1 large fresh catfish (or substitute with chicken/goat meat): The type of animal protein used significantly in cooking Ofe Nsala is fresh fish. Nsala soup is a popular dish in riverine areas where fishing is common. It can be made with fresh fish or any other animal protein, such as goat meat, cow tripe, cow meat, etc.
- Dry Fish: It is necessary to soak dry fish in hot water to soften and remove bones. Despite the use of fresh fish as the primary animal protein, dry fish is also needed for its flavour and richness in Nsala soup.
- 1 cup pounded yam (or yam powder as a quick alternative)
- 2 tablespoons crayfish (ground)
- 1 tablespoon uziza seeds (ground): The Uziza seed is first ground into a powder before being added to a broth or soup.
- 1 tablespoon uda (negro pepper, ground)
- Ground Pepper: Ground pepper could be fresh pepper or dry pepper.
- 2 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- 1 handful utazi leaves (sliced, for bitterness balance):
- Like every other soft vegetable, Utazi leaf should be added two minutes before switching off the heat.
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper (ground, optional for heat)
- Salt to taste
Equipment Needed🍴
To successfully follow this Ofe Nsala recipe, you’ll need:
- Large heavy-bottom pot with lid
- Knife and cutting board
- Peeler (for yam/cocoyam)
- Mortar & pestle (or blender) for pounding or blending thickener if needed
- Spoon or wooden ladle
- Strainer (if using stockfish or to clean fish)
- Measuring cups/spoons
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Ofe Nsala Soup👩🏽🍳
Step-by-step guide on how to make Ofe Nsala Soup:
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
- Wash the fresh catfish thoroughly with hot water to remove slime.
- Cut into medium-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Boil
- In a pot, add fish/chicken/goat meat, seasoning cubes, salt, and pepper.
- Add water and cook until tender.
Step 3: Add the Flavours
- Add ground crayfish, uziza seeds, and uda spice.
- Stir well and allow the flavours to blend.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
- Add small balls of pounded yam (or yam flour paste) gradually.
- Stir continuously until the soup thickens to your preferred consistency.
Step 5: Final Touch
- Add utazi leaves for a mild bitter taste.
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 3–5 minutes.
- Serve hot with pounded yam, fufu, or semolina.
Tips on How to make Ofe Nsala Soup✅
- 🐟 Always use fresh catfish for the most authentic flavour.
- 🔥 Avoid over-stirring to prevent breaking the fish.
- 🌶️ Add pepper gradually to control heat levels.
- 🍃 Utazi is optional but highly recommended for balance.
- 🥣 The soup should be light, not thick like egusi.
Serving Suggestion 🍽️
Serve hot Ofe Nsala Soup with:
- Pounded yam
- Fufu
- Semolina
- White rice (lighter option)
Variations 🔄
- Chicken Nsala Soup: Use free-range chicken for richer stock.
- Goat Meat Nsala: Adds deeper, earthy flavour.
- Seafood Nsala: Combine catfish with prawns or croaker fish.
- Extra-Spicy Version: Increase uziza and pepper slightly.
Ofe Nsala (White Soup) Recipe🍴
Ofe Nsala (White Soup)
Ingredients
Making Nsala Soup with Fresh Catfish
- 1 Medium size Catfish
- 4 to 5 Yam slice
- A handful of Utazi leaf
- 1 Cup crayfish ground
- 1 tbsp ground uziza seed
- 1/4 tbsp ehuru
- 1 small size red onion
- 2 tbsp ground pepper fresh or dry
- 1 medium size dry fish
- salt to taste
- 3 seasoning cubes
Instructions
Nsala Soup Preparation
- To make yam paste, the first step is to peel the yam cubes, wash them and boil them. After boiling for 10 minutes, drain the yam slices and pound them with a mortar and pestle until they form a smooth paste. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, you can blend the boiled yam cubes in a blender or food processor with a little water until it forms a smooth paste. You can use the water that was used to cook the yam.
- Remove the entrails from the dried fish, rinse in hot water, and season with salt, a spice cube, and diced small onion bulb. Cook until tender and set aside.
- It is recommended to have the catfish de-boned at the store if you are not familiar with the process. Once cleaned, place the catfish in a pot and add enough water to cover it.
- Add the rest of the chopped onions, seasoning cube, and salt to the pot. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. Afterwards, add the pepper, crayfish, Uziza, and Ogiri. If you have already cooked dried fish, this is the perfect time to add it too. Leave everything to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add the yam paste gradually to dissolve it without forming lumps. Let it simmer for a brief period.
- Wash the Utazi leaves and chop them into small pieces
- Lastly, sprinkle the chopped leaves, add salt, and the last seasoning cube. Let the soup simmer for another 25 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Nsala soup is best served when it is hot.
Notes
When you use animal protein like beef, cow tripe, goat meat, etc.
To prepare a tasty Nigerian soup, start by making pounded yam as a thickener. Set it aside and then wash the animal protein. Season it with onions, a seasoning cube, and salt, and let it parboil for at least thirty minutes. While the meat is cooking, wash some dried fish in a bowl, being careful to remove the entrails to avoid a bitter taste. Add the cleaned fish to the meat that is being parboiled. Once the proteins in the soup have been softened, add the required amount of water to make the soup. The amount of water needed depends on the number of ingredients and people eating. While the stock is boiling, add pepper and the pounded yam to thicken the soup. Make sure the yam melts completely to avoid lumps. After 10 minutes, add the ground Uziza seeds and continue boiling. Wash the Utazi leaves and chop them into small pieces. Remember that they are bitter, so use only a small quantity. Add the chopped Utazi leaves to the soup and continue boiling. Your delicious Nigerian soup is now ready to be served with a swallow. Nsala soup (white soup) is best served with pounded yam. You can use other swallows to enjoy the soup.Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving) 📊
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal | 16% |
| Protein | 28 g | 56% |
| Fat | 9 g | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g | 3% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 8% |
| Sodium | 620 mg | 27% |
🔗 Source: Spelt – Nsala Soup↗
Health Benefits And Advice 💚
Ofe Nsala Soup is high in lean protein, aiding muscle repair and immune support. The absence of palm oil makes it heart-friendly, while spices like uziza and ehuru promote digestion. This soup is ideal for postpartum recovery, weight-conscious diets, and people seeking light but nourishing meals.
- Immune System Support: The combination of spices and vitamins boosts immunity.
- Heart Health: Due to its low-fat nature (no palm oil) and inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids, it helps reduce the risk of heart problems.
- Easy Digestion: Often considered light, yet nutritious.
- Blood Pressure Regulation: High potassium content helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
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 (FAQs)🙋🏽
Q1: Can I make Ofe Nsala Soup without fish?
👉Yes, you can use chicken, goat meat, or even assorted meats.
Q2: What can I use instead of pounded yam?
👉Cocoyam paste, yam flour, or even potato starch can serve as alternatives.
Q3: Why is Ofe Nsala called White Soup?
👉Because it does not contain palm oil, unlike other Nigerian soups, it gives it a whitish appearance.
Q4. Can I make ofe nsala soup without utazi leaves?
👉 Yes, utazi is optional. The soup will still be delicious without it.
Q5. Why is my ofe nsala soup watery?
👉 The thickener may be insufficient. Add a little more ground yam gradually.
Q6. Can I store ofe nsala soup?
👉 Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to one month.
Q7. Is ofe nsala soup good for weight loss?
👉 Yes, it’s low in fat and high in protein when eaten in moderation.
Final Thought 🌟
Learning how to make Ofe Nsala Soup connects you to a rich cultural heritage while delivering comfort in every bite. This authentic white soup proves that simplicity, when done right, can be powerfully satisfying. Whether for family meals or special occasions, Ofe Nsala Soup deserves a permanent place in your kitchen.
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