Awhile ago we looked at some healthy Nigerian solids or swallows, today we would solely be looking at the soups that usually accompany some swallows. Videos on how to make some the soups would also be uploaded. There are certain soups that are more popular than the others and some that are local and eaten by specific ethnic groups in Nigeria, these different soups would be talked about. The Igbo people have different foods that are reserved specifically for them and the same goes for other ethnic groups.
1. Ogbono Soup (Ofe Ogbono)
This soup is also called draw soup because it stretches when taken out of just like okra soup. It made from ogbono seeds, assorted meat, fish, palm oil and other spices. It can be refrigerated for a long time without losing it's nutritional value. Ogbono soup can be made with different leaves like bitter leaves, fluted pumpkin leaves, but some people might prefer it without the leaves. A lot of Nigerians enjoy this delicious soup with the swallow of their choice. Ofe Ogbono is rich in calcium, protein and other nutrients essential for the body.
2. Eguisi Soup
This can be said to be the most popular soup in Nigeria because it is accepted by everyone. the Igbos make ofe egusi while the Yorubas make efo egusi, they both use similar ingredients but take different approaches. Egusi soup is known for it's lumps and can be made with vegetables or with tomatoes. Egusi helps in digestion, because of how soft it feels in the throat that's also how it is in the stomach. It also prevents malnutrition and is not fattening.
3. Edikaikong soup
After Efo soup, Edikaikong soup is another purely vegetable soup in Nigeria even the name translates to "vegetable soup". It is the best source of vitamins but unlike other soups loses it's nutritional value when refrigerated for a long time. The Nigerian edikaikong soup is very rich in vitamins because it is made with different types of vegetables. Edikaikong soup contains a lot of animal meat which give proteins which in return increases muscle mass. The soup is also good in maintaining the body's nervous system.
4. Efo Riro soup
This is a very popular Yoruba soup in Nigeria and it is another soup made purely with vegetables like African Spinach, Bitter Leaf, Water leaf. It is very similar to Edikaikong soup but the difference is in a few other Yoruba ingredients, tatashe and maybe tomatoes. The immense presence of vegetables in the soup provides a source of fibre which helps with digestion and prevents constipation. Calcium is also very much evident in this soup and this helps to maintain healthy bones.
5. Gbegiri Soup
This is a very popular Yoruba bean soup consisting of brown beans, palm oil, cray fish, iru (locust beans), stock and pepper. This soup is usually enjoyed with ewedu on the side, stewed meat and swallows like amala, fufu or eba. This soup is also a source of protein and energy. Gbegirir is also loaded with B vitamins necessary for the nerve cells and for the skin to function normally, the nerves and digestive system also.
great job
would love to have some these soups
if only i could cook😪
😊😊
Good work