Ofe Akwu is a palm nut stew that is native to the Igbos in Nigeria.
It is similar to the Efik’s Banga Soup,which is traditional prepared with native spices, known as Banga spices.These spices gives the soup a unique taste and flavor, which makes it a bit different from the Igbo’s Ofe Akwu.
It’s common to see Ofe Akwu served as a sauce for boiled Rice or yams,but you can also enjoy it with boiled plantains and a lot more.
Here’s how to prepare it.
Ofe Akwu Ingredients:
* 400g of canned Palm fruit pulp/ 500g Palm Fruits
* 500g of boiled Beef
* 1/2 cup of cooked dried fish (optional)
* 1/2 cup of cooked stock fish (optional)
* 150 ml of Beef stock (from the cooked meat)
* 150g fresh Mackerel fish(Titus fish)
* 2 Handful shredded Ugwu OR Scent leaves OR Spinach
* 1 small onion bulb, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoonful ground crayfish
* 1 stock cube
* Chili pepper or scotch bonnet( to taste)
* Salt to taste
Cooking Directions for Ofe Akwu
*If
you would be using fresh palm kernel fruit(nut),you’ll have to wash and boil for 30 minutes and
check to be sure the skin is soft enough and peels off easily.
Then pound lightly in a mortar to
extract the oil. Make sure you don’t break the nuts,while pounding. Pour
in some hot water, mix well and strain the extract through a sieve.
Put in a pot
and boil until it thickens and the oil rises to the top.
*If you’ll be using the canned palm nut pulp, pour into a pot and heat until the oil begins to rise to the top.
*Add
the meat stock or water, depending on how thick or light you want the stew to be.The more stock you add the lighter, the soup will be.
Leave to boil for 10
minutes.
*Now, add the cooked beef, the fresh fish ,cooked stock fish and dried fish. Also add the chopped onions,the pepper, ground crayfish,stock cube and salt to taste.
Stir and Cover the pot;then leave to cook for 8 minutes.
*After 8 minutes,add the shredded leaves simmer for 2-3 minutes and your Ofe Akwu is ready. ENJOY..
Ofe Akwu is usually served with boiled Rice or yams,but can also be enjoyed with boiled plantains.
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| Ofe Akwu (Igbo-style Banga stew) |
–Check out the recipe for the Efik Banga Soup–
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| Efik banga soup |
By Nky Lily Lete
hello, I love your method but can I add fried tomatoes to the soup while I am boiling the banga soup.
Author
Hi Joy, you can add fried tomatoes if you want to.
Cooking is an art, so make the recipe yours, but donit use too much tomatoes,
so that it doesn’t take over the taste of the soup/stew?
I just used your recipe to make Ofe Akwu and everyone enjoyed it. Keep up the good job.
NKY, am yet to try it your own way, but I already know it will be very delicious ride on and God's grace.
can regular palm oil be used?
Hi nky…what do you mean by banga stick? Is it the palm kennel and the reminant? So we don't have to throw it away after use.
No dear, for the banga soup(not this igbo style oo) , you need a herbal stick known as ''oburubebe'', you'll see it in the video I made.
Hi nky …like the recipe alot…thank…
you're welcome dearie 🙂
NKY Pls what do I do to make the washed banga thick.
I guess you meant'' what do i do with the washed banga stick''?Well after cooking with the banga stick(oburubebe stick), rinse it thoroughly and store in the freezer.You can use it 2 or 3 more times for cooking banga soup.
Nky this is so cool. Keep up the good work. I especially like the way u keep it real and easy to follow. I found myself nodding and smiling when going through all the different dishes. Ofe akwu is my favourite and I also add a little okpei(though optional) when cooking. It gives it a unique aroma.
Aww thanks for your lovely comment dearie. My mum also adds ogiri to hers.I'm also glad that you enjoy our website.Hope to hear from you more 🙂
Nky, this is fantastic, salivating already…cant wait to thrill my family this weekend with ofe akwu
you're welcome hun 🙂
You're welcome 🙂
Tanx. can't wait to cook it
My husband is really happy abt my cookings now adays. Tnks 2 u NKY
You're welcome dear, I'm so glad to be of help 🙂
nice,thanks for sharing
You're welcome 🙂
Nky you are at it again, chai that fish is calling out my name, jessica!jessica!jessica!.Keep up the good work hun.
Hahaha, thanks dear you're very funny.
Nky, i really love this am salivating already lol. Vicky Benny
Thanks Vicky 🙂
Can any Species be use?
Author
Do you mean any specie of palmnut?
@Jessica…haha. Answer yes! Yes! Yes!!
Thanks for the recipe, I have been waiting for it .
You're welcome dear 🙂