When you talk about Nigerian cuisine, you simply can’t ignore the rich, flavorful, and deeply cultural soups of the Igbo people. Whether you’re an Igbo native, a foodie exploring new tastes, or someone just missing the flavors of home, learning about traditional Igbo soups is like unlocking a delicious treasure chest.

In this post, I’ll walk you throughIn this post, I’ll walk you through some popular traditional Igbo soups, simple recipes you can try at home, and even some expert tips to make your cooking journey easier.
(P.S. You’ll want to bookmark this guide if you’re serious about Nigerian cooking!)

some popular traditional Igbo soups, simple recipes you can try at home, and even some expert tips to make your cooking journey easier.
(P.S. You’ll want to bookmark this guide if you’re serious about Nigerian cooking!)

1. Ofe Nsala (White Soup)

Ofe Nsala is a light, comforting, and peppery soup traditionally made with catfish or chicken. It’s called “white soup” because it doesn’t require palm oil like many Nigerian soups.

Ingredients:

• Catfish or chicken
• Utazi leaves (for slight bitterness)
• Yam (for thickening)
• Seasoning cubes
• Crayfish
• Ground pepper
• Salt to taste

Preparation Steps:

1. Boil the catfish or chicken with seasoning until tender.
2. Blend boiled yam into a smooth paste and add to the pot to thicken the soup.
3. Add ground crayfish and pepper.
4. Stir gently, add the Utazi leaves, and let everything simmer.

Pro Tip: Use fresh catfish for the authentic traditional flavor!

Related Post: See how to prepare the perfect Nigerian Catfish Pepper Soup here

2. Ofe Onugbu (Bitterleaf Soup)

Ofe Onugbu is one of the kings of Igbo soups. Don’t be scared by the word “bitter” — the bitterleaf is thoroughly washed until only a pleasant hint remains.

Ingredients:

• Bitterleaf (washed)
• Cocoyam (thickener)
• Palm oil
• Beef, stockfish, and dry fish
• Ogiri (fermented locust beans)
• Crayfish
• Seasoning cubes and salt

Preparation Steps:

1. Boil meats, stockfish, and dry fish until tender.
2. Add palm oil, crayfish, and ogiri.
3. Stir in the cocoyam paste as a thickener.
4. Add the washed bitterleaf and allow to simmer till well combined.

Fun Fact: In traditional Igbo weddings, Ofe Onugbu is often served to guests because it symbolizes resilience and maturity.

3. Ofe Oha (Oha Soup)

Oha soup is a seasonal delicacy made from tender oha leaves, which have a unique, slightly sweet flavor.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Oha leaves
• Cocoyam (for thickening)
• Palm oil
• Assorted meat
• Crayfish
• Ogiri Igbo
  Seasoning cubes and salt

Preparation Steps:

1. Cook your assorted meats until tender.
2. Add palm oil, crayfish, and ogiri.
3. Mix in the cocoyam paste for thickening.
4. Add shredded Oha leaves last to retain their fresh flavor.

Find where to buy fresh Oha leaves online here

4. Ofe Okazi (Ukazi Soup)

Ofe Okazi, also known as Afang soup among the Efik/Ibibio, is made with shredded Okazi leaves and thickened with egusi (melon seeds).

Ingredients:

• Okazi leaves (shredded)
• Water leaves (optional for Igbo version)
• Egusi (melon seeds)
• Assorted meat and fish
  Seasoning cubes and salt

Preparation Steps:

1. Cook meat and fish thoroughly.
2. Add ground egusi and palm oil.
3. Stir in shredded Okazi leaves and allow everything to marry beautifully.

Also Read: Best Egusi Soup Recipes You Must Try

Quick Tips for Making Authentic Igbo Soups

• Use local ingredients whenever possible for the best taste.
• Don’t skip Ogiri (local flavoring); it adds authentic depth and aroma!
• Freshness is key — fresh vegetables, fresh fish, fresh meats!

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s the comforting warmth of Ofe Nsala, the hearty taste of Ofe Onugbu, the delicate flavor of Oha soup, or the rich goodness of Ofe Okazi, traditional Igbo soups offer a mouthwatering journey into the heart of Nigerian culture.
And the best part? You can recreate these dishes at home with a little love and practice.

Ready to spice up your kitchen?
Start with Oha soup — it’s simple, fast, and so satisfying!