How to make Banga Soup : Efik Banga Soup

Banga stew recipe, banga soup, ofe akwu, urhobo banga soup
Banga Soup : Delta State Native Banga Soup

Banga Soup is a Nigerian soup that is native to the Southernarts of Nigeria.
It is very similar to the Igbo’s Ofe Akwu, but the additional spices used for preparing Banga Soup, makes it differ in taste and aroma.

Banga soup is known by several namesit is called izuwo amedi in Urhobo language and  izuwo edi in  Isoko language.

Here’s the recipe.. Enjoy!

Banga Soup Ingredients:

  • 400g of canned Palm fruit pulp/ 500g Palm Fruits
  • 500g of cooked assorted Meat
  • 1/2 cup of cooked dried fish
  • 1/2 cup of cooked stock fish (optional)
  • 150 ml of Beef stock
  • 150g fresh fish(optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of ground Banga Spice (Aidan fruit+Rohojie)
  • A handful of Banga spice leaves (called Obeletientien)…use scent leaves or bitter leaf as an alternative
  • Oburunbebe stick (brown herbal stick used for Banga soup)
  • 1 small onion bulb, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoonful ground crayfish
  • 1 stock cube
  • Chili pepper or scotch bonnet( to taste)
  • Salt to taste
    Here’s a list of the common Banga soup spices
    Cooking Directions for Banga Soup
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If you are using fresh palm kernel fruit(nut),Boil for  30 minutes and check to be sure the skin is soft. 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 and strain the extract through a sieve.Put in a pot and boil until it thickens and the oil rises to the top.

For 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 the consistency you want.The less stock you add, the thicker the soup would be. Leave to boil for 10 minutes.

Now, add the chopped onions, assorted meat and dried fish. Mix well and add the pepper, ground crayfish , ground Banga spices and stock cube. Cover and leave to cook for 8 minutes.

Add the fresh fish and the oburunbebe stick , cover and cook until the fish is done.

Now, take out the oburunbebe stick, rinse and store for another use.(You can leave the stick in the pot and take it out when you are ready to transfer the soup into a container)

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Add the Obeletientien leaves OR scent leaves OR bitter leaf, simmer for 1minute and your Banga soup is ready. ENJOY..

Banga Soup is usually served with Starch,but it also goes well with Pounded Yam, Amala, Wheat Meal, Tuwo Masara, Tuwo Shinkafa or Eba.

++Check out the Igbo-style Banga Stew/Soup (Ofe Akwu)

banga soup, banga soup recipe

Other Related Recipes

* Bitter leaf Soup (Ofe Onugbu) 
* Nigerian Beef Stew
* Banga Soup : Urhobo Isoko Banga Soup Recipe
* Nigerian Chicken Stew
* How to Cook Okazi Soup (Ukazi Soup)
* Obe Ata Dindin : Nigerian Fried Pepper Stew
* How to Cook Edikang Ikong Soup
* Nigerian Tomato Stew(Vegan Stew)
* How to Cook Afang Soup
* Nigerian Pepper Soup
* Nigerian Ogbono Soup :How to Cook Ogbono  Soup
* Nigerian Fish Stew (Obe Eja Tutu) 
* How to Cook Nigerian Egusi Soup(Ofe Egusi/Obe Efo Elegusi)

By Nky Lily Lete

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75 Comments

  1. Seyi
    August 3, 2019 / 4:18 pm

    Easy and straight forward recipe. Thank you!!

      • Rita
        October 5, 2019 / 10:11 am

        5 stars
        Very delicious I will give it a try

        • Rita
          October 5, 2019 / 10:17 am

          Good morning ma please what will I put in the banga soup to thicken it. So that it will not be watery

          • October 5, 2019 / 3:03 pm

            Hi Rita, some people add pounded yam or flour to thicken banga soup
            but I don’t advice that you that as it changes the taste and essence of the spices in the soup.
            What I do is simply take out the meat of fish in the soup (if you have already added them), so thsat they don’t get too soft
            and get lost in the soup.
            Then put the Banga soup back on heat and simmer until it loses some liquid and thickens again.
            Then add back the fish and meat , mix welland enjoy.

  2. Unknown
    May 8, 2018 / 3:57 pm

    Becks…..can I use ata rodo instead of chili pepper(bawa pepper)

  3. nmeregini racheal
    July 17, 2017 / 7:28 am

    Good morning,I have always been a fan and your page have always come to my rescue. I made Banga for the first time and it can out delicious. My heart swells when my in law was licking his fingers… God bless you for this timely n great job. Weldone ma��

  4. folu
    September 8, 2016 / 9:36 am

    please what can I put in my banga soup to thicken it. the one I made was so watery. thanks

    • Nky Lily Lete
      October 11, 2016 / 3:40 pm

      Hi Folu, I have been told that some people add egusi or yam flour to thicken banga soup, but I think the it will change the taste a bit, but if you don't mind, then go ahead and make use of any of the two.

  5. Anonymous
    September 8, 2016 / 9:34 am

    God morning, please what can I put to thicken banga soup, I cooked one and it was so watery. thanks.

  6. Oge
    January 26, 2016 / 10:12 am

    Thanks for posting thisplease is there post on how to make Ikokore?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      October 11, 2016 / 3:37 pm

      Oge dear, recipe will be up in next post.

  7. Anonymous
    December 1, 2015 / 9:16 am

    Hello, I just stumbled on your site this morning, my finance is from delta warri and loves these native soup which I can't prepare especially banga and owo soup. Thanks for posting this. Will defiantly try it . I would also love owo soup recipe thanks.

  8. Anonymous
    September 14, 2015 / 8:48 am

    where can i buy canned palm fruit extract in abuja?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      October 11, 2016 / 3:29 pm

      Anywhere food stuff is sold.

  9. Anonymous
    August 21, 2015 / 4:20 am

    Nice1

    • Nky Lily Lete
      October 11, 2016 / 3:27 pm

      thanks

  10. Anonymous
    May 14, 2015 / 3:09 pm

    Going through all d recipes one after d other I got confused of which one to start from……..my dear u r doing a very good job to all that loves to cook n I pray GOD in heaven will strengthen u n give u more knowledge……..n pls don't forget to add d owho soup recipe cos I have been waiting to try dat one……tanks again

    • Nky Lily Lete
      May 14, 2015 / 3:56 pm

      Awwh..Thanks for your lovely comment, I will have the owo soup up soon, pls bear with me 🙂

  11. Anonymous
    April 30, 2015 / 2:56 pm

    Hi Nky, my Nigerian BF requested banga soup. I want to try your recipe but where do I get the banga soup spice and the *Oburunbebe stick? I live in the DMV area, USA. Not sure where you are based. Thanks in advance.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      April 30, 2015 / 6:16 pm

      Hi dear, you can get it at any Nigerian food store.I'll be expecting your feedback.

  12. Anonymous
    April 28, 2015 / 12:51 am

    Goodevening Nky,please is there a name we should look out for when buying the canned fruit? Like a brand name. That would be helpful in sourcing.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      April 29, 2015 / 8:54 am

      yes dear, there's a popular ones called '' GHANA FRESH'' and GHANA TASTE. They are in cans.

  13. Christabel Ike
    April 28, 2015 / 12:48 am

    Thank you so much for the reply,just made my day. I'm in Nigeria,can I get it in shoprite? Cos the markets in my town aren't that big tho,will still ask for it around. If there are any shops in Nigeria that sell I really won't mind ordering a couple,need to try this dish ASAP *sadface*. Pls can we get a recipe for okoho soup soon? *big grin*. Thanks a milly million.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      April 29, 2015 / 9:34 am

      Hi hun, I'm sure it will be at shop rite. It is in can, just like tinned tomatoes.

  14. Christabel Ike
    April 26, 2015 / 8:10 pm

    You do an amazing job Nky,please where can I get the canned palm fruit pulp to buy please. Need to try this out ASAP. Thank u so much

    • Nky Lily Lete
      April 27, 2015 / 9:33 am

      Hi dearie,if you're in Nigeria, you can get it at big markets, it is actually very common now. But if you live outside Nigeria, check any store that sells African food stuff.

  15. Anonymous
    March 3, 2015 / 10:04 am

    Never heard of the stick, i shall look for it, is there another name?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      March 3, 2015 / 10:33 am

      It's actually popular in the Nigerian market, just ask the women that sell soup things, especially women from the middle east.

  16. Anonymous
    February 20, 2015 / 3:57 pm

    Fantastic recipe! My banga soup came out delicious… My husband couldn't stop raving about it. Infact, we ate it last night and this afternoon! Believe me… that is saying something because my husband does not like to repeat a dish within two weeks! Thanks so much…

    • Nky Lily Lete
      February 23, 2015 / 9:03 pm

      I'm so glad you both enjoyed it, you just made my day with this lovely comment 🙂

  17. Anonymous
    January 24, 2015 / 6:47 am

    I tried it and it turns out well, thank u 4 being of help. But some pple says u can add bi-carbonate or kaun to tickens

    • Nky Lily Lete
      January 27, 2015 / 11:44 am

      I'm glad it turned out well. I don't use any of that for banga soup because the soup usually thickens a bit when it cools.

  18. Anonymous
    December 31, 2014 / 11:51 am

    Please what are the banga soup spices

  19. Anonymous
    December 12, 2014 / 7:08 pm

    Hi,am 17 buh want 2 learn how to cook banga.my mum hardly cooks it nd am nw in skul.i nid d breakdown cos hv nt tried it b4

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 13, 2014 / 12:59 pm

      Hi dear, all that you need is on this page. You can watch the video too and let me know if you have any questions, Ill be waiting to hear from you.

  20. Anonymous
    December 5, 2014 / 4:13 pm

    I love dis blog, thumbs up to you,I tried it and my banga is tasty.thanks to u.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 6, 2014 / 1:52 pm

      I'm so glad to be of help dearie, good to have you here 🙂

  21. Anonymous
    September 26, 2014 / 2:24 pm

    Hmmmm… You've saved me. Thank you so much.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      September 29, 2014 / 12:26 pm

      you're welcome 🙂

  22. Anonymous
    August 7, 2014 / 1:06 pm

    Hi Nky Are there other name for the rohojie seeds? Or are other common spices i ca use instead (almost looks lie uziza).I'm trying to source them in UK but not easy in area Nigerian Food Shops are scarse and even when you find an African store (Ghana),due to the various names each tribe has, even the shop keeper has no idea of what you are asking for! (my experience today with the aidan fruit-if not for your pic + decision to check aisle myself i wld have left empty-handed)

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 9, 2014 / 8:35 am

      Hi dearie, I ran out of rohojie yesterday and cooked my banga soup with only the ground aidan fruit , obeletientien stick and the other ingredients and it still came out great. So don't worry about getting rohojie, go ahead and make the soup with the remaining ingredients. Whenever you find a Nigerian store you can ask for complete banga soup spices, but for now, you can do without it.

  23. Anonymous
    July 13, 2014 / 4:01 pm

    Hi, what can use to ticken it cos I added too much water

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 5, 2014 / 2:55 pm

      Let it cook longer, then leave to cool. It will thicken when it cools.

  24. Catherine Nkeiruka
    June 21, 2014 / 2:38 am

    I'd be making banga soup tomorrow, just came here and saw a new ingredient oburumbebe stick, I'm going to try it out. Nky, I usually add ginger, fresh tomatoes and pepper, ugu leaves, and scent leaves in my ofe akwu, little groundnut oil to fry the tomatoes and pepper…the taste is irresistible! Catherine Nkeiruka

    • Nky Lily Lete
      June 22, 2014 / 1:22 am

      The oburumbebe stick has always been in my recipe dear, in short , I refuse to cook efik banga without it 🙂 .I'll have to try out your version of ofe akwu, it sounds delish.

  25. Amaka Ngenegbo
    May 15, 2014 / 9:38 am

    Again, I hear they used okro or egusi, or even both to thicken the soup. How true is that?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      May 15, 2014 / 10:52 am

      Amaka dear, That is another soup that is cooked with palm fruit pulp too. Banga soup usually thickens on it's own, just don't add too much meat stock/water, so that it doesnt turn out watery. You can watch the video to see the spices .

  26. Amaka Ngenegbo
    May 15, 2014 / 9:36 am

    Hello NkyPicture of these spices would have gone a long way to help. Thanks for your help dearest.

  27. bella
    May 13, 2014 / 7:22 am

    Please I live in benue,how do I get the oburunbebe stick or is there another name for it.then the banga spices(aidan fruit+rhodjie).I need to make banga soup for my delta friends as a surprise.thanks.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      May 15, 2014 / 9:08 am

      Hi Bella, when you get to the market, ask the women selling soup ingredients, they know what it is.For aidan, ask them for either Uyayak, Tyko or yanghanyanghan., and let me know how it turned out 🙂

  28. Anonymous
    May 2, 2014 / 12:06 pm

    Please how do i prepare starch for eating.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      May 4, 2014 / 5:35 pm

      I'll be posting a recipe soon dear 🙂

  29. Anonymous
    April 19, 2014 / 8:37 pm

    My Man keeps talking abt Banga soup bt ℓ̊ dnt knw hw 2 make it cos ℓ̊'m frm Ibo, thanks 4 U̶̲̥̅̊я̩̥̊ help dear.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      May 4, 2014 / 5:35 pm

      You're welcome sweetie, I'm so glad to be of help 🙂

  30. Maureen
    March 22, 2014 / 9:28 am

    My friend, good morning. Biko ehn, which is better for ofe akwu? Boiled or fried titus fish? Must I put ugwu in it? And if I'm using the canned oil, would 2 suffice for 7 people? Pls reply as soon as you can. Thank you. Kisses

    • Nky Lily Lete
      March 23, 2014 / 12:01 pm

      Hi dearie, to make ofe akwu, you know you don't have to add any of the banga soup spices, that's what makes it different from banga. As for your question, I prefer fresh titus, the taste it adds to the ofe akwu is unbeatable.If you can find nchuawun(scent leaves), pls use it instead of ugwu, or mix them together. You'll be glad you did dear. If you use 2 small cans , yes it will be okay for 7 or more people

  31. Anonymous
    February 10, 2014 / 7:35 pm

    Please where can I get all the ingredients (the "unique" africo ones:) in DC, Maryland or Virginia?…anywhere in fact….

    • Nky Lily Lete
      February 11, 2014 / 11:25 am

      Hi dear, do check at any African store owned by Nigerians, you'll surely get it there 🙂

  32. Anonymous
    January 18, 2014 / 3:55 pm

    nice..tried it i love itt

    • Nky Lily Lete
      January 18, 2014 / 5:47 pm

      Thanks for the feedback dear, I'm glad you loved it 🙂

  33. christiana okon
    November 14, 2013 / 10:37 pm

    I've never used the stick before but from what I've seen and heard, will start using it….thanks so much

    • Nky Lily Lete
      November 15, 2013 / 4:37 pm

      Hi Christiana the Oburunbebe stick does make a big difference dear, do try it next time… thanks for stopping dear .

  34. Anonymous
    October 22, 2013 / 4:35 pm

    I just ate banga soup for the first time. Infact I cant wait to cook it. It is delicious. This will help keep my future hubby*winks* thanks for the recipe. U too try

    • Nky Lily Lete
      October 23, 2013 / 2:48 pm

      Thanks dear.. your future husband is going no where dear… you'll have him hooked for live 🙂

  35. Njideka
    August 25, 2013 / 12:25 pm

    When I Saw this recipe, I was confused, but after I tried it, I understood what you meant.My dear the soup is very tasty, especially the flavor of the oburunbebe stick.Banga soup is very different from igbo ofe akwu.the type we igbos use for eating rice,please where is the recipe for ofe akwu ,I have to make it myself now that I am far from my mama..lol

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 28, 2013 / 6:33 am

      Njideka, the banga spices it what differentiate the Urhobo banga from the igbo's Ofe Akwu. I'm glad you tried it and loved it.Ofe Akwu recipe is coming up soon, but if you are in a hurry to cook it, just cook your palm fruit pulp as you did in the banga soup preparation, but instead of adding the banga soup spices, add basil leaves(nchanwu/efirin leaves) and your Ofeakwu is ready. You know that titus fish is the correct fish for ofe akwu , but feel free to use any fresh fish you have. Thanks for stopping by Nj 🙂

  36. Josephine Achuma
    August 25, 2013 / 12:20 pm

    This your recipe saved my marriage oo. I tried the banga soup recipe for my isoko inlaws(I am from kwara state) after a misunderstanding and it was a very big surprise to them. I DIDNT KNOW THAT SOUP can settle quarrel oo..lol

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 27, 2013 / 6:03 pm

      Lol… You are funny my dear Josephine… I'm glad the banga soup recipe saved your marriage…thanks for stopping by 🙂