Ofe Akwu : Igbo-style Banga Stew/Soup

 

Ofe Akwu ,Igbo-style Banga Stew/Soup

 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

See also  Coconut Fried Rice


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.

 

Ofe Akwu ,Igbo-style Banga Stew/Soup

*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.

See also  Ofe Di Na Nwayi (Lovers' soup)

*After 8 minutes,add the shredded leaves simmer for 2-3 minutes and your Ofe Akwu is ready. ENJOY..

Ofe Akwu ,Igbo-style Banga Stew/Soup


Ofe Akwu is usually served with boiled Rice or yams,but can also be enjoyed with boiled plantains.

Ofe Akwu ,Igbo-style Banga Stew/Soup
Ofe Akwu (Igbo-style Banga stew)

–Check out the recipe for the Efik Banga Soup–

ofe akwu, banga stew,banga soup
Efik banga soup

 

By Nky Lily Lete

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30 Comments

  1. Umeh Joy
    January 22, 2019 / 9:28 am

    hello, I love your method but can I add fried tomatoes to the soup while I am boiling the banga soup.

    • January 24, 2019 / 8:31 pm

      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?

  2. Kanyi
    July 21, 2018 / 3:18 pm

    I just used your recipe to make Ofe Akwu and everyone enjoyed it. Keep up the good job.

  3. Anonymous
    February 16, 2017 / 9:58 am

    NKY, am yet to try it your own way, but I already know it will be very delicious ride on and God's grace.

  4. Unknown
    August 17, 2016 / 3:29 am

    can regular palm oil be used?

  5. Anonymous
    August 6, 2015 / 5:26 pm

    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.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 19, 2015 / 11:08 pm

      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.

  6. Anonymous
    August 6, 2015 / 5:22 pm

    Hi nky …like the recipe alot…thank…

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 17, 2015 / 12:08 am

      you're welcome dearie 🙂

  7. Anonymous
    June 11, 2015 / 8:43 pm

    NKY Pls what do I do to make the washed banga thick.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      June 13, 2015 / 8:12 am

      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.

  8. Okore Chinaza
    November 15, 2014 / 5:03 am

    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.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      November 15, 2014 / 2:24 pm

      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 🙂

    • Anonymous
      May 16, 2015 / 11:32 am

      Nky, this is fantastic, salivating already…cant wait to thrill my family this weekend with ofe akwu

    • Nky Lily Lete
      May 24, 2015 / 3:29 pm

      you're welcome hun 🙂

  9. Nky Lily Lete
    October 27, 2014 / 9:54 am

    You're welcome 🙂

  10. Anonymous
    October 24, 2014 / 12:22 pm

    Tanx. can't wait to cook it

  11. Amama
    July 16, 2014 / 7:57 am

    My husband is really happy abt my cookings now adays. Tnks 2 u NKY

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 5, 2014 / 4:05 pm

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

  12. Anonymous
    May 19, 2014 / 2:06 pm

    nice,thanks for sharing

    • Nky Lily Lete
      May 21, 2014 / 11:40 pm

      You're welcome 🙂

  13. Jessica Amegbu
    March 28, 2014 / 9:53 am

    Nky you are at it again, chai that fish is calling out my name, jessica!jessica!jessica!.Keep up the good work hun.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      March 29, 2014 / 11:47 pm

      Hahaha, thanks dear you're very funny.

    • Ntebono Victoria
      December 15, 2015 / 11:35 am

      Nky, i really love this am salivating already lol. Vicky Benny

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 29, 2015 / 3:41 pm

      Thanks Vicky 🙂

    • Chinelo Moronu
      June 7, 2017 / 10:40 am

      @Jessica…haha. Answer yes! Yes! Yes!!

  14. Anonymous
    March 28, 2014 / 9:40 am

    Thanks for the recipe, I have been waiting for it .

    • Nky Lily Lete
      March 29, 2014 / 11:46 pm

      You're welcome dear 🙂