Ogbono Soup Recipe:How to Cook Ogbono Soup (draw soup)

How to Cook Ogbono Soup , draw soup

Ogbono Soup or Draw Soup, is a popular Nigerian soup recipe made with Ogbono Seeds(wild African bush mango seeds).

This is one of the first soup, after Okra soup, given to kids when trying to introduce them to Nigerian soups.

Ogbono soup has a mucilaginous (slimy) texture, similar to okra soup.

I like to cook mine with vegetables,  and sometimes combine it with melon(egusi) seeds to get what is called Ogbono with Egusi soup.

But it is also common to see Ogbono soup cooked without vegetables. So whatever choice you make, here’s an easy recipe for you to try…Enjoy.

**video recipe here

Ogbono Soup ingredients

 

  •  2 handful of Ogbono Seeds OR 3 handful ground Ogbono powder
  • Assorted Meat and Fish: (could be a mixture of any of these :Beef, cowfoot, Shaki(tripe),Ponmo(cow skin) DryFish  & Stock Fish)
  • 2-3 Cooking spoonful Palm Oil
  • Vegetable :Spinach OR Pumpkin leaves(ugu) OR Bitter leaf(onugbu)..or a mixture of bitter leaf and Ugwu
  • Crayfish(as you like it)
  • 1 Onion bulb
  • 2 stock cubes (seasoning cubes
  • Chilli Pepper or scotch bonnet(atarodo) (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
See also  Boiled Plantains : Easy Nigerian Food recipe

Cooking Directions for  Ogbono Soup

**If you bought Whole ogbono seeds, Grind them thoroughly using a dry mill or a good  blender or coffee grinder.

** Wash, season and cook the assorted meat, dry fish & stock fish with onions, stock cube and salt to taste. Cook until tender.

**Slice the vegetables, grind the pepper and set aside

Now to cook the  Ogbono Soup…

  1.  Heat up the red palm oil in a clean dry pot until hot. You can add minced onions if you like(adding onions is optional).
  2. Now, put off the heat and add the ground Ogbono into the hot oil.
    Dissolve the ogbono by pressing with the back of your spoon and stirring constantly .

ogbono soup recipe draw soup preparation

3. Now, put back on low heat, add a little water or meat stock, and leave to boil for a minute. You will  notice that it has become thicker and has a slimy texture(it has started to ”draw”) .

See also  Healthy Green Juice Recipe

nigerian ogbono soup preparation

4. Add more of the meat stock or water and leave to boil for 10 minutes; Stir the soup constantly so that it does not burn at the bottom.
Then add the boiled dry fish, stock fish, assorted meat , stock cube, pepper, the ground crayfish and salt to taste.

ogbono soup preparation

  5. Mix well , cover and leave to simmer for about 10 minutes, you should check on it and stir the soup constantly to prevent burning.

6. At this stage , you will notice the change in the aroma of the soup. Stir and add the shredded spinach or ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves)

cooking nigerian ogbono soup

Simmer for 1-2 minute and put of the heat.  Now your Ogbono soup is ready.

ogbono soup, draw soup

Ogbono soup is usually served hot with any Nigerian bolus meal, such as Eba, Fufu, Pounded Yam, Tuwo Masara, Wheat meal or Semolina…Enjoy!

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 Okra  Soup
* Nigerian Fish Stew (Obe Eja Tutu) 
* How to Cook Nigerian Egusi Soup(Ofe Egusi/Obe Efo Elegusi)

See also  Okpa : How to make Okpa

 

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92 Comments

  1. Bello Ashiat
    August 25, 2022 / 1:01 am

    This is awesome

  2. Francis Chinecherem
    June 22, 2022 / 6:34 pm

    Thanks you are really helpful.

  3. Clare
    December 7, 2021 / 7:24 pm

    I really appreciate this, God bless u

  4. Amezhi sunny
    November 3, 2021 / 2:07 pm

    Thanks for your teaching
    . I learnt alot

  5. Aminat Temitope
    October 30, 2021 / 6:01 pm

    Thanks

  6. Eunny
    April 2, 2019 / 5:01 pm

    Nky Lily thank you so much. You. Made cooking in the kitchen so exciting & Easy for me. You are the best. I love you.

  7. delight
    December 15, 2018 / 5:18 pm

    I love ur blog. I tried this out for the first time and it came out nice. Keep the good work sis. Thanks

  8. Opeyemi
    March 29, 2018 / 8:45 am

    Weldone Nky please how can I subscribe to this page for me to be able to access it anytime instead of searching on google always. Thanks will b waiting for ur reply

    • November 1, 2018 / 8:59 pm

      Hi Opeyemi, if you are using a deasktop/laptop, there is a subscribe button at the top left corner(sidebar) of this page, but if using mobile, you can find it at the bottom of the page.
      And don’t forget to check your email and confirm your subscription. Cant wait to have you with us.:)

  9. Nne
    February 21, 2018 / 3:06 am

    Enter your comment…pls can I also use meat stock already seasoned with curry to make my ogbono?

  10. Anonymous
    November 1, 2017 / 11:50 pm

    I cooked my Ogbono but it did not draw !:( I don't know what I did or how can I reverse it 🙁 🙁

  11. Gineeka
    August 2, 2017 / 10:09 am

    Pls Wat stage should I put d Ogili Openyi?? Waiting now,Thanks

  12. Gineeka
    August 2, 2017 / 10:08 am

    Pls Wat stage should I put d Ogili Openyi?? Waiting now,Thanks

  13. Adewunmi Peter
    April 20, 2017 / 12:39 pm

    Hello Sister. Please, what is wrong. my Ogbono sometimes doesn't draw and does not come out Heavy(thick). some said the oil is too hot and that fries out the slimy quality. is this correct or could there be other factors responsible.

    • November 1, 2018 / 9:06 pm

      Yes, Adewunmi they are right, , very hot oil can affect the texture, but if you make use of bad ogbono(old ogbono), it can also affect the viscosity and taste of the soup. Some people will also tell you that it is because you covered the pot, but that has been proven to not really affect it much.
      As for the heavy /thick texture you have to make use of less liquid in your cooking.

  14. Daysawlah
    April 9, 2017 / 5:28 am

    Please can I use ugwu and uziza leaves together?

  15. Daysawlah
    April 9, 2017 / 5:10 am

    Please can i mix ugwu and uzazi leaves with the ogbonna

  16. lolade judith
    March 24, 2017 / 1:58 pm

    Can some one use dry pepper or cameroon pepper in cooking the ogbona?

  17. henrietta Godwin
    February 28, 2017 / 8:43 pm

    Aunty, whoever you are, may your pot if soup never be empty, first time of cooking Ogbono soup with your recipe and I can't stop admiring Ogbono majesty. Thank you And remain blessed

  18. Anonymous
    December 2, 2016 / 6:12 pm

    please nky when can we put ogiri

  19. Lexy Slim
    May 4, 2016 / 2:40 pm

    Hi Nky, pls which is healthier btw Garri, semovita and semolina, esp for someone that wants to lose weight. Thanks

  20. Lexy Slim
    May 4, 2016 / 2:38 pm

    Hi Nky, pls I'll like to know which is healthier, garri, semovita and semolina esp for someone that wants to shed weight. Thanks

  21. fifi
    March 11, 2016 / 1:36 pm

    Can you use smoked shrimp instead of crayfish in this soup?

  22. Anonymous
    March 11, 2016 / 1:35 pm

    Can you use smoked shrimp instead of crayfish in this soup?

  23. noble luxury
    February 22, 2016 / 6:06 pm

    Fantastic recipe. My ogbono Came out well. Thank you Nky

  24. Jessy
    November 30, 2015 / 11:10 am

    Lete… Pls is Der any other method of preparing draw soup??? Bcos my friend told me I can start with water instead of oil…. And if starting with water is yet another method… Am I to let the water get boiled b4 adding d ogbono or I'm just to add it to the water at that instant…. Pls help meeeee

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 30, 2015 / 9:12 am

      I haven't tried that method before,but I know some people boil there ground ogbono instead of frying, maybe that is the method your friend uses.

  25. Addison Carpenter
    November 28, 2015 / 7:18 am

    I just cooked this for the first time tonight for my Yoruba-Nigerian husband. It was great!!! When adding spinach, I used leftover vegetable soup from the night before to prevent wasting it. I also added some locust beans because I remember my mother-in-law cooking it that way when she made it for us a while back. Ese gun Auntie Flo. I will definitely be making this again and again.

    • Bisi Akande
      December 30, 2015 / 9:32 am

      Her name is Nky , I used to confuse them too since they both cook so well , but Nky takes the time to answer every comment in her blog, she is exceptional.xoxo

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 30, 2015 / 10:09 am

      Thanks for your lovely feedback Addison,I`m glad u enjoyed it 🙂

  26. Susan Kinsey
    November 2, 2015 / 12:43 pm

    Great post!Thank you

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 30, 2015 / 10:06 am

      You're welcome Susan 🙂

  27. Mya Carter
    October 10, 2015 / 4:54 pm

    I just made this soup this morning and it turned out really well!! I am SO proud of myself. Aunty, thank you for this recipe. It was very easy to follow and I'm sure that when I make it again it will be even better. I used cow leg, turkey leg, stock fish, and fresh tilapia. I love the way my apartment smells. I sent pics of my finished product to my aunts in Naija and received a couple of "nne well done. you are trying!" lol. I do think the recipe asks for too much sodium but it didn't ruin the dish. I will definitely reduce the amount the next time, but everything else will remain the same. SO proud of this dish. Can't wait for my guy to try it.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 30, 2015 / 9:56 am

      Hi Mya , so sorry for the late response, you just made my day hun. As for the salt, feel free to adjust to taste and thanks for the feedback''nne well done '' 🙂

  28. lola
    October 6, 2015 / 2:21 pm

    Hello, your blog is lovely! i love ogonna! do i have to peel the ogbonna seeds before milling?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      December 30, 2015 / 9:19 am

      Thanks Lola,you dont have to peel it 🙂

  29. Anonymous
    August 23, 2015 / 5:19 pm

    Just tried it wonderful i am so happy tht i did it even hubby was si happy we dis it together following Ur own wat

    • Nky Lily Lete
      September 11, 2015 / 4:13 pm

      Thanks hun, for your lovely feedback 🙂

  30. Anonymous
    August 23, 2015 / 5:18 pm

    I ve never cooked ogbono in m'y life my hubby always do the cooking wen it comes to 9ija soupe coz i am not from 9ija but like to learn .so its been a wk i sais to mystère lf enough is enough i sent on all the sites checkin .hubby wasnt convinced i can do it .so he did all the grinding n i did the cooking but he never let my side he funny part of it is he kept asking so wat nextt n now wat do we do coz i was following ur method .guess wat the soup is yammlycious even hubby surrenderd i am so happy n proud of myself .thank u sooo sooo Much iam looking forward to make more soups.i woulent have done it wthout ur guidlines

    • Nky Lily Lete
      September 11, 2015 / 4:02 pm

      Aww, you just made my day with your lovely feedback.Keep me updated on any other soups you cook.Keep it up dearie 🙂

  31. Unknown
    July 28, 2015 / 11:23 pm

    Just finished reading. Its time to practice what I just read. So help me God.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 7, 2015 / 1:56 am

      🙂

  32. Anonymous
    July 24, 2015 / 2:36 pm

    Tanks a lot for showing concern to our bellies, ma'm. My area of concern has always bn d startn.i put d oil into d pot first, let it loosen up nd den I put n d grind ogbono to fry after which I put n d stock water nd all oda sorts but only to realize dat d elasticity m awaitnisnt forth comn. lol…I den tnk dat mayb I put n too much oil for d quantity of ogbono I put n it. So my question s ds, s there n actulay quantity of red oil required for a specific amount of ogbono or as much oil as ur heart desires? lol… but jokes apart, pls. I rily nid help here. I don't dey embaras myself 4 kitchen.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 16, 2015 / 9:00 pm

      LOL.. Don,t worry, we have all experienced some cooking fails too.One thing you should kno dearie is that,there should be moderation in everything you use, so next time use the amount of palm oil as directed in the recipe.But that aside, always make sure to use fresh ogbono, because ogbono can also lose its viscosity if it has been ground and left sitting in your cupboard for months and make sure you don't fry it too much before adding the stock, cos it can also get burnt and lose its''draw draw '' factor naa 🙂

    • Emmie moore
      November 24, 2017 / 12:50 am

      I never fried ogbono cos i believe it will get burn .. the method you start with is ok for heating the oil and the ogbono ..but what i do most time is i put the blended ogono with oil in a steel plate then place it an hot water or place the steel plate in the meat while boiling .. then secondly ..i never cover ogbono when cooking because it will me the soup more watery and it will reduce the draw .

  33. oyinda omolara
    July 5, 2015 / 5:59 am

    Not only are you a great teacher but you are the most polite lady who takes her time to reply to every post. I sincerely appreciate your help. Thank you. And trust me you are a life saver

    • Nky Lily Lete
      July 9, 2015 / 3:53 pm

      Thanks Oyinda, you are so sweet, hope to see more of you here 🙂

  34. Anonymous
    June 28, 2015 / 7:43 pm

    Just tried your ogbono recipe. Turned out awesome. Thanks!

    • Nky Lily Lete
      July 9, 2015 / 3:45 pm

      You're welcome hun 🙂

  35. Anonymous
    April 11, 2015 / 2:38 pm

    Nice recipe…actually am always scared to cook ogbono cos d first time I tried it, it was a disaster nd since den I never liked it but this time am going to make my own ogbono with your own style….great job

    • Nky Lily Lete
      April 12, 2015 / 1:31 pm

      thanks and I'm sure you will get it right and enjoy it , with this recipe.

    • erikq Armstrong
      April 14, 2015 / 2:18 pm

      What if I don't have red oil, what other option do I have, can I use groundnut oil n tomatoes?

    • Nky Lily Lete
      April 22, 2015 / 5:52 pm

      A lot of folks use that, so feel free to do the same, but be aware that you won't get that unique taste that palm oil gives to our traditional soups 🙂

  36. Gift David
    February 17, 2015 / 2:00 pm

    Great post dear, you rock and kill it. Tnks

    • Nky Lily Lete
      February 23, 2015 / 8:31 pm

      🙂

  37. Anonymous
    November 27, 2014 / 8:43 am

    Pls,I sincerely appreciate you but if want to use egusi and ogbono,how do I go about it.that's what I wana prepare now..waiting for your reply

  38. Anonymous
    November 5, 2014 / 4:14 pm

    what makes the ogbono soup red in colour

    • Nky Lily Lete
      November 6, 2014 / 4:30 pm

      red? this ogbono is not red in colour, maybe the one you saw has too much oil in it.

  39. Anonymous
    October 19, 2014 / 12:25 am

    Ok if u say so,I ll try covering it next tym,bt if my soup spoil na yawa

    • Nky Lily Lete
      October 23, 2014 / 9:00 am

      LOL.. don't worry you'll see how great it will come out. Make sure you buy good ogbono seeds, because the old ones does not ''draw'' that much .

  40. Anonymous
    October 17, 2014 / 10:03 pm

    Hello dear thanx for d recipe,but u dnt cover ogbono soup while cooking so it won't loss its elasticity

    • Nky Lily Lete
      October 18, 2014 / 12:26 pm

      That's what we are told, but it has been tried and tested and it's not really true dearie.

  41. Anonymous
    August 19, 2014 / 4:23 pm

    Beautiful ,, I love this , right now am going to cook ogbono soup.

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 22, 2014 / 9:11 am

      thanks hun 🙂

  42. Anonymous
    July 19, 2014 / 6:56 am

    Can you add coco yam? And if so, at what point of the cooking process and how should I put it in? Also, thank you for the recipes, they have been a hit with the family. 🙂

    • Nky Lily Lete
      August 5, 2014 / 2:52 pm

      Cocoyam in ogbono soup? I haven't tried or heard of this combo before, why not save the cocoyam for bitter leaf soup. I don't think it will dissolve well in ogbono soup.Thanks for your lovely feedback hun 🙂

  43. Anonymous
    July 10, 2014 / 4:44 am

    well done now i can try cooking at home and stop eating outside mama pot

    • Nky Lily Lete
      July 10, 2014 / 3:54 pm

      Exactly dearie, I'm glad to be of help 🙂

  44. Anonymous
    June 27, 2014 / 6:22 pm

    Cann u add okpei

    • Nky Lily Lete
      June 30, 2014 / 9:28 am

      Yes you can add ogiri okpei 🙂

  45. Kemi Olaobaju
    February 19, 2014 / 8:15 am

    Kudos for a good job. God bless you for taking it upon yourself to show us all these mouth-watering delicacies. Already salivating!

    • Nky Lily Lete
      February 22, 2014 / 1:41 pm

      Thanks Kemi 🙂