This is a how to Cook Ogbono Soup (Nigerian Draw Soup) the best and easiest way ever.
Growing up, Ogbono soup was my favorite, and it still is today. This is because it makes swallowing easy and smooth. In fact, Ogbono soup is often one of the first soups a child is introduced to since children naturally love it.
Ogbono soup, often called draw soup, is one of Nigeria’s most cherished delicacies. Thick, hearty, and richly flavored, it is enjoyed across homes, restaurants, and traditional gatherings. With this guide, you’ll not only learn the steps but also discover tips that will make your Ogbono soup irresistible.
The star ingredient of ogbono soup is ogbono seeds (wild mango seeds), gives the soup its unique slimy texture. As a result, it remains one of the most distinct and beloved soups in Nigerian cuisine.
Ingredients for Ogbono Soup
1/2 cup ground ogbono seeds
1 kg beef (cut into bite-size pieces)
1 medium smoked fish (washed and deboned)
2 medium sized dry fish (washed and deboned)
3 tablespoons ground crayfish
Salt (to taste)
2 seasoning cubes
2 cups ugu leaves (pumpkin leaves, washed and chopped)
1 handful uziza leaves (washed and chopped)
5 scotch bonnet peppers or 1 tablespoon ground dry pepper
1 medium sized onion (sliced)
½ cup palm oil
4 cups meat stock (or as needed for consistency)
Step-by-Step on How to Cook Ogbono Soup
Step 1: Preparing the Meat and Stock
First, wash the beef thoroughly and place it in a pot. Next, season with salt, chopped onions, pepper, and seasoning cubes. After that, add 2 cups of water and cook until the beef is tender. Finally, keep both the beef and the stock (broth) aside — this forms the soup base.
Step 2: Prepping the Fish:
Meanwhile, wash the smoked and dry fish with warm salted water to remove dirt. Afterwards, debone and set aside.
Step 3: Mixing the Ogbono Paste:
Now, place the pot on fire and add palm oil. Then, add the ground ogbono and stir well to prevent lumps.
Step 4: Cooking the Ogbono Base
Gradually, pour the beef stock into the ogbono mixture and stir continuously. Allow it to cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the soup thickens and becomes stretchy (“drawy”).
Step 5: Adding Proteins and Flavor
Next, add the cooked beef into the pot. Then, stir in the smoked fish, dry fish, ground crayfish, and pepper. At this stage, you can adjust seasoning with extra salt or cubes if needed. If the soup is too thick, simply put more stock or water.
Step 6: Adding Vegetables
For extra flavor, add the uziza leaves first for their spicy aroma. Afterwards, pour in the chopped ugu leaves and stir gently. Allow the soup to simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Step 7: Final Adjustments
Finally, taste the soup and adjust seasoning. If it’s too thick, add a little warm stock. On the other hand, if it’s too light, simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Ogbono soup is best enjoyed hot with Nigerian swallows such as:
Pounded yam
Eba (garri)
Semo (semovita)
Fufu (cassava fufu)
Plantain fufu
Tips for Cooking Perfect Ogbono Soup
Firstly, always use fresh ogbono seeds. Old or poor-quality seeds won’t draw.
Secondly, palm oil is key — it enhances flavor and adds a rich, appetizing color.
In addition, don’t overcook your veggies. Add ugu and uziza towards the end to keep them fresh.
Moreover, balance the uziza carefully — it’s peppery and aromatic, so a little goes a long way.
Lastly, boost your soup with variety. Goat meat, stockfish, shaki, or periwinkle make it even richer.
Nutritional Benefits of Ogbono Soup
Ogbono soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious:
Ogbono seeds: Rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein; support heart health.
Beef and fish: Excellent sources of protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Crayfish: Adds calcium and flavor.
Ugu leaves: Packed with vitamins A and C, folic acid, and iron.
Uziza leaves: Aid digestion and improve appetite.
Common Questions On How To Cook Ogbono Soup
- Why is my ogbono soup not drawing?
This may be due to old or fake ogbono seeds. Therefore, always buy from trusted sources.
- Can I make ogbono soup without palm oil?
Yes, you can. However, the flavor and color won’t be as rich since palm oil is traditional.
- How long can I store ogbono soup?
You can store it for up to 5 days in the fridge or several weeks in the freezer. Most importantly, always reheat before serving.
- Can I mix ogbono with okra?
Absolutely! In fact, the combo of ogbono and okra soup is very popular in many Nigerian homes.
Why Nigerians Love Ogbono Soup
Ogbono soup is more than just food — it’s comfort. For many families, it is tied to family gatherings, festive occasions, and cherished traditions. Because of its hearty, filling nature, Nigerians proudly serve it to guests and loved ones.
Final Thoughts On How To Cook Ogbono Soup
Cooking Ogbono soup at home is easy and rewarding. With just 1 cup of ground ogbono seeds, beef, smoked fish, dry fish, crayfish, palm oil, and fresh vegetables like ugu and uziza, you can create a flavorful, nourishing pot of soup that pairs beautifully with any Nigerian swallow.
In conclusion, the next time you crave a classic Nigerian dish, try this recipe and enjoy the rich taste of Ogbono soup — the ultimate draw soup.
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