How To Make Afang (Okazi) Soup

 

Afang Soup Recipe

Afang soup is a popular Nigerian delicacy enjoyed primarily by the Efik and Ibibio people of southern Nigeria. It is a hearty and flavorful dish made with Afang leaves (wild spinach) and waterleaf, complemented by proteins like meat, fish, and seafood. Here's how to prepare :

Ingredients

1. Vegetables:

   • 2 cups Afang leaves (wild spinach), thinly sliced
   • 4 cups Waterleaf, chopped (or substitute with spinach or lamb’s lettuce)

   Proteins:

   • 1 kg assorted meat (beef, goat meat, etc.)
   • 200 g stockfish, soaked and deboned
   • 200 g smoked fish, cleaned
   • 200 g dried prawns or crayfish (optional)

   Other Ingredients:

   • 1 cup palm oil
   • 1-2 tbsp ground crayfish
   • 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste), blended
   • 2 seasoning cubes
   • Salt to taste
   • 1 medium onion, chopped
   • 2 cups periwinkles (optional, cleaned and shelled)

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

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   Preparation Steps

   1. Prepare the Afang Leaves:

      • Wash the Afang leaves thoroughly and blend or pound them into a coarse paste. Set aside.

   2. Prepare the Waterleaf:

      • Wash and chop the waterleaf. Drain excess water to prevent the soup from becoming too watery.

   3. Cook the Proteins:

      • In a large pot, combine the assorted meats, stockfish, and smoked fish. Add the chopped onion, seasoning cubes, and a little water. Cook until the meat is tender.
      • Add the dried prawns or crayfish at this stage, if using.

   4. Add Waterleaf:

      • Once the meat is cooked, add the chopped waterleaf to the pot. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it releases its natural juices.

   5. Incorporate Palm Oil and Spices:

      • Pour the palm oil into the pot. Add the ground crayfish and blended scotch bonnet peppers. Stir well and let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes.

   6. Add Afang Leaves:

      • Stir in the blended Afang leaves. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.

   7. Adjust Seasoning:

      • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt or additional seasoning cubes as needed.

   8. Add Periwinkles (Optional):

   • If using periwinkles, stir them in at the final stage and allow the soup to cook for an additional 5 minutes.

   
   
   

   
   
   

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   Serving

   • Serve Afang soup hot with your favourite swallow, such as garri (eba), pounded yam, fufu, or semovita.

   Enjoy the rich flavors of this traditional Nigerian soup :