Description
Afang Soup is a hearty Nigerian dish that combines tender meats, fish, and rich spices with the nutrient-packed Afang and water leaves. This savory, flavorful soup is typically enjoyed with pounded yam, fufu, or rice, and is a popular choice for family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef, cut into chunks
- 1 lb (450g) goat meat or lamb, cut into chunks (optional)
- 1/2 lb (225g) stockfish (optional)
- 1/2 lb (225g) dried fish
- 2 cups water leaves (or spinach if unavailable)
- 1 cup Afang leaves (also known as Okazi or wild spinach)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- 2 tablespoons ground pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 tablespoons palm oil
- 3–4 seasoning cubes
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 cups beef or chicken broth (for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon ground egusi or melon seeds (optional, for thickness)
- 2 tablespoons ground shrimp (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meats: In a large pot, add the beef, goat meat (if using), stockfish, dried fish, chopped onions, and seasoning cubes. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the stock is rich.
- Add Palm Oil: Add the palm oil to the pot and stir to combine. Let the oil melt and mix with the broth, allowing it to enhance the flavor of the soup.
- Add the Ground Spices: Stir in the ground crayfish, ground pepper, and optional ground shrimp or melon seeds. Let this cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the broth.
- Prepare the Leaves: While the soup is cooking, wash the water leaves (or spinach) and Afang leaves thoroughly. Chop the Afang leaves into small, manageable pieces.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the water leaves to the pot and cook for about 5-10 minutes. Then, add the chopped Afang leaves and stir well. Allow the leaves to cook down in the broth for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can add some more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt, and let everything simmer together for another 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the Afang Soup with your choice of pounded yam, fufu, or rice. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- Vegan Option: Omit the meat and fish, and use mushrooms or tofu for protein. You can also use more vegetables to create a plant-based version of Afang Soup.
- More Vegetables: Add other leafy greens like spinach, pumpkin leaves, or ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves) for variation.
- Additional Protein: Include snails, tripe (shaki), or chicken to increase the variety of protein in the soup.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of ground pepper or add fresh chili peppers to enhance the heat in the soup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling, Frying
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
