How To Prepare Afang Soup – A Delicious Nigerian Delicacy
Afang Soup is one of Nigeria’s most beloved traditional dishes, originating from the Efik and Ibibio tribes of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States in the South-South region. Known for its rich, earthy flavor and nutritious blend of vegetables, this delicacy has become a favorite across Nigeria and beyond. In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare Afang Soup the traditional way with all the ingredients, steps, and cooking tips you need for a perfect result.
Afang Soup: What Is It?
Afang leaves (wild spinach) and water leaves are boiled with various meats, fish, and palm oil to produce a thick, rich soup known as Afang Soup. It is frequently eaten with pounded yam, fufu, or eba (garri). In addition to its delicious flavor, Afang Soup is nutrient-rich and has been shown to improve digestion, strengthen immunity, and enhance general well-being.
Ingredients for Afang Soup
Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
Vegetables:
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2 cups of Afang leaves (Okazi) – sliced or pounded
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4 cups of Water leaves – sliced
Proteins:
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500g Beef (or goat meat)
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200g Stockfish (pre-soaked)
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200g Smoked fish
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1 cup Periwinkle (optional)
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2 tablespoons Crayfish – ground
Others:
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1 cup Palm oil
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2 Seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
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Salt to taste
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Pepper to taste (fresh or ground)
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1 medium onion (optional)
How to Make Afang Soup: A Comprehensive Guide
First, get the ingredients ready.
Clean and season your meat with onions, salt, and seasoning cubes.
Cook till soft after adding a small amount of water.
Cook the stockfish and smoked fish until they are all tender.
Step 2: Get the veggies ready
Finely chop the water leaves and save.
After giving the Afang leaves a good wash, mix them coarsely or pound them in a mortar.
Step 3: Mix and Cook
Stir thoroughly after adding palm oil to the pot of cooked meat.
Let the water leave cook for approximately five minutes after adding them. There will be some liquid released by the water leaves.
Stir thoroughly after adding the ground Afang leaves.
Add the periwinkles, pepper, and crayfish.
Add crayfish, pepper, and periwinkles.yams
Taste for seasoning and salt.
Allow it to simmer on low heat for another 5–7 minutes until the soup thickens.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Your Afang Soup is ready! Serve hot with garri, fufu, semovita, or pounded yams.
Tips for the Best Afang Soup
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Do not overcook the water leaves — they contain natural water that helps balance the soup.
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Pounded Afang leaves give the soup its unique texture and flavor.
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Palm oil should be moderate; too much can make the soup greasy.
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You can substitute water leaves with spinach if you live outside Nigeria.
Health Benefits of Afang Soup
Afang Soup is not just tasty, it’s also incredibly nutritious. The combination of leafy greens, protein, and healthy fats makes it a perfectly balanced meal. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, all of which support good health and vitality.