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White Soup (Ofe Nsala) Recipe

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White Soup (Ofe Nsala) Recipe
White Soup (Ofe Nsala) Recipe

White Soup (Ofe Nsala) Recipe, originating from the South-Eastern Region, white soup also nsala soup is mostly eaten by the amazing people of Delta and Anambra State. It is a mouthwatering dish from the Ombala area in Anambra. It can be eaten by all lovers of catfish, which is one of the main ingredients. Join me to prepare Ofe Nsala.

White Soup (Ofe Nsala) Recipe

  • 1 big Catfish
  • 8 small pieces white yam
  • 5 Utazi leaves
  • 2 small seasoning cubes
  • Small piece of ogiri okpei
  • A handful of crayfish
  • Habanero pepper (to taste)
  • Salt (if necessary)

Notes on the White Soup (Ofe Nsala) Ingredients

  1. Catfish is the fish for Ofe Nsala. If you can’t buy catfish where you live, you can get it and many other nigerian ingredients in a nigerian market close by..
  2. You need enough yam to give your Ofe Nsala a medium consistency.
  3. Ogiri Okpei is a traditional Igbo seasoning.

 Before you prepare White Soup (Ofe Nsala)

  1. Usually when you buy catfish in Nigerian markets, the sellers will kill and cut it up for you.
  2. When you get home, boil hot water and pour on the pieces of fish to remove the slime on the fish as well as toughen them. You want to toughen the catfish so it does not disintegrate in the soup.
  3. Quickly rinse off the slime with cool water and place the fish in the cooking pot.
  4. Peel the yam and cut into medium pieces.
  5. Chop the utazi and pound in a mortar with the pepper, ogiri okpei and crayfish. Just give them a rough pound. Same with if you are using a blender.

Directions for making the White Soup (Ofe Nsala)

  1. Add the seasoning cubes (crushed) to the pot of fish.
  2. Add the pieces of yam.
  3. Pour water to cover everything and start cooking.
  4. When the yam is soft and moist, bring them out and place in a mortar.
  5. Add the pounded crayfish, pepper, ogiri okpei and utazi into the pot of fish and continue cooking.
  6. Pound the cooked yam in a mortar till smooth and stretchy.
  7. Add the yam into the pot of Ofe Nsala in small lumps, cover and continue cooking.
  8. Once the yam dissolves and thickens the soup, it is done. If you achieve medium consistency before all the yam is dissolved, take out the undissolved yam because you do not want the Ofe Nsala to be too thick.
  9. Add salt if necessary, stir very well and that’s it. You now have your favorite Ofe Nsala dish.

Health Benefits of White Soup (Ofe Nsala) Recipe

1.     Rich In Nutrients

Nsala soup is very rich in nutritional elements, and has a high content of vitamin C, protein, omega-3 fatty acid, selenium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, vitamin B12 and essential amino acids.

2.     Fights Cold

Chicken nsala soup can help fight cold symptoms. This hot spicy soup is great for clearing your nasal congestion when you are down with a cold. However, it is also rich in vitamin E, C and bioflavonoids, which boosts your immune system, and helps you fight colds.

3.     Good For The Heart

It improves the flow of blood and enhances protection of the heart against disease infections. The presence of Capsaicin paves way for more safer protection of the heart by lowering the amount of triglycerides, cholesterol and platelets aggregation. The excess of these three can trigger stroke, blood vessels and heart diseases.

4.     Boosts the Immune System

Nsala soup strengthens the immune abilities of the body system and helps to keep diseases at bay. It is loaded with antioxidants which contribute to a healthy immune system.

5.     Good For Regulating Blood Sugar Levels

Nsala soup can be consumed by people who want to control their blood sugar levels, or diabetic patients. Several studies have attested to the antidiabetic properties of utazi leaves.

6.     Can Help With Weight Management

Nsala soup is a great soup you can add to your Nigerian weight loss diet. The soup is generally low in calories, but it can vary depending on the ingredients and swallow used in eating it. Nonetheless, it is rich in fiber, and can fill you up.

Who cannot eat White Soup (Ofe Nsala)?

Ofe Nsala can be eaten by all age groups. Both old and young. Small children cannot eat it because of its spicy nature.

Can Ofe Nsala be eaten by pregnant women?

Ofe Nsala is very safe. It can be eaten by pregnant women and it does not cause miscarriage.

Why it is especially good for pregnant women

  1. It helps contrast the uterus after delivery
  2.  It also facilitates the removal of stale blood from the womb of a new mother.
  3. Taking nsala soup with utazi when breastfeeding can protect your child against elevation of blood glucose level.

Conclusion

Ofe Nsala is always served with Pounded Yam but if you do not have Pounded Yam, serve with Semolina Fufu. It can be enjoyed by every family and it is best eaten as lunch because of the pounded yam which is too heavy for night. To make it more nutritious for your family, you can add snails and any protein of your choice. Though some people prefer using only fish, you can also add chicken and/or turkey to your recipe.

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