Nigerian recipe
Banga Soup
A palm-fruit soup built around a reduced extract, a clearly identified banga spice blend and regional finishing ingredients.
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About this recipe
Banga soup and related palm-fruit soups differ across southern Nigerian traditions. This adaptable method keeps the palm-fruit base central and asks the cook to follow the identity of the spice blend and finishing leaves available to them.
Variations & context
Palm-fruit soups vary across Delta, Urhobo, Igbo and other southern Nigerian contexts. Ingredient names and leaf choices should be attached to the specific tradition rather than generalised.
Ingredients
- 800 ml unsalted palm-fruit concentrate
- 500 ml water or light stock, plus more as needed
- 750 g assorted meat or firm fish
- 1 to 2 tablespoons banga spice blend
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Ground dried pepper to taste
- Crayfish, optional and clearly labelled for shellfish allergy
- Salt to taste
- Regional finishing leaves or herbs, optional
Method
- Prepare the proteinCook the meat with onion, a little salt and enough water to make a light stock. If using fish, prepare it separately and add it later.
- Start the palm-fruit baseCombine the palm-fruit concentrate with the stock and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the soupCook uncovered, stirring regularly, until the soup begins to thicken and oil shows at the surface.
- Add spices and crayfishAdd the banga spice gradually, followed by pepper and optional crayfish. Simmer so the flavours combine.
- Add the proteinAdd cooked meat or fish and adjust the consistency with water or stock.
- Finish and seasonTaste, correct the seasoning and add the appropriate finishing leaves only if their identity and use are known.
Explore the ingredients
Sources & editorial notes
Packaged palm concentrate and spice blends vary in salt and composition.
https://www.fitnigerian.com/banga-soup-recipe/