Oha Soup, also known as Ora Soup, is a delicious and nutritious Nigerian delicacy originating from the Eastern part of the country. It is made from a blend of Oha leaves, cocoyam paste, assorted meats, and spices. If you’ve never tried Oha Soup before, use this step-by-step guide to prepare a mouthwatering pot for your family and friends.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To make Oha Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

– A handful of Oha (Ora) leaves

– 8 small cocoyams (approximately 600g)

– 1 kg assorted meats (beef, goat meat, or chicken)

– 200g stockfish

– 200g dry fish

– 2 large onions

– 3 Scotch bonnet peppers

– 6 tablespoons palm oil

– 2 tablespoons crayfish (ground)

– 4 cups meat broth or water

– 2 seasoning cubes (Maggi cubes or Knorr cubes)

– Salt (to taste)

Step 2: Prepare the Oha Leaves

Wash the Oha Leaves thoroughly and slice them on a chopping board with a sharp knife. Set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Cocoyams

In a pot over medium heat, boil the cocoyams until they are soft. Once done, peel off the skin and set them aside.

Step 4: Blend the Cocoyams

Put the cooked cocoyams in a blender with a little water and blend into a smooth paste.

Step 5: Season your Meats

Cut your assorted meats into bite-sized pieces and season to taste with salt and seasoning cubes. Set aside for about 20 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 6: Steam your Meats

Place your seasoned meats in a pot along with the chopped onions and allow them to steam on medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Add the Stockfish

Add the stockfish to the pot, cover, and cook until it is tender (use your meat broth or water as needed).

Step 8: Add the Dry Fish

Clean and wash the dry fish and then add it to the pot.

Step 9: Add Palm Oil

Add the palm oil to the pot and give everything a good stir.

Step 10: Blend Scotch Bonnet Peppers & Onions

Blend your scotch bonnet peppers with half an onion and add it to the pot.

Step 11: Add Cocoyam Paste

Add blended cocoyam paste to the soup, making sure to stir periodically so it doesn’t stick together in lumps. The cocoyam paste works as a thickener.

Step 12: Cook Until Thickened

Allow everything to cook until the soup thickens. This will usually take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 13: Add Oha Leaves & Crayfish

Stir in your sliced Oha leaves and ground crayfish. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Your soup should now have a thick consistency with well-incorporated ingredients.

Step 14: Taste & Serve

Taste your Oha Soup for seasoning adjustments. Once you are satisfied, serve hot with your choice of fufu, semolina, or pounded yam, and enjoy this delicious Nigerian delicacy!