Banga Soup
Banga Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, featuring a unique blend of spices, fresh seafood, and assorted meats in a creamy palm nut base.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 800 g palm fruit concentrate Key ingredient for the soup's creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon banga spice (or a mix of Ataiko and Irugeje) Adds traditional flavor.
- 1-2 tablespoons Beletete leaves Alternatively use bitter leaf.
- 1 Oburunbebe stick Enhances aroma.
- 6 medium-sized fresh catfish steaks (washed and gutted) Can be replaced with other firm fish.
- 800 g assorted beef (e.g., shaki, ponmo, and cow-leg) Use preferred cuts.
- 1 cup fresh shrimps Choose fresh for the best flavor.
- ½ cup dried prawns
- 2-3 scotch bonnets (blended) Adjust to taste for spiciness.
- 1 cup dried cod (panla washed and shredded)
- 1 cup periwinkle (optional) Adding it enhances flavor.
- 2 seasoning cubes (or 1 teaspoon stock powder) Add more for richer taste.
- 1 small onion Diced for seasoning.
- 1.6 liters water (including the quantity of beef stock used) Adjust based on consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season assorted beef and dried fish with salt, diced onions, and seasoning cubes. Boil with water until tender, then separate the meat from the broth.
- Reserve the broth for later use.
Cooking
- In a large pan over medium heat, add palm nut concentrate diluted with 1.6 liters of warm water. Add tough cuts of beef if any.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring. Ensure to leave the pan uncovered.
- After 20 minutes, add blended scotch bonnets, assorted beef, and optional periwinkles. Cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Introduce banga spice, Oburunbebe stick, and ground crayfish. Let simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding reserved stock if the soup gets too thick.
- Lastly, gently add catfish and shrimps along with Beletete leaves, simmering for 10 to 12 minutes.
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Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Adjust spices and thickness to personal taste.