Afia Efere, also known as Nigerian White Soup, is a flavorful and comforting soup from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria. It is called “white soup” due to its light color, which comes from the absence of palm oil. Follow these 4 easy steps to cook Afia Efere in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 500g of assorted meats and fish (such as beef, chicken, goat meat, and/or catfish)
- 1 cup of ground crayfish
- 2-3 tablespoons of ground pepper (chili pepper or any hot pepper of your choice)
- 2-3 tablespoons of ground Ehu seeds (Calabash Nutmeg)
- 2-3 seasoning cubes
- Salt to taste
- 1 bunch of Utazi leaves (Gongronema latifolium)
- 1 bunch of Uziza leaves (Piper guineense)
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Season the assorted meats and fish with one or two seasoning cubes and salt. If using catfish, clean and cut it into pieces.
Grind the Ehu seeds and the crayfish separately, and set them aside.
Wash and thinly slice the Utazi leaves and Uziza leaves. These leaves add a unique flavor to the soup.
Step 3: Cook the Assorted Meats and Fish
In a pot, add the seasoned assorted meats and fish. Cover with water and cook over medium heat until the meats are well done and tender. You may need to add more water as needed to create a flavorful broth.
Step 4: Add the Ground Ingredients and Leaves
Once the meats and fish are cooked, add the ground crayfish, ground pepper, and ground Ehu seeds to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the spices into the broth.
Next, add the thinly sliced Utazi leaves and Uziza leaves to the soup. These leaves give the Afia Efere its characteristic flavor and aroma.
Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion
Cooking Afia Efere is a delightful and straightforward process that results in a flavorful and aromatic Nigerian White Soup. With these 4 easy steps, you can create a pot of comforting Afia Efere and enjoy the unique taste of this traditional Igbo delicacy. So, get ready to savor the warm and soothing flavors of Afia Efere with your loved ones on any special occasion or as a wholesome and satisfying meal.
