How to Prepare White Soup (Ofe Nsala) for Your Husband

How to Prepare White Soup: White soup, also known as Ofe Nsala, is a delicious and comforting soup from the eastern part of Nigeria. It’s traditionally made with catfish, yam, and a blend of spices that give it a unique flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delightful soup for your husband.

Ingredients

• 1 whole catfish (cleaned and cut into pieces)
• 500 grams of yam (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 2 tablespoons of ground crayfish
• 1 tablespoon of uziza seeds (ground)
• 2 tablespoons of utazi leaves (finely chopped) or dried uziza leaves
• 2 seasoning cubes
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• Fresh pepper or dried pepper to taste
• Salt to taste
• Water

Optional Ingredients

• Goat meat or chicken (if you prefer to mix proteins)
• Stockfish or dried fish (for added flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yam

• Place the yam chunks in a pot, add water to cover them, and boil until soft.
• Once the yam is cooked, remove it from the pot and mash it until smooth. Set aside. The mashed yam will serve as a thickener for the soup.

1. Prepare the Fish and Meat (if using)

• If you are using goat meat or chicken, season them with salt and one seasoning cube. Add chopped onions and some water, then boil until tender. Set aside the meat and stock.
• Clean the catfish thoroughly and place it in a bowl. Pour hot water over it and leave it for a few minutes to firm up the flesh. Drain and set aside.

1. Cook the Soup

• In a large pot, add the stock from the meat (if using) or plain water if you are using only fish.
• Add the catfish pieces, ground crayfish, ground uziza seeds, chopped onions, and pepper to taste.
• Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Be careful not to stir too much to avoid breaking the fish pieces.

1. Thicken the Soup

• Add the mashed yam in small portions, stirring gently to dissolve the yam and thicken the soup.
• If the soup is too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.

1. Season the Soup

• Add the remaining seasoning cube and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

1. Finish the Soup

• Add the chopped utazi or dried uziza leaves and simmer for another 5 minutes. The leaves add a slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
• If you are using stockfish or dried fish, add them at this stage and cook until they are soft and incorporated into the soup.

1. Serve

• Serve the white soup hot with pounded yam, fufu, or any swallow of your choice. Enjoy!

Tips

• If you prefer a spicier soup, you can increase the amount of pepper.
• Ensure the fish is fresh to get the best flavor.
• The yam should be well mashed to dissolve easily in the soup and provide a smooth texture.

By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious and satisfying white soup that your husband will surely enjoy. Happy cooking!