Palm nut soup, also known as “abenkwan,” “banga,” or “omoebe,” is a delicious and rich dish enjoyed in many West African countries.
Ingredients
- 1 can of palm nut cream (800ml)
- 1 pound of meat (chicken, beef, or goat)
- 1 pound of smoked fish
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup of okra, sliced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground crayfish (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons groundnut paste (optional for thickness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 cups of water or broth
- Fresh spinach or bitter leaf (optional for garnish)
- Scotch bonnet pepper (optional for heat)
Instructions
- If using fresh meat, cut it into bite-sized pieces. If using smoked fish, clean and debone it.
- Chop the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and bell pepper.
- Slice the okra and prepare any additional vegetables.
- In a large pot, add the meat, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add enough water or broth to cover the meat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the meat is tender (about 20-30 minutes).
- Once the meat is cooked, add the can of palm nut cream to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, and any optional ingredients like okra, ground crayfish, or groundnut paste.
- Add additional water or broth if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the smoked fish to the pot and gently stir to combine. Let it cook for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Scotch bonnet pepper for heat if desired.
- You can serve the palm nut soup hot, garnished with fresh nkontonmire or bitter leaf if using.
- Enjoy it with a side of rice, fufu, or pounded yam.
Tips for a perfect palm nut soup
- Consistency: Adjust the amount of water or broth based on how thick or thin you want the soup.
- Protein: Feel free to mix different types of protein such as chicken, beef, goat, and various fish to enhance the flavor.
- Vegetables: Adding vegetables like eggplant or leafy greens can add more nutrients and flavor to the soup.
This quick and easy palm nut soup recipe will have you enjoying a taste of West Africa in no time. Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
