HOW TO MAKE AFANG SOUP, A TOP NIGERIAN DELICACY

INTRODUCTION

AFANG SOUP — A special dish originating from the southern region of Nigeria. It is originally made by the Ibibio tribe of Nigeria and requires some good techniques, like a mixture of 2 species of leaves, and is no doubt one of the standout soups nationwide, as well as in the diaspora.

INGREDIENTS

1. Bouillon cube (star maggi 5)
2. Salt (a tablespoon)
3. Onions (1 large bulbs)
4. Fresh Red Bell Pepper (8 medium size)
5. Palm Oil (20cl)
6. Ground crayfish (100g)
7. Dried fish (as you desire)
8. Periwinkle (shelled, with the tail end chopped)
9. Beef or goat meat
10. Stockfish (optional)
11. Cowskin/kpomor (optional)
12. Waterleaves (1-1.2kg)
13. Okazi leaves (200g)

PROCESSES

pre-cooking

1. Debone your fish, then pour boiled water on it.
   Drain the water after 3 minutes.
2. Per boil your Stockfish for 20 minutes, drain water and then wash with running water.
3. Wash and blend your fresh red bell pepper
4. Chop your onions
5. Wash your meat with running water for 10-15 minutes
6. Clean your cowskin, chop, pour hot water into it for 10 minutes before washing with running water for 5 minutes.
7. Wash your shelled periwinkle into a separate bowl at least 5 times to get rid of the mud.
8. Wash your Waterleaves in bits, in a sieve or colander under flowing water.
9. Blend your sliced Okazi leaves, with a dry blender.
10. Blend your crayfish, with a dry blender (if you haven't already done so)

cooking

1. Steam your meat for 30 minutes by adding about 70% of your bouillon cube, chopped onion, blended pepper and salt

2. Place a clean pot under medium flame, add the quantity of palm oil you desire for your soup and the remaining 30% of your salt. Stir and allow to boil for a minute.

3. Add the remaining chopped onions, blended pepper and bouillon cube and introduce your periwinkle. Stir and allow to cook for 10 minutes.

4. Add your deboned fish, cowskin, Stockfish and ground crayfish. Stir and allow to cook for 15-20 minutes.

5. Pour in your steamed meat alongside with its stock into the mixture and allow to boil for 5 minutes.

6. Introduce your washed Waterleaves. Stir and allow to boil for 10-15 minutes

7. Introduce your blended Okazi leaves. Stir and allow to boil for 5 minutes.

Bon appetite.

SERVE