White soup, a delightful and creamy concoction, embodies comfort and warmth in every spoonful. To craft the best rendition, start by gently sautéing finely chopped onions until golden brown, then add minced garlic for depth of flavour.

Next, introduce a medley of diced vegetables such as celery, carrots, and cauliflower, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness. To achieve a velvety texture, stir in rich chicken or vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Enhance the soup’s richness with a splash of heavy cream, lending a luxurious creaminess to the broth. Finally, season with a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg for a subtle, aromatic undertone.

Serve piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal that will surely delight the senses.

White Soup Ingredients

1. Assorted meats or fish (such as goat meat, chicken, or catfish)

2. Cocoyam (also known as taro root) or yam – peeled and diced

3. Fresh catfish or other fish (if not using assorted meats)

4. Utazi leaves (Gongronema latifolium) – sliced thinly

5. Seasoning cubes or powder (like Maggi or Knorr)

6. Salt to taste

7. Ground crayfish

8. Pepper (freshly ground or dried)

9. Onion – finely chopped

10. Stockfish (optional)

11. Periwinkle (optional)

12. Groundnut paste or paste from the flesh of the boiled yam or cocoyam (this serves as a thickening agent)

13. Water or fish stock

14. Palm oil

15. Ogiri or iru (locust bean seasoning) – optional, for added flavor

What is White Soup Made from?

White soup is typically made from a blend of fresh catfish or assorted meat such as goat meat, chicken, or beef. The distinctive creamy appearance of the soup is achieved through the inclusion of a generous amount of pounded yam or yam powder, which acts as a thickening agent.

Other essential ingredients include assorted spices like Uziza seeds, Utazi leaves, and aromatic seasonings like onions and garlic. The soup is often garnished with fresh herbs and served hot, offering a delightful combination of flavours that tantalize the taste buds.

What are the Spices in Nsala Soup?

White soup is made of Calabash nutmeg, Uda, Cameroon pepper, Uziza seeds, Uziza leaves, Aidan fruit, Cayenne pepper etc.

White soup spices are used for cooking white soup (Ofe Nsala) which has a much hot taste that follows right down to the back of your throat, giving a prominent flavour to soups.

What are the Health Benefits of Nsala Soup?

Nsala soup, a traditional Nigerian dish originating from the Igbo ethnic group, offers a myriad of health benefits beyond its delicious flavour. This soup is primarily made with catfish, yam, and spices such as Utazi leaves and pepper.

One of its notable health benefits lies in its high protein content, courtesy of the catfish, which supports muscle growth and repair.

Additionally, the inclusion of yam provides complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy release and promoting digestive health due to its fibre content.

The combination of spices like Utazi leaves not only enhances the taste but also contributes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Furthermore, Nsala soup often contains ingredients like crayfish and palm oil, which are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, further bolstering its nutritional profile.

Overall, enjoying Nsala soup can be a flavorful way to nourish the body and support overall well-being.