Welcome to Chefsbase. On this page, I will be discussing the step by step on how to cook Banga soup and the major ingredients that are required for the preparation of the soup.
Cooking Banga soup is not difficult, but you need the information and a guide to get the job done. Kindly read further and get the full details.
How to Cook Banga Soup
Prepare the Palm Fruit Extract
- If using fresh palm fruits, wash them thoroughly and place them in a pot.
- Add enough water to cover the fruits and boil until they become soft.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool. Then, mash the fruits or blend them to extract the palm fruit pulp. Strain the pulp through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any remaining fruit fibres. Set the extract aside.
Cook the Assorted Meat and Fish
- In a separate pot, season the assorted meat with chopped onions, seasoning cubes, and salt to taste.
- Add water to cover the meat and cook until tender.
- Once the meat is almost cooked, add the dry fish and/or stockfish to the pot and continue cooking until they are softened.
Prepare the Pepper Mix
- Blend the Scotch bonnet peppers and onions to form a smooth paste. You can adjust the quantity of peppers according to your desired level of heat.
Cooking the Soup
- In a clean pot, pour in the palm fruit extract and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Add the cooked assorted meat, fish, and any other seafood you’re using (periwinkle, snails, etc.) to the pot.
- Stir in the pepper mix, ground crayfish, and seasoning cubes. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Allow the soup to simmer for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
Add Vegetables
- Once the soup has simmered, add the sliced fresh vegetables (ugu leaves or spinach) to the pot.
- Stir well and let the vegetables cook for about five minutes until they are wilted but still vibrant green.
Final Touches
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Remove the pot from the heat once everything is well incorporated and the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
Serving
- Banga soup is traditionally served hot with starches like fufu, pounded yam, or Garri.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Banga Soup!