How to make Nigerian Ogbnono
How to make Nigerian Ogbnono
Cuisine: NigerianDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes35
minutes50
minutesOgbono Soup, also known as draw soup, is a thick, hearty Nigerian soup made from ground wild mango seeds (Ogbono). It’s famous for its slippery, stretchy texture, delicious richness, and deep flavor. Popular among the Igbos and enjoyed across tribes, Ogbono is perfect with any swallow pounded yam, amala, eba, fufu, or semovita.
Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a bold taste of tradition, Ogbono never disappoints.
Ingredients
Main
1 cup ground Ogbono seeds
½ cup palm oil
2 teaspoons ground crayfish
1 tablespoon blended pepper (scotch bonnet or dry chili)
1 medium onion (blended or chopped)
2 seasoning cubes
Salt to taste
Proteins (use a mix for depth)
500g goat meat or beef (precooked)
1 cup stock fish (soaked and boiled till soft)
1 cup dry fish (washed and deboned)
1 cup kpomo (cow skin, precooked)
Optional: snails, chicken, or shaki (tripe)
Vegetables
2 cups ugu (fluted pumpkin) or bitterleaf (washed & chopped)
Optional: Okra slices (for more “draw/slimed”)
Directions
- Prep Proteins
Boil your meat, stock fish, and kpomo with seasoning cube, salt, and onions until tender.
Set aside the stock (broth) for soup. - Melt Ogbono
In a clean pot, heat palm oil on low heat (do not bleach).
Add ground Ogbono and stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until it dissolves and begins to thicken/stretch.
Slowly pour in the meat stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Let simmer gently. - Build Flavor
Add blended pepper, crayfish, seasoning cubes, and a bit more water if too thick.
Let it cook for 10–15 minutes while stirring occasionally.
You’ll notice the soup becoming thick, stretchy, and aromatic. - Add Proteins
Add in your pre-cooked meats, fish, and kpomo.
Stir and allow to simmer for another 10–12 minutes so flavors blend. - Add Vegetables
Add ugu, bitterleaf, or okra slices.
Simmer for a final 5 minutes on low heat. Avoid overcooking the greens.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
Pounded Yam
Amala
Eba (Garri)
Fufu (Cassava or Plantain)
Semovita - Wellness Tip
Ogbono seeds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. This soup is excellent for digestive health, energy, and satiety especially when made with leafy greens and lean protein.
