Entree: Nigeria – Niger Delta – Banga Soup (Rich palm-fruit broth stew typically made with assorted meats, fish, local spices, and leafy herbs)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 1 hr

Additional 3 min

Total 1 hr 15 min

Ingredients

- 2 cups (480 ml) palm fruit concentrate (banga)
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef or chicken stock
- 1 lb (454 g) beef, cut into 1–1.5 inch chunks
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked fish, deboned and flaked
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh firm white fish fillets, cut into large pieces
- 8 oz (225 g) prawns, shelled and deveined (optional)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) ground crayfish
- 2–3 Scotch bonnet peppers, whole or pierced for heat control
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Banga spice mix (Oburunbebe or store-bought banga spice)
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground uziza seeds or 1 tsp (5 g) ground black pepper
- 1 cup (30 g) scent leaves or bitter leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 bouillon cubes or 1 tbsp (15 g) bouillon powder
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil for browning
- Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides, about 6–8 minutes; remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add ground crayfish and Banga spice mix and fry 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in stock and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beef is tender, about 30–40 minutes.
4. Add the palm fruit concentrate to the pot and stir to combine. Simmer gently 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld and the soup thickens.
5. Add the smoked fish and fresh fish pieces, and whole or pierced Scotch bonnet peppers. Simmer 8–10 minutes until fish is cooked through.
6. Stir in prawns (if using) and cook until they turn opaque, about 3–4 minutes. Adjust seasoning with bouillon, salt, and ground uziza to taste.
7. Remove from heat and fold in scent or bitter leaves. Cover and let rest 2–3 minutes so the leaves wilt and aroma develops.
8. Serve hot with boiled white rice, fufu, or starch as preferred.