Banga Soup (Palm Nut Soup)

Pregătirea ingredientelor

Ingrediente

Mod de preparare

Pas cu pas

1. 1

   Wash the palm fruit thoroughly and place them in a large pot.

   Aproximativ 5 min.

2. 2

   Add enough water to cover the palm fruit and boil for 25-30 minutes until they are soft.

   Aproximativ 30 min.

   Nota bucătarului: The skin should be easy to peel off when cooked.

3. 3

   While the palm fruit is cooking, season the beef with some salt, bouillon cube, and chopped onion.

   Aproximativ 5 min.

4. 4

   Boil the beef in a separate pot until tender, then set aside.

   Aproximativ 30 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Keep the beef stock for later use.

5. 5

   Once the palm fruit are soft, drain the hot water and transfer them to a mortar or a sturdy bowl.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Alternatively, you can use a strong wooden spoon to mash them in the cooking pot.

6. 6

   Pound or mash the palm fruit until the flesh separates from the nuts.

   Aproximativ 10 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Be careful not to break the nuts, as this can release a bitter taste.

7. 7

   Add a few cups of hot water to the mashed palm fruit and mix well.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

   Nota bucătarului: The water helps to extract the palm cream.

8. 8

   Strain the mixture through a colander or sieve, pressing firmly to extract all the palm cream.

   Aproximativ 5 min.

   Nota bucătarului: You may need to repeat this process with more hot water to get maximum extraction. Discard the fibrous pulp and nuts.

9. 9

   Pour the extracted palm cream into a clean pot and bring to a boil.

   Aproximativ 5 min.

10. 10

    Add the banga spice mix, ground uziza seed, pounded scotch bonnet pepper, remaining chopped onion, crayfish, and the cooked beef.

    Aproximativ 2 min.

11. 11

    Stir well and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency and the oil floats to the top.

    Aproximativ 30 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

12. 12

    Add the flaked smoked fish and shelled periwinkle, if using.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

13. 13

    Season with salt and remaining bouillon cube to taste, adjusting as needed.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

14. 14

    Stir in the shredded beletete leaf (or scent leaf) and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

    Aproximativ 3 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Do not overcook the leaves to maintain their flavor and color.

15. 15

    Remove from heat and serve hot with fufu, eba, or rice.