The Best Way to Make Banga Soup from Scratch

Banga soup is one of the most flavorful and rich soups in Nigeria. It is made with palm nut extract, spices, and assorted meats or fish. This soup is a favorite in the Niger Delta region, particularly among the Urhobo and Itsekiri people. If you want to make authentic Banga soup from scratch, you’re in the right place.

Main Ingredients:

1. Palm nuts (Banga nuts) – 6 cups (or canned palm nut extract for convenience)

2. Beef or goat meat – 1 pound (cut into small pieces)

3. Fresh fish (optional) – 1 medium-sized (catfish or tilapia)

4. Stockfish – 1 cup (soaked in warm water)

5. Periwinkles (optional) – 1 cup (washed)

6. Crayfish – 2 tablespoons (ground)

7. Smoked prawns or dried fish – 1 cup (deboned and washed)

8. Spices & Seasoning

9. Banga spice mix – 2 tablespoons 

10. Oburunbebe stick (Banga stick) 

11. Beletete leaves (or scent leaves/basil) – 1 cup (chopped)

12. Scotch bonnet peppers – 2-3 (blended or chopped)

13. Onions – 1 (chopped)

14. Seasoning cubes – 2

15. Salt – to taste

Also Read: Shrimps, Prawns, and Crayfish: What’s the Real Difference?

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, Extract the Palm Nut Juice 

(If using canned palm nut extract, skip this step.)

1. Wash the palm nuts thoroughly.

2. Boil them in a pot with enough water for 20–30 minutes until they become soft.

3. Drain and transfer to a mortar or a bowl.

4. Use a pestle to pound gently, separating the skin from the nuts (don’t break the nuts).

5. Add warm water and squeeze out the thick palm nut juice.

6. Strain to remove chaff and set the liquid aside.

Also Read: The Best Ghanaian Goat Meat Light Soup Recipe

Second, Cook the Meat & Stockfish

1. Season the beef, goat meat, and stockfish with onions, seasoning cubes, and salt.

2. Add water and cook until the meat is soft.

3. Add the smoked prawns or dried fish and simmer for another 5 minutes.

Next, Cook the Banga Soup

1. Pour the extracted palm nut juice into the pot of meat.

2. Add the Banga spice mix, crayfish, blended peppers, and the Banga stick.

3. Stir and let it cook on medium heat for about 15–20 minutes.

4. If using periwinkles, add them now.

5. Add your fresh fish (if using) and let it cook gently so it doesn’t break apart.

6. Let the soup thicken, stirring occasionally.

Also Read: Yam-a-licious: 10 Mouthwatering Nigerian Yam Recipes

Extra Touches

1. Add chopped beletete leaves or scent leaves.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

3. Remove the Banga stick before serving.

Serve:

Banga soup is best enjoyed with:

1. Starch (the classic Urhobo way)

2. Pounded yam

3. Fufu or eba

4. White rice (a lighter alternative)

Also Read: Various Nigerian Rice Recipes for Different Occasions

Rounding Off

Your homemade Banga soup is ready! Would you like more Nigerian recipes like this? Let me know in the comments below! And for the best and freshest ingredients for your Banga soup, visit our stores in Texas or visit My Sasun African Market online to place your orders. See you next time!