Ofe Oha
Nigerian soup
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ofe Ọha// ⓘ (also known as Ọha soup), is an Igbo soup[1][2]. It is a soup mostly eaten in the south eastern part of Nigeria.[3][4][5]
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Ofe Oha | |
| Type | Soup |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Southeast Nigeria (Igboland) |
| Region or state | South East |
| Serving temperature | Warm |
| Main ingredients | Oha |
| Ingredients generally used | Uziza |
Ofe Ọha is a Nigerian delicacy from the Eastern region (Igbo land). It is commonly prepared from an evergreen tree whose botanical name is Pterocarpus mildraedii.[6]
The main ingredient for the soup is the ọha leaf, others include uziza, achi (soup thickener), meat, crayfish, palm oil and salt. Other names for the soup include uha, aja, and ora soup.[7][8]
Oha leaf is not to be confused or conflated with Uturukpa leaf (Pterocarpus santalinoides) which looks almost similar but are different leaves. Uturukpa is used for a different type of soup. It is usually milder, a little bitter, has medicinal values and used for Ofe Uturukpa.[9][10]
Other foods
Ofe Ọha is mainly eaten with akpu amongst the Igbos.[11][12] With the Efiks, Anaangs and Ibibios, it is best eaten with pounded yam. Semolina, wheat, utara (garri), utara ji (pounded yam) and akpu also goes well with the soup.[13]
Health benefits
Ofe Ọha has several health benefits, including supporting the immune system, aiding digestion, helping manage diarrhea, contributing to cancer prevention, and promoting bone and heart health.[14] Oha leaves contain important minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper, iron, zinc, and manganese, which contribute to these benefits. They are also rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as amino acids like lysine, glutamic acid, and cysteine, while maintaining a low sodium content.[15][16]
Beyond being used in soup, Oha leaves can also be prepared as an herbal drink by soaking them in hot water, added to salads, or combined with other soups to enhance flavor and nutritional value.[17]
Gallery
Freshly cooked Ofe Oha with meats.
