Nigerian Mkpafere Soup Recipe
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Loading... - Linda Smith
- 10 Jan 2025
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Mkpafere soup, also known as "Mkpafere" or "Mkpafere Ofe," is a traditional soup from the Efik and Ibibio people of southeastern Nigeria. It is a rich and flavorful soup made with a variety of ingredients, including meat, fish, and vegetables. This soup is often enjoyed with fufu, pounded yam, or rice. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare Mkpafere soup.
Ingredients
- 500g of assorted meats (beef, goat meat, or chicken)
- 200g of dried fish (or fresh fish)
- 200g of stockfish (optional)
- 1 cup of ground crayfish
- 2 cups of fresh pumpkin leaves (or spinach, if unavailable)
- 1 cup of ground egusi (melon seeds) or groundnut (peanut) (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons of ground pepper (or to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of ground crayfish
- 2-3 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- Salt to taste
- 1-2 cups of palm oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Water (as needed)
Instructions
i. In a large pot, add the assorted meats, chopped onions, and enough water to cover the meat. Season with salt and one or two seasoning cubes. Cook until the meat is tender. If using stockfish, add it halfway through the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
ii. Once the meat is tender, add the dried fish (or fresh fish) to the pot. Allow it to cook for about 5-10 minutes until the fish is heated through.
iii. Pour in the palm oil and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
iv. Stir in the ground crayfish and ground pepper. If using ground egusi or groundnut, add it at this stage. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
v. Finally, add the chopped pumpkin leaves (or spinach) to the pot. Stir well and let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the leaves are tender.
vi. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or seasoning cubes as needed. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes.
vii. Once the soup is well combined and heated through, remove it from the heat. Serve hot with fufu, pounded yam, or rice.
Tips
i. Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
ii. Protein Variations: Feel free to use any combination of proteins you prefer, such as snails or crabs, for added flavor.
iii. Vegetable Alternatives: If pumpkin leaves are not available, you can substitute with other leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Enjoy your delicious Mkpafere soup, a true taste of Nigerian cuisine!
