Ofe Owerri
| Type | Soup |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Southeast Nigeria (Igboland) |
| Region or state | South East |
| Serving temperature | Warm |
| Main ingredients |
|
| Ingredients generally used |
|
Ofe Owerri ⓘ is an Igbo delicacy in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.[1] The soup is made with snails, beef, assorted meat and fishes.[2][3]
Origin
[edit]The soup is popular among people living in the capital of Imo state, Owerri.[4]
Overview
[edit]The soup is one of the most expensive Igbo soups, which is why it has been nicknamed 'Jewel of South East'.[3][5]
Varieties of vegetables such as okazi and uziza leaf are used in its preparation. Ugu can serve as an alternative to uziza when it is not readily available.[6] Other ingredients include different types of fish, meats, and crayfish. Ofe Owerri is cooked with palm oil, and ede also known red cocoyam[6] is used to thicken the soup.[7]
Ofe Owerri is often eaten with semolina, fufu, pounded yam and Eba.[4][7]
Health benefits
[edit]Ofe Owerri is prepared with a variety of protein sources such as beef, cow skin, snails, and fish. These proteins provide essential amino acids needed for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.[8]
The soup is traditionally thickened with red cocoyam, which contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion and provide energy.[9][8] The vegetables used in the soup are rich in vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to immune health, healthy skin, and overall well-being.[8][10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Eke, Lydia Enyidiya (2026-03-08). "Ofe Owerri: A heritage soup Nigeria must take to UNESCO". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2026-05-07.
- ^ "Nutrition in Ofe Owerri". ResearchGate.
- ^ a b "How To Prepare Ofe Owerri". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 2018-10-07. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ^ a b onnaedo (2015-09-15). "How to make the perfect pot of ofe owerri". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ^ "Ofe Owerri". Nigerian Tribune. 21 July 2019.
- ^ a b Jemimah, Sisi (2015-11-25). "Ofe Owerri". Sisi Jemimah. Retrieved 2026-05-07.
- ^ a b "How To Make Ofe Owerri". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 2021-06-06. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ^ a b c "Ofe Owerri: A Healthful Twist on Nigeria's Luxurious Soup - African Vibes". 2024-04-21. Retrieved 2026-05-07.
- ^ Ify, Davies Ngere (2024-11-12). "15 Powerful Health Benefits of Cocoyam You Should Know". PIECE — WITHIN NIGERIA. Retrieved 2026-05-07.
- ^ Oyewale, Mary B.; Seidu, Kudirat T.; Ogunbusola, Eunice M.; Osundahunsi, Oluwatooyin F.; Ogunwa, Tomisin H.; Akele, Olatunbosun; Adejoro, Damola O. "Nutritional Composition and Sensory Quality of Packaged Ofe-Owerri: A Major Traditional Soup in Nigeria". Current Nutrition & Food Science. 16 (9): 1439–1448. doi:10.2174/1573401316999200330153519.