How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes, you can substitute with tilapia or any firm white fish.

Is there a substitute for uziza seeds?

You can use black pepper as a substitute, though it might slightly alter the taste.

Can this soup be made vegan?

Yes, simply omit the catfish and use vegetable stock for a vegan version.

How do I reheat the soup?

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Luxurious Nigerian Ofe Nsala with Fresh Catfish and Lime

Name: Luxurious Nigerian Ofe Nsala with Fresh Catfish and Lime
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: Fresh Catfish; Lime Juice; Sea Salt; Palm Oil; Onion; Ground Crayfish; Uziza Seeds; Yam Flour; Seasoning Cubes; Scotch Bonnets; Salt; Water; Uziza Leaves or Spinach; Lime Wedges

A Creamy Catfish Soup Bursting with Spicy Flavors

Ofe Nsala, also known as White Soup, is a comforting and luxurious dish hailing from Nigeria, marrying the subtle flavors of fresh catfish with the unmistakable zest of lime.

1 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Catfish Base

Fresh Catfish

1 kg, cleaned and cut into steaks

Lime Juice

Juice of 2 limes

Sea Salt

2 tablespoons

For the Soup

Palm Oil

1/4 cup

Onion

1 medium, finely chopped

Ground Crayfish

2 tablespoons

Uziza Seeds

2 teaspoons, ground

Yam Flour

4 tablespoons (or ground yams)

For the Seasoning

Seasoning Cubes

2 cubes

Scotch Bonnets

2, chopped

Salt

To taste

Water

5 cups

For Garnishing

Uziza Leaves or Spinach

Handful, chopped

Lime Wedges

Preparation

Marinating the Catfish

Place the catfish in a bowl

Place catfish in a bowl.

Always use fresh fish for authentic flavors.

Add lime juice and salt

Squeeze lime juice over the fish and add salt.

Marinate

Marinate for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Preparing the Yam Flour

Mix yam flour paste

Mix the yam flour with a little water in a small bowl to form a paste.

You can substitute yam flour with a cornstarch-water mixture for a lighter consistency.

Set aside

Set aside the paste for thickening the soup later.

Ensure smooth consistency

Ensure no lumps remain for a smooth consistency.

Cooking Process

Simmer the Soup

Combine water, onions, seasoning cubes, and scotch bonnets in a pot, bring to a boil.

Cook the Catfish

Add marinated catfish, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.

Thicken the Soup

Gradually stir in yam flour paste, allow the soup to thicken, and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Plating & Serving