Soup · Main Course · African · Dinner ·

Luxurious Nigerian Ofe Nsala with Fresh Catfish and Lime

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.

4.2(747 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Luxurious Nigerian Ofe Nsala with Fresh Catfish and Lime — Soup served and photographed from above
Prep
30 min
Cook
1 h 30 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
6

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Catfish

  1. 1

    Place the catfish in a bowl

    Place catfish in a bowl.

    Tip: Always use fresh fish for authentic flavors.

  2. 2

    Add lime juice and salt

    Squeeze lime juice over the fish and add salt.

  3. 3

    Marinate

    Marinate for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Preparing the Yam Flour

  1. 1

    Mix yam flour paste

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

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

  2. 2

    Set aside

    Set aside the paste for thickening the soup later.

  3. 3

    Ensure smooth consistency

    Ensure no lumps remain for a smooth consistency.

How to Make Luxurious Nigerian Ofe Nsala with Fresh Catfish and Lime

Total time: 2 h · Yields 6 servings

  1. 1

    Simmer the Soup

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

  2. 2

    Cook the Catfish

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

  3. 3

    Thicken the Soup

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

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    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.

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