5 Easy Steps to Prepare Delicious White Soup (Ofe Nsala) for Your Husband While in Canada

White Soup, commonly referred to as Ofe Nsala, is a beloved dish originating from the Eastern part of Nigeria. It’s a comforting and flavorful delicacy, known for its rich, peppery, and slightly spicy taste that warms the soul and satisfies the palate. Traditionally made with fresh catfish, yam, and a blend of unique, aromatic spices, White Soup has carved out a special place in the hearts of many, particularly among the Igbo people of Nigeria. Its distinctive flavor and creamy texture come from the combination of tender fish, starchy yam as a natural thickener, and a variety of seasonings that give it its characteristic, savory depth.

For many Nigerian men, especially those from the southeastern region, Ofe Nsala is a dish that evokes memories of home, family, and celebration. It’s often enjoyed during special occasions or served to esteemed guests. However, it’s not just a dish for special events; it has become a staple meal for comfort, deeply associated with warmth, care, and love. The appeal of White Soup transcends geographical boundaries, and even Nigerian men living abroad frequently crave the authentic taste of this traditional meal. It represents more than just food – it’s a connection to their roots, culture, and cherished family traditions.

This recipe is particularly designed for Nigerian women who want to create that nostalgic taste for their husbands, especially when they are far from home and longing for the flavors of Nigeria. Preparing White Soup in a foreign country like Canada may seem challenging, but with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can replicate the dish just as it’s made back home. The use of specific ingredients like catfish, yam, uziza seeds, and utazi leaves helps to maintain the authenticity of the dish, ensuring that each bite brings back memories of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.

Whether it’s for a Sunday lunch, a special family gathering, or simply to treat your husband to something special after a long day, White Soup is a perfect choice. Despite its seemingly simple preparation, it delivers bold and satisfying flavors that can fill the home with the comforting aroma of a meal prepared with love and tradition. By making this dish, not only do you nourish the body, but you also strengthen the emotional bond with your spouse, offering them a taste of their cultural heritage right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

1 whole catfish (cleaned and cut into pieces)
500 grams of yam (peeled and cut into chunks)
2 tablespoons of ground crayfish
1 tablespoon of uziza seeds (ground)
2 tablespoons of utazi leaves (finely chopped) or dried uziza leaves
2 seasoning cubes
1 medium onion (chopped)
Fresh pepper or dried pepper to taste
Salt to taste
Water

Optional Ingredients

Goat meat or chicken (if you prefer to mix proteins)
Stockfish or dried fish (for added flavor)

How to Source Ingredients in Canada

Catfish: Fresh catfish is often available in large grocery stores or seafood markets in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary. You can also find frozen catfish in African and Asian stores.
Yam: Look for fresh yam at African or Caribbean grocery stores, or substitute with yam flour (available online or in specialty stores) if fresh yam is hard to find.
Crayfish: Ground crayfish is available at African markets. If unavailable, shrimp powder or dried shrimp can be used as a substitute.
Uziza seeds and Utazi leaves: These can be found at African grocery stores, particularly in cities with a large African community. You can also buy them online from specialty food retailers.
Pepper: Fresh Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers are readily available in most Canadian supermarkets.
Stockfish: Found in African or Caribbean grocery stores, or online retailers that specialize in African foods.

Instructions

Prepare the Yam

Place the yam chunks in a pot, add water to cover them, and boil until soft.
Once the yam is cooked, remove it from the pot and mash it until smooth. Set aside. The mashed yam will serve as a thickener for the soup.

Prepare the Fish and Meat (if using)

If you are using goat meat or chicken, season them with salt and one seasoning cube. Add chopped onions and some water, then boil until tender. Set aside the meat and stock.
Clean the catfish thoroughly and place it in a bowl. Pour hot water over it and leave it for a few minutes to firm up the flesh. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Soup

In a large pot, add the stock from the meat (if using) or plain water if you are using only fish.
Add the catfish pieces, ground crayfish, ground uziza seeds, chopped onions, and pepper to taste.
Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Be careful not to stir too much to avoid breaking the fish pieces.

Thicken the Soup

Add the mashed yam in small portions, stirring gently to dissolve the yam and thicken the soup.
If the soup is too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.

Season the Soup

Add the remaining seasoning cube and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Finish the Soup

Add the chopped utazi or dried uziza leaves and simmer for another 5 minutes. The leaves add a slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
If you are using stockfish or dried fish, add them at this stage and cook until they are soft and incorporated into the soup.

Serve

Serve the white soup hot with pounded yam, fufu, or any swallow of your choice. Enjoy!

Tips

If you prefer a spicier soup, you can increase the amount of pepper.
Ensure the fish is fresh to get the best flavor.
The yam should be well mashed to dissolve easily in the soup and provide a smooth texture.

Conclusion:

White Soup (Ofe Nsala) is not only a rich and satisfying meal but also a special dish that many Nigerian men long for, even when living abroad. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to bring the taste of home to your kitchen, no matter where you are. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting dinner, this soup is sure to make your husband feel at home and loved.