Ofe Achara

Ofe Achara
TypeSoup
Place of originSoutheast Nigeria (Igboland)
Region or stateSouth East
Serving temperatureWarm
Main ingredientsAchara Cenchrus purpureus
Ingredients generally usedCrayfish

Ofe achara Listenⓘ is an Igbo soup made mainly from Achara (Elephant grass) and mgbam (egusi balls). Ofe in the language refers to soup.

Origin

The soup is from Abia state which is in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria.

Overview

The beef or smoked fish is boiled with onion and seasoning cubes. Peeled Achara, egusi balls and achi to thicken the soup are added to a pot filled with palm oil. Okazi leaf is added alongside crayfish, salt, grounded pepper and water are added when the oil float on the soup.

It is prepared by finely chopping Achara grass and boiling it until soft. This is followed by adding meat or fish broth, egusi moulds, and other spices to create a unique and flavorful soup. The soup has numerous health benefits and can be paired with fufu, garri, or semolina.

Other foods

Ofe Achara is best served with fufu.

Health benefits

The Achara leaf is rich in fiber and aids digestion and gut health. Egusi, incorporated into the meal, provides healthy fats and protein, while palm oil contains antioxidants and vitamin A. Uziza, on the other hand, helps relieve mild digestive problems, while Ogiri supports gut health through its natural fermentation process.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Achara soup with egusi Archives". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-06-25.[permanent dead link]
  2. ↑ "Ofe Achara with Akpuruakpu Egusi (Mgbam)". All Nigerian Recipes. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
  3. ↑ "How To Make Nigerian Ofe Achara with Akpuruakpu Egusi Soup". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 2022-04-04. Archived from the original on 2022-06-04. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
  4. ↑ "Ofe Achara Soup :: Nigerian Soup Recipes :: Galleria Health and Lifestyle, Nigeria". www.nigeriagalleria.com. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
  5. ↑ for #OunjeAladun, Omolabake (2021-09-22). "Ofe Achara with Akpuruakpu Egusi". Ounje Aladun. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
  6. ↑ oyibougbo (2024-06-14). "How To Cook Ofe Achara". Ou Travel & Tour. Retrieved 2026-05-09.
  7. ↑ Udevi, Obiamaka Angela (2019-11-11). "South Eastern Delicacies: Ofe Achara, the Traditional Soup of Abia State • Connect Nigeria". Connect Nigeria. Retrieved 2022-06-25.
  8. ↑ ADEYEMI, JANET (2025-05-31). "Ofe Achara: The Bold Earthy Soup in Abia Tradition - First Daily News". First News NG. Retrieved 2026-05-09.
  9. ↑ Healthy, Be (2025-10-01). "Potential Health Benefits of Achara". Amazing Health Benefits. Retrieved 2026-05-09.