Ogbono soup is a delectable Nigerian concoction soup and it’s super easy to prepare. It’s a thick and hearty stew made with Ogbono seeds (wild mango seeds) loaded with meats and fish simmered in a light delicious broth.

OGBONO SOUP
When Ogbono is cooked it has a mucilaginous (slimy) texture like cooked Okra and Jute leaves (Ewedu). This is a stew and not a soup in the real sense but we call it soup anyways!
The beauty of making Ogbono soup is that you can make it all your own. You can use fish in place of meat and you can also add or remove the extras like the periwinkles.

Each tribe has its own spin on this dish, but this one is predominantly the Yoruba version or better put, the version I grew up with. I need to mention that in the Yoruba-speaking part of Nigeria, we often refer to this soup as Obe apon.

Notes:
- Ogbono soup gets thicker as it stays so if you plan on not serving this immediately, you can add a little more extra stock or water.
- I added red pepper flakes for some real heat. You can also use cayenne pepper, minced habanero or simply skip the heat if you don’t like it.
- Ideally, ugwu leaves are stirred in at the final stage of cooking this soup but you can use any other leafy greens but I will strongly suggest you go a strong leafy green alternative like Kale or Collard greens especially if the stew will last you more than a day. You can also add Okra in place of the leafy green if preferred.
- Also, palm oil is an essential part of this meal you can also increase or reduce the quantity you use. It all depends on your personal preference.
- As much as we want this stew to turn out good. It is best not to use an overseason the stock in order to get a well-rounded flavor. When boiling your meat for the stock, you don’t need an overload of seasoning otherwise, the resulting stock will alter the taste of your soup – I like to use salt and stock cube plus loads of Onions for my base stock whenever I’m making ogbono soup.
Other delicious African soups and stews you may want to try:
- Jute leaves soup Ewedu
- Egusi soup
- Stewed Okra – Okra soup
- Spinach stew (Efo riro)
- Pepper soup
- Catfish stew
- Banga soup
So guys here is my easy but delicious Ogbono Soup. This soup makes a filling meal when served with fresh Garri (Eba), pounded yam, Fufu, or any other solid food.
This recipe serves about 6 people but it multiplies well. Enjoy!

Ogbono Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Cup blended Ogbono or wild mango seed
- 4 Cups stock Beef or Chicken
- Meat Tripe, cow skin or Fish of choice
- 1 Cup Stock Fish
- Salt to taste
- 2 stock cubes
- 1/2 Tbsp Red Chili flakes or Cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp Crayfish ground
- Ugwu Kale or Collard Greens
- 3/4 Cup Periwinkle
- 1/3 Cup Palm Oil
Instructions
- Cut the beef rinse and throw into a pot. season with Salt, bullion powder (or stock cubes). Add the diced Onions and the red chili flakes, Leave to boil for about 20 to 30 minutes depending on how tender you want the meat to be.
- Once the meat is almost done, add the stockfish and cook for 5 minutes or till soft.
- Blend the Ogbono seeds and add it to the boiling meat: Be sure you have enough stock in the pot. You need about four cups of stock to start with. Stir very well until the Ogbono is well dissolved in the stock
- Stir in the periwinkles, crayfish, and Palm Oil and leave to cook for another 5 minutes.
- Now turn down the heat then add your leafy greens. Leave to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite swallow like Eba, Amala, Pounded Yam and the likes. ENJOY!
Nutrition
Let’s Connect.
You can find me on Facebook, and Instagram. I love keeping in touch with all of you!
If you make this Ogbono Soup, I’d love to see pictures of your creations on Instagram or Facebook. #cheflolaskitchen
Miracle Gerald
Friday 18th of February 2022
Hello this is my first time here all thanks to you my ogbono soup was perfect π for the first time thanks a lot β€οΈ
Chef Lola's Kitchen
Friday 25th of February 2022
Hello Miracle, welcome onboard. Glad you enjoyed your meal.
Sabdat Musa
Wednesday 22nd of December 2021
Well done Lola. You are doing a great job. Your recipes are so easy to follow.
Lola Osinkolu
Saturday 25th of December 2021
Thank you Sabdat.
Saturday 26th of June 2021
Thanks so much....I was just thinking of how best to not mess up tonight's dinnerβ€οΈ
Lola Osinkolu
Friday 13th of August 2021
ππππ
MyChika
Tuesday 25th of May 2021
Just made this for dinner and it was a hit with hubby! Very easy to follow instructions. I used okra and spinach.
Lola Osinkolu
Saturday 29th of May 2021
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, MyChika! Iβm so glad that worked out.
Abiola Akintayo
Thursday 29th of April 2021
Thumbs up!!! I just used this tutorial to cook Ogbono soup for the first time ever and it came out fine. Thanks for this.
Lola Osinkolu
Thursday 29th of April 2021
Thatβs so good to hear. ππππππ