How to make ogbono soup (and reconnect with your culture) in 5 easy steps
By Now or Never host Ify Chiwetelu
I spend a lot of time thinking about my identity, specifically the balance between being Canadian and Nigerian. As someone who has lived most of their life in Canada, I worry about how I not only maintain my Nigerian identity but deepen it. I love being Nigerian, I love being Igbo, and I want to be able to pass on all that I love to any future generations. I want to be able to explain the importance of a kola nut ceremony, expertly tie ichafu on my head, casually slip Igbo proverbs into my advice-giving.
I want all of that and more... but I can't. At least not yet. I'm well past the age where I can blame my parents for not teaching me. It's up to me. This week, I'm taking a small step in trying to master how to make a traditional Nigerian food, ogbono soup.
If you're curious about how to actually make ogbono soup, check out recipes here and here. If you want to know the ups and downs of my attempt, read on.
1. Call your father
Let him tell you how making soup is the litmus test for any Igbo girl to prove both her heritage, and value. Wash down the guilt with a glass of water.
2. Assemble ingredients
Casually stroll through the aisles of your nearest African grocery store. Practice the proper pronunciation of the ingredients "ogbono" and "ugwu" in your head before approaching the owner to ask for their location.
3. Destroy your kitchen
Some people may call this step "cooking". In a large pot, heat palm oil, and desperately channel the ease of your mother confidently tossing in ingredients. Add ogbono, meat, seasonings, vegetables, and water. Panic. Bring it all to a boil then let it simmer.
4. Taste it
Spoon a generous helping into a container, and return to the African grocery store to find Nigerians to taste it. NOTE: If you are in a city that you have family in, feel free to visit their homes instead. Have several customers taste your soup, remind yourself that you asked for their honest feedback and try to not lash out at the critical ones.
5. Make a promise
Vow to yourself to try again, there are lessons you've learned from this. Remind yourself that the first time is always the worst time and one day you will eat your perfectly made soup and laugh at the memory of this. Clean kitchen 1-2 days later.