Nsala soup, also known as white soup, and called ofe nsala by the Igbo people,[1] is a delicacy that originates from the eastern part of Nigeria. A major ingredient is catfish, which gives the soup a unique taste. It also contains small pieces of yam or cocoyam with utazi leaves. Nsala is similar to Afia Efere, which is common among the Efik ethnic group.[2]
The name white soup is used because palm oil is not used in its preparation, unlike other traditional soups.
The soup is flavoured with ogiri or iru, utazi, crayfish, yam, salt, seasoning, stock fish and dry fish. The soup is served with pounded yam, eba, semolina, semovita or any kind of morsel alongside water or preferred drink.[3]
The major ingredients of this soup are yam and catfish. Catfish is an essential requirement; sometimes other meats are also included including goat, chicken, and tripe.[4]