FOOD MATTERS - Afang Soup: How To Prepare and Health Benefits

Afang soup is one of the best and popular traditional soups in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This soup is usually prepared for special occasions. It is also used as a special delicacy to welcome in-laws and special guests.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 bunch of afang

Water leaf

250g stock fish

3 pcs dry catfish

2 cooking spoon grinded crayfish

Cow or goat meat, Shaki, Cow skin (Pomo)

1cup periwinkle

1 tbs grinded scent pepper

50cl palm oil

1 tbs seasoning

Snail (optional)

Salt to taste

PREPARATION

Get Afang leaves, separate it from the sticks and slice to tiny pieces then grind or pound with a mortal. Select the water leaves, wash in clean water and slice into very tiny shapes. Wash the stockfish and cook to soft.

Season the meat and steam for 5minutes before adding water. Cut off the tiny bottom part of the periwinkle and wash the big part till you get clean water. Then soak it in water, add salt and leave for about 10mins to remove some dirt and wash again once or twice. Wash the cow skin (pomo) and dice it.

PROCEDURE

Place a clean pot on fire, pour the sliced water leaf into the pot. Allow it to cook for 5minutes. Add palm oil and stir, add your meat, stockfish, cow skin (pomo), dry fish, seasoning and allow it to cook for 3mins add little water.

Note: Afang soup is a traditional soup and it has its unique taste. To maintain the taste you don't need to add onion to the soup. Afang is best served with fufu, pounded yam, wheat or eba.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Afang leaf is an excellent source of unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fats makeup HDL (good cholesterol) Okazi or Afang leaf contains the amino acid glutamic acid which is important for brain function.

It contains a good amount of iodine which is necessary for the proper function of the thyroid gland and prevent goitre.

As for Leucine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid contained in Okazi (Afang) they have the following physiologic actions.

Leucine: Leucine aids the production of growth hormone and lowers blood sugar level. Leucine with Isoleucine and valine are required for energy production. It is needed for proper regulation of protein metabolism.

Glutamine and Glutamic Acids: This amino acid acts as fuel to the brain cells. It is involved in the metabolism of ammonia. It assists in the treatment of alcoholism.

ASPARAGINE AND ASPARTIC ACID

This supports brain and neurological functions as well as liver function. It increases stamina.