Certain days, we focus on finding cheap alternatives. The reality of living in Nigeria right now, with the naira’s value plummeting, is that we all need to become experts at budgeting and resource management.
Acquiring the skill to prepare budget-friendly soups can be a valuable asset in these economically challenging times.
However, To make budget-friendly soups, you’ll need to be prepared to sacrifice the luxurious ingredients that typically make Nigerian soups so mouth-watering and delectable, such as abundant meat, fish, and other desirable additions.
This doesn’t mean your soup won’t taste great; it just might not be as rich as you’d prefer on a perfect day.
Here are 5 affordable Nigerian soups that are easy to make:
1. Okra Soup
Okra soup is one of the simplest and most affordable soups to prepare in Nigeria.
You can make it plain and serve it with stew on the side, or enhance it with oil, a pepper mix, dried fish, and your favorite seasonings. It pairs perfectly with eba or semo.
2. Efo
To prepare a tasty pot of efo, you’ll need vegetables, peppers, onions, locust beans, beef, and optional additions like dried fish and ponmo.
The most expensive ingredient is usually the beef, while the rest are relatively inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly dish.
3. Egusi Soup
Egusi (melon seeds) is the key ingredient for this soup, and a cup costs around N500.
Other ingredients, like pepper, ugwu leaves, beef, ponmo (optional), and smoked fish (optional), are also affordable. With simple seasonings, you can create a delicious and cost-effective meal.
4. Banga Soup
Banga soup is a favorite, especially when paired with starch. It’s straightforward to make and requires only a few affordable ingredients, such as pepper, crayfish, and beef.
The main ingredient, banga oil, is quite accessible, with a bottle costing less than N1000.
5. Ewedu Soup
Similar to okra, ewedu is another easy-to-make draw soup. It’s a popular pairing with amala.
To prepare ewedu, buy fresh leaves, wash thoroughly, boil until soft, and blend. Add a pinch of salt and simmer briefly, and your soup is ready. It’s both simple and budget-friendly.