Wisest Fields

Ogbono with Sauce

Ogbono soup, also known as wild mango seed soup, is one of Nigeria’s most beloved and unique dishes. It is a rich, flavorful, and hearty soup that boasts a thick consistency, thanks to the star ingredient: Ogbono seeds. This soup, which is particularly popular in southern Nigeria, is often enjoyed with fufu, pounded yam, semovita, or garri, making it an essential part of many Nigerian households. The distinctive texture and taste of Ogbono soup make it a standout in Nigerian cuisine.

Ogbono soup is made from the seeds of the wild mango tree—also called the African mango or ogbono tree. The seeds are dried and ground into a powder, which is then used as a thickening agent for the soup. The texture of Ogbono soup is one of its most defining features: the ground seeds create a sticky, slightly mucilaginous consistency that allows the soup to “draw” or stretch, which is highly prized by fans of the dish.