How to Prepare Light Soup in Ghana

Ghanaian light soup, locally known as Nkrakra, is one of the most cherished soups in the country. It is a simple, yet flavorful dish that holds a special place in the hearts of Ghanaians. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, learning how to make light soup can introduce you to a world of rich flavors, culture, and history. Light soup is often served with fufu or banku, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a hearty meal.

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making authentic Ghanaian light soup, from the ingredients to the cooking steps, and a few tips to make it truly delicious.

What is Ghanaian Light Soup?

Light soup is a mildly spiced, tomato-based soup that has a thin consistency. Unlike heavier soups or stews, light soup gets its name because of its lightness, making it perfect for people who are recovering from an illness, those who want a light meal, or simply anyone craving a warm, comforting dish.

While the soup can be made with a variety of proteins such as fish, goat, chicken, or beef, this recipe will focus on preparing it with chicken – one of the most common and preferred choices. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and the deep flavors created by slow-cooking the ingredients to perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
• 4-5 large fresh tomatoes
• 2 large onions
• 3-4 cloves of garlic (optional)
• 1 small piece of ginger (about the size of your thumb)
• 1-2 fresh chili peppers (to your spice preference)
• 1 small bunch of fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Water (as needed)

For Additional Seasoning:

• 2-3 Maggi or stock cubes (optional, but common in Ghanaian cooking)
• A pinch of ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Accompaniments (Optional but Common):

• Fufu (made from cassava and plantain)
• Rice balls (omotuo)
• Boiled yam

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Light Soup

1. Prepare Your Chicken

Begin by cleaning your chicken thoroughly. In Ghana, it’s common practice to wash chicken with water and a little salt or lime to remove any unwanted odors or impurities. Once cleaned, cut the chicken into sizable pieces. Pat it dry with a kitchen towel, then set it aside in a large pot.

2. Season the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, Maggi or stock cubes, and cayenne pepper (if you want more heat). If you’re using fresh garlic and ginger, blend them into a smooth paste, or finely chop them, and add to the chicken. Massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Let the chicken sit and marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Marinating not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the meat, making it juicy and delicious.

3. Prepare the Tomatoes and Onions

The tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers are the key ingredients in creating the flavorful base for light soup. Begin by placing the whole tomatoes and one of the onions (peeled) into a small pot with a little water. Boil them on medium heat until soft. This process helps intensify their natural sweetness.

Once soft, remove the boiled vegetables from the pot and set them aside to cool slightly. When cooled, blend the tomatoes, onion, and chili peppers together into a smooth puree.

4. Start Cooking the Chicken

After marinating, place the pot of seasoned chicken on medium heat and add a little water (just enough to cover the base of the pot). Cover the pot and allow the chicken to simmer for about 10 minutes. This step helps to lock in the flavors from the seasoning and allows the chicken to cook in its own juices.

As the chicken simmers, the aroma of the spices and the broth will fill your kitchen, offering a delightful preview of the meal ahead.

5. Add the Blended Tomato Mixture

Once the chicken has simmered and absorbed the seasonings, pour the blended tomato, onion, and chili mixture into the pot. Stir well to combine the mixture with the chicken.

At this point, you can add enough water to create the soup’s desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker light soup, use less water; for a thinner soup, add more. The soup should remain “light,” meaning it should not be too thick like a stew.

6. Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Peel and chop the remaining onion into small pieces. Some people also blend the second onion for an extra smooth consistency. Add the chopped or blended onion to the pot, along with the fresh basil leaves if you are using them. The basil leaves lend a fragrant aroma to the soup, enhancing its complexity.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt and spices as needed. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for another 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

7. Final Touches

During this time, the flavors in the soup will meld beautifully, creating a robust yet light taste. Check the seasoning once more before serving. If you feel the soup needs more spice, you can add a little more ground pepper or chili.

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, your light soup is ready!

Serving Suggestions

Light soup is traditionally served with fufu, which is made from pounded cassava and plantain, or yam. Fufu has a soft, dough-like texture that pairs perfectly with the soup. For those who prefer other starches, rice balls (omotuo) or boiled yam are also great options. Simply ladle the soup over the fufu, rice balls, or yam and enjoy.

If you’re not serving it with a starch, you can enjoy the soup on its own with a spoon. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Tips for Making the Perfect Light Soup

1. Simmer Slowly: Light soup is best cooked on medium heat over a longer period. This allows all the flavors to develop slowly and evenly.
2. Balance the Flavors: Make sure to taste the soup as it cooks. Adjust the salt, pepper, and stock cubes as needed to achieve a balanced flavor.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs give the soup its unique, light taste. Try to use the freshest ingredients you can find.
4. Control the Spice Level: Adjust the number of chili peppers and cayenne pepper based on your tolerance for heat. Ghanaians love their light soup spicy, but you can tone it down for a milder version.
5. Experiment with Proteins: While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can use fish, goat meat, or beef to make the soup. Each protein adds its own character to the dish.

Health Benefits of Light Soup

Light soup is not only tasty but also quite nutritious. The broth is packed with vitamins from the tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers, while the protein in the chicken provides a good source of energy. Additionally, it is a great meal for anyone recovering from illness because of its lightness and the warmth it provides. The ginger and pepper in the soup can help clear congestion, making it a go-to meal when you’re feeling under the weather.

Conclusion

Making light soup is a fulfilling culinary adventure that allows you to explore the rich traditions of Ghanaian cooking. Its simple ingredients, slow cooking process, and balanced flavors make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether served with fufu, rice balls, or eaten on its own, light soup is a delightful meal that nourishes the body and warms the soul.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own by experimenting with different proteins or spice levels. Enjoy your Ghanaian light soup!