Snail Soup (Ofe Ejula) – Nigerian Igbo Delicacy
We bet you’ve heard of snail soup—an exotic, premium broth that’s the cherished pride of Igbo cuisine. Also called Ofe Ejula or Ejula Soup, this dish combines snails, uziza leaves, palm oil, ogiri, crayfish, and aromatic seasonings to create something truly special.
Think of it like the caviar of Nigerian soups—rich, hearty, and deeply flavorful. If you’re ready to elevate your culinary game, this is where it all begins.
Why Snail Soup Is a Culinary Treasure
Priceless Ingredients, Priceless Flavor
- Snails are the headliner—affectionately called “Ejula.” They’re expensive because they require labor-intensive gathering or sourcing.
- Including uziza leaves, ogiri, crayfish, and vibrant scotch bonnet peppers makes this soup sing.
- It’s commonly enjoyed with swallows like fufu, eba, or pounded yam, turning any gathering into a gastronomic event.
Rich in Nutrition: Beyond Just Taste
Snail meat isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with goodness:
- High protein: 14–20% per 100 g
- Rich in minerals: iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium—ideal for bone development and preventing anemia
- Low in fat and calories: lightweight yet nourishing
- Vitamins A, B12, E support your eyesight, immunity, and neurological health
So, it’s indulgent and beneficial—a rare culinary combo.
Ingredients You’ll Need (serves 10–12)
- 15–20 snails (fresh or cleaned)
- 1 kg goat meat (or substitute beef/chicken)
- 8 scotch bonnet peppers (fresh or blended)
- 1 cup ground crayfish
- 1 cup palm oil
- ½ cup ofor (or achi, cocoyam as thickener)
- A handful of uziza leaves (for aroma)
- 200 g dried fish
- 1 seasoning cube + salt to taste
- 2 ogiri (optional, for umami depth)
Step-by‑Step Recipe
1. Clean & Prep
Scrub snails thoroughly. Use lemon or lime juice and rinse repeatedly until slime-free.
2. Cook the Meat
Season goat meat with salt & a stock cube. Boil until tender (about 30–40 mins).
3. Build the Soup Base
Add palm oil and 8–10 cups water. Once boiling, stir in crayfish and dried fish, cover, and simmer 5 mins.
4. Thicken with Ofor
Dissolve 2 tbsp ofor in water, add, stir, and cook for 12–15 mins until soup thickens to your liking.
5. Add Snails
Drop cleaned snails in, stir, and cook covered for 7–10 mins. Test and add more thickener if needed.
6. Spice It Up
Stir in ground scotch bonnets and optional ogiri. Simmer on low for 10 mins with lid half‑on.
7. Finish with Uziza
Add uziza leaves, simmer another 7 mins. Adjust salt, turn off heat, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Perfection
- Thicker or lighter? Use achi or cocoyam for a richer texture.
- Snack twist? Reserve a few snails and fry them later for a crunchy delight.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap snails with mushrooms and use vegetable stock—almost as flavorful.
- Avoid sliminess: Always rinse snails with lemon and salt multiple times.
- Umami upgrade: Don’t skip ogiri—it adds a deep savoury punch.
Variations to Try
Ofe Owerri
A lavish Igbo soup that uses snails, assorted meats, okazi/uziza, palm oil, and dried fish—giving a luxurious twist to Ejula.
Snail Pepper Soup
A lighter, spicier broth built with snail, uziza, scent leaf, and ehuru—ideal for rainy days .
Health Spotlight
- Good for anemia thanks to iron content (22% RDA per 85 g) .
- Low fat + plenty of protein makes it perfect for weight‑watchers .
- Offers omega‑3s, B‑vitamins, calcium, and magnesium, supporting heart, brain, and bone health .
- Caution: Snails must be properly cleaned to avoid parasites and toxins. Buy quality-sourced or farmed snails.
Serving Suggestions
- Always serve hot with:
- Fufu
- Eba
- Pounded yam
- Semolina (semo)
- Garnish with fresh uziza or scent leaves.
- Pair with chilled zobo or soft drinks to balance spice and richness.
Cultural & Culinary Legacy
- Igbo favorite: Ofe Ejula is a proud staple, often reserved for celebrations and special guests.
- Ritual significance: Snails symbolize prosperity and respect.
- Market rarity: Snail availability drops in the dry season, driving prices up.
- Modern fame: Trending on social media and featured in contemporary Nigerian homes. (instagram.com)
FAQ
Can I substitute goat meat with chicken?
Yes! Chicken works well and cuts cooking time—just adjust simmering accordingly.
2. Is ogiri necessary?
Not essential, but it deepens the flavor. Use iru if you can’t find ogiri.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding water if needed.
4. Can I freeze Ofe Ejula?
Definitely! Freeze in portions for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
5. Any vegetarian version?
Yes! Skip snails and meat, use mushrooms or tofu with veggie stock.
6. Why use uziza leaves?
They impart a peppery, aromatic finish that’s signature to the dish.
7. What’s the best thickener?
Ofor gives smooth texture; achi delivers slightly firmer body; choose based on preference.
Final Thoughts
Ofe Ejula brings together tradition, nutrition, and luxury in every spoonful. It’s comfort food elevated—ideal for celebrations or cozy nights in.
With vibrant spice, meaty depth, and health benefits, this snail soup recipe deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation.
Verified References & Links
- Nutritional data: snail protein, minerals, vitamins (localguidesconnect.com, facebook.com, auctoresonline.org, en.wikipedia.org)
- Health benefits: high protein, low fat, omega‑3, B‑vitamins
- Cultural and recipe context for Igbo snail soups (allnigerianfoods.com)