Palm Nut Soup (Abenkwan)

Ingredients

• 28 ¼ oz (800 g) canned palm nut cream (or 1 kg fresh palm fruits)
• 17 ⅔ oz (500 g) goat meat or beef, cut into pieces
• 8.8 oz (250 g) smoked fish (herrings or mackerel)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 fresh tomatoes, blended
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
• 2 whole Scotch bonnet peppers
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) ground crayfish
• 1 cup (235 ml) fresh or frozen okra, sliced (optional)
• 2 seasoning cubes
• Salt to taste
• 6 cups (1.42 L) water

Instructions

1. If using fresh palm fruits: Boil for 30 minutes, pound in a mortar, and extract the cream by adding water and squeezing through a sieve. Collect the thick, orange palm cream.
2. Season meat with salt, half the garlic, and half the ginger. Place in a pot with 2 cups water and boil for 30-40 minutes until tender. Reserve the stock.
3. Prepare the smoked fish: Soak in hot water for 10 minutes, debone, and break into large chunks.
4. In a large pot, pour in the palm nut cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the blended tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well and cook for 15 minutes.
6. Add the remaining garlic, ginger, diced onion, and whole Scotch bonnet peppers.
7. Add the cooked meat and its stock. Stir and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Add ground crayfish and smoked fish. Stir gently to avoid breaking the fish too much.
9. If using okra, add it now and cook for 10 more minutes.
10. Add seasoning cubes and salt to taste. The soup should have a rich, thick orange-red color.
11. Simmer for another 15 minutes on low heat until oil floats on the surface.
12. Serve hot with fufu, rice balls, or boiled yam.

Tips & variations

• Canned palm nut cream is the most convenient option and works very well. Look for brands from Ghana or Nigeria at African grocery stores. The soup should have a layer of orange-red oil floating on top when ready - this indicates proper cooking. Don't stir too vigorously once fish is added. For the richest flavor, use a combination of goat meat and smoked fish.