Okoho facts for kids
Okoho is a very special traditional soup from Nigeria. It is the main food for the Idoma people, who live in Benue State in Central Nigeria. This unique soup is made from a plant called Cissus populnea.
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What is Okoho Soup?
Okoho soup is known for being a bit slimy, which makes it unique! It is usually cooked without any oil. People often make it with different kinds of meat, like "bush meat." This can include animals like grass-cutter or even smoked meat.
Where Does Okoho Come From?
The main ingredient for Okoho soup is the Okoho stick. This stick comes from a plant named Cissus populnea. This plant belongs to a family of plants called Amplidaceae, also known as Vitaceae.
How is Okoho Soup Made?
To make Okoho soup, the Okoho stick is prepared until it becomes very slimy. It is best served with pounded yam, which the Idoma people call Onihi. You can also eat Okoho soup with other foods. These include semolina, eba (which is made from garri), and yam flour.
Why is Okoho Soup Special?
Okoho soup is very important to the Idoma people. It is the most respected and requested food at all Idoma events. This includes traditional weddings, burial ceremonies, birthday parties, and other celebrations. People also believe Okoho soup is good for your health. It is known to help with digestion, making it easier for your body to break down food.
Different Names for Okoho
Other tribes in Nigeria also know this special soup. The Ibo and Igala tribes also call it Okoho. The Yoruba tribes, found in northern and southern Nigeria, call the Okoho stick Ajara or Orogbolo. The Hausas usually call it Dafara.
