As the pot of cottonseed soup bubbles —uncovered, as tradition demands— 68-year-old chef Mama Basirat slams her wooden spoon onto the counter. “We’ve eaten it for centuries,this soup has the ability to bring the entire community to your kitchen" she chuckles.
A Soup That Defies Biases
Cottonseed soup isn’t just food. It’s a culinary act of self reliance. Born from necessity in Nigeria’s textile heartlands, where cotton farmers refused to let seeds go to waste, it’s now a dish that arouses curiosity and taste buds.
In it's preparation, the seeds are washed thoroughly to remove any sandy residue, then soaked overnight to soften them slightly. They are either milled using a milling machine or blended in a high-powered blender if you have one, or—as done traditionally—pounded in a mortar to create a mash these processes are aimed to extract the cottonseed milk: the foundational ingredient of cottonseed soup.
Spicy peppers, crayfish, your choice of animal protein, salt, palm oil (optional), and vegetables (scent leaves or uziza leaves are recommended) can all be added according to taste. Chefs strongly advise cooking the soup uncovered, as covering the pot will cause the cottonseed milk to bubble over —a ritual Iya Basira’s ancestors perfected. “My grandfather lived to 103,” she boasts, stirring the pot like an alchemist . “We ate this soup every week.” she sighs with a nostalgic grin on her face
A Nutritional Option
Cottonseeds contain cottonseed oil, which is extracted during the cooking process of cottonseed soup. This oil contains unsaturated fats that may help lower cholesterol levels, boost heart health, and potentially reduce blood pressure while decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cottonseed soup serves as an excellent source of plant protein and vitamin E. Regular consumption contributes to skin health and offers protection against free radicals. It represents a valuable culinary option for vegetarians or those monitoring their weight.
A healthy option? Yes!
- Heart Shield: Cottonseed oil’s unsaturated fats slash LDL cholesterol (American Heart Association, 2022).
- Skin Saviour: Vitamin E levels rival almonds—fight wrinkles and free radicals.
- Weight Watcher’s Dream: 200 calories per bowl; may keep you full for hours.
The Taste-The Texture– Why are Foodies Are Obsessed ?
Described by many as delicious to a fault, cottonseed soup is celebrated for its unique flavour profile - often characterised as creamy, earthy and slightly nutty, a taste that clings to your tongue like a cherished lovers kiss. This distinctive soup pairs wonderfully with pounded yam, eba, semo, starch or rice. The choice is entirely yours. For adventurous food lovers among us, sampling cottonseed soup promises to be an unforgettable culinary experience.
Mama Basirat testifies this is a taste of nature's goodness and it comes highly recommended.
Your Move, Big Food - Enjoy!🇳🇬
