Draw soup

Draw soup is the pidgin English name for a family of Nigerian soups built on okra, ogbono (the seeds of Irvingia gabonensis) or ewedu, the leaves of jute. The name describes the texture: the broth is thick and slippery enough that it draws out of the bowl as it is eaten, whether from a spoon or, more characteristically, from a piece of solid fufu dipped into it. It is served with Nigerian swallow foods such as eba, made from garri, and pounded yam. Regions of Nigeria have their own versions, and a typical pot may combine okra, ogbono, ugu and uziza leaves, locust beans, pepper, crayfish, meat or fish, and red or palm oil. Cooks value it for being easy to make, rich in flavour and good for reheating, and it supplies fibre, vitamins A and C and some minerals.