How to Prepare Palm Nut Soup in the UK (Easy Beginner Recipe)
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West African recipes · UK guide · beginner-friendly
In this guide
Palm nut soup is one of the most beloved dishes in West and Central Africa. Rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying, it has been cooked in family kitchens for generations. In Nigeria it is called Banga Soup. In Ghana it is Abenkwan. In Côte d'Ivoire it is Sauce Graine. In Cameroon it is Mbanga. Different names, same soul.
If you have never made it before, do not worry. This guide is written specifically for beginners in the UK. We will walk you through everything step by step, including how to use dehydrated palm nut fruit, which is the easiest and most convenient way to make this dish at home.
Ready to cook? Nogbou stocks high-quality dehydrated palm nut fruit sourced from Côte d'Ivoire, delivered across the UK.
Shop dehydrated palm nut fruit at NogbouWhat is palm nut soup?
Palm nut soup is a thick, flavourful West African soup made from the pulp of the oil palm fruit. The palm fruit is processed into a rich base, then cooked with meat or fish, seasoning, and aromatics. The result is a deep orange, naturally smoky soup that is eaten across West and Central Africa as a daily staple and a celebration dish.
It is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with flavour. Once you make it, you will understand why it has been a family favourite for centuries.
Quick facts
Also known as
Banga, Abenkwan, Sauce Graine, Mbanga
Origin
West and Central Africa
Dietary
Gluten-free, dairy-free
Serves
4 to 6 people
What you need — a UK-friendly ingredient list
Here is everything you need to make palm nut soup at home in the UK, with easy substitutes where African ingredients are hard to find.
The base
Available now at Nogbou
Dehydrated Palm Nut Fruit (500g)
Sourced from Côte d'Ivoire · UK delivery · No boiling or pounding needed
Protein — choose one or mix
Chicken or beef
500g to 1kg, any cut works well
Goat or oxtail
Available in African and halal butchers
Smoked fish
African and Caribbean shops across the UK
Fresh fish
Tilapia, catfish, or cod all work well
Prawns or shrimp
Add in the final 5 minutes
Seasoning and aromatics
1 medium onion
Finely chopped
Seasoning cubes
Maggi or Knorr chicken, 2 to 3 cubes
Salt and pepper
To taste
Scotch bonnet
Optional, for heat
Ground crayfish
Optional, adds deep umami flavour
Ginger
1 tsp ground or small piece fresh
UK substitutes if you cannot find African ingredients
No ground crayfish: use a small piece of dried shrimp or leave it out
No smoked fish: use smoked mackerel from any UK supermarket
No scotch bonnet: use half a teaspoon of chilli flakes
How to prepare palm nut soup step by step
Dehydrated palm nut fruit is the simplest and most convenient way to make palm nut soup at home in the UK. You do not need to boil, pound, or process fresh palm nuts.
Step 1 — Rehydrate the palm nut fruit
Empty your 500g pack into a large bowl. Pour warm water over it, enough to fully submerge the pulp. Leave it to soak for 20 to 30 minutes until softened. You can find authentic dehydrated palm nut fruit at Nogbou, ready to use at home.
Step 2 — Extract the palm nut base
Once softened, squeeze and knead the pulp firmly to extract the rich orange liquid. Strain through a sieve into a pot and discard the fibres. Your base is ready.
Step 3 — Cook your protein
Cook your meat with onion, seasoning, salt, and pepper until tender. Keep the stock as it adds flavour to the soup.
Step 4 — Build your soup
Add the palm nut base to a pot, then add your cooked meat and stock. Stir, then add seasoning, crayfish, and smoked fish if using.
Step 5 — Simmer until thick
Simmer on medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add fresh fish or prawns in the final 10 minutes.
Step 6 — Taste and adjust
Adjust salt, pepper, or chilli to your liking. Add water if too thick or simmer longer if too thin.
Step 7 — Serve and enjoy
Serve hot with your chosen side. See the next section for ideas.
What to eat palm nut soup with
Attiéké
Traditional Ivorian pairing
White rice
Easiest UK option
Fufu
Pounded yam, cassava, or plantain dough
Eba
Quick garri option
Pounded yam
Classic pairing across West Africa
Placali
Ivorian cassava paste
Boiled plantain
Simple and filling
For beginners in the UK, white rice or attiéké are the easiest options to start with.
Tips for beginners
Common mistakes to avoid
Where to buy dehydrated palm nut fruit in the UK
Finding good quality palm nut fruit in the UK can be difficult. Many shops stock canned concentrate, but dehydrated palm nut fruit gives a more natural and authentic flavour closer to the traditional recipe.
Nogbou offers high-quality dehydrated palm nut fruit sourced from Côte d'Ivoire and delivered across the UK.
Available now at Nogbou
Dehydrated Palm Nut Fruit (500g)
Sourced from Côte d'Ivoire · Authentic flavour · UK delivery
Frequently asked questions
Can I use canned palm nut concentrate instead?
Yes. It works well, but dehydrated palm nut fruit gives a more natural and authentic flavour that is closer to the traditional recipe.
How long does palm nut soup keep?
3 to 4 days in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Is palm nut soup spicy?
No. The spice level is entirely optional and controlled by you. You can make it completely mild.
Is palm nut soup healthy?
It is naturally rich in nutrients, healthy fats from the palm fruit, and protein from the meat or fish. It is also gluten-free and dairy-free.
What is the difference between Sauce Graine, Banga Soup, and Abenkwan?
They are the same dish at heart, each with small regional variations in seasoning and serving style. Sauce Graine is the Ivorian name, Banga is Nigerian, and Abenkwan is Ghanaian.
Ready to make it? Get authentic dehydrated palm nut fruit delivered to your door across the UK.
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