Iba soup is a medicinal soup used for treating fever. ‘Iba’ means fever in Igbo and Yoruba language. Obe iba which literally means fever soup is a common soup in the Southwestern part of Nigeria used to cure fever especially malaria fever. Herbs are used locally to treat fever an alternative to this is use the use of the herbs to make soup. This soup has a yellow-brown color and can be used to eat any food. The different type of herbs and leaves depends on individuals and the kind of fever to be treated. This soup usually has a peppery taste.
The ingredients include; garlic, epo-ora (a medicinal tree’s bark), garlic, ajo, korowu, scent leaf, locust bean, meat, fish, pepper, stock cubes, and salt to taste.
The beef and fish should be parboiled with seasoning and stock cubes. It is then set aside in another pot. Other ingredients such as the garlic, epo-ora, ajo, korowu, scent leaf, and pepper (red bonnet and any other type) should be washed thoroughly and then grinded together with a grinding machine.
The grinded ingredients are poured into hot oil which is in a medium heat. It is allowed to cook for 5-8 minutes. The meat and fish stock can then be added into the boiling soup. It is cooked for about a couple of minutes after which the parboiled meat and fish are then introduced. Locust bean are also added to taste as well as a pinch of salt (seasoning may be added if the seasoning from the stock is not enough). It is then allowed to simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
Thereafter, Iba soup is done and ready to be served with any food of your choice. Iba soup can be taken like a drink (without eating with food). Its ingredients such as the tree bark, ajo, korowu and scent leaf serves the medicinal purpose. The soup is best served when it has much pepper. It is just like the appetizer to send out the fever from the body. Food is so good when it serves medicinal purpose. Try iba soup today and stay healthy.
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Is there another name for korowu.