BizzysBites Ante Antelope (Otwee) Soup   BUY NOW

 is a traditional West African soup, particularly popular in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and other parts of the African continent where game meat is commonly consumed. The term “Ante Antelope” (or Otwee) refers to wild game meat, commonly antelope, which is a rich and tender protein found in many African cuisines. The soup made with Otwee (antelope) is often a hearty, spicy, and flavourful dish, typically enjoyed with starchy accompaniments like fufu, banku, or rice.

This soup is notable for its combination of earthy game meat, bold spices, and rich, thick broths. It’s a dish that brings together ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs and is often spiced up with ingredients like ginger, cayenne pepper, or even a touch of locust beans (fermented) for an extra layer of umami.

Below is a general recipe for Ante Antelope Soup (or Otwee Soup) inspired by traditional cooking methods:

Ingredients:

• 1kg antelope meat (Otwee), cut into cubes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (or to taste), chopped (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or palm oil (for an authentic taste)
• 2 tsp curry powder (optional for flavour depth)
• 1 tsp ground cumin (optional, adds warmth)
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
• 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning (or Maggi/bouillon cubes)
• 1 tbsp ground crayfish (optional, adds depth of flavour)
• 4 cups water or beef/chicken stock
• 1-2 tbsp tomato paste (optional for depth of flavour)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
• 2 tbsp palm nut oil (optional, for extra richness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Antelope Meat:

1. • In a large pot, add the cubed antelope meat. Season with a pinch of salt and all-purpose seasoning. Pour in about 2 cups of water and cook the meat for 20-30 minutes over medium heat. Allow it to tenderise while absorbing some of the flavours.
   • While the meat is cooking, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface to ensure a cleaner broth.

2. Prepare the Soup Base:

1. • In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil or palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan, followed by tomato paste (if using). Stir everything together and cook until the tomatoes break down and become soft, about 10 minutes.

3. Season the Soup:

1. • Add the curry powder, ground cumin, thyme, ground crayfish, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) to the tomato mixture. Stir well, letting the spices infuse the tomato base.
   • Once the tomato and spice mixture has cooked down and thickened, transfer it to the pot with the antelope meat. Add the remaining water or stock, and bring everything to a simmer.

4. Simmer the Soup:

1. • Allow the soup to simmer for 30-40 minutes over low to medium heat, ensuring that the flavours meld and the antelope meat becomes tender and the broth rich. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed.

5. Add Palm Nut Oil (Optional):

1. • If you’re using palm nut oil, add it to the pot in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will lend a distinctive richness and depth to the soup, which is characteristic of many West African soups.

6. Final Adjustments:

1. • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like your soup spicier, you can add more scotch bonnet pepper, or increase the amount of ground crayfish for a stronger flavour.

7. Serve:

1. • Once the soup is ready, serve it hot. It’s typically paired with fufu, banku, or rice, but you can also enjoy it with boiled yam or cassava for a more traditional experience. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.

Notes:

• Game Meat Alternative: If you can’t find antelope, you can substitute with beef, goat meat, or lamb. However, antelope gives a unique gamey flavour that makes the soup special.
• Palm Oil: Palm oil adds a rich, earthy taste to the soup and is often used in traditional West African cooking. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce or omit the palm oil.
• Crayfish: Ground crayfish is commonly used in many West African soups and stews to enhance the umami and depth of flavour. You can find it at African or international grocery stores.
• Spiciness: The scotch bonnet pepper adds both flavour and heat to the soup. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance, or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.

Conclusion:

BizzysBites Ante Antelope Soup (or Otwee Soup) is a deeply flavourful, hearty West African dish that blends tender game meat with bold spices and aromatic ingredients. The richness of the soup, combined with the gamey meat and the layers of spices, makes this a truly special meal. Whether served with fufu, banku, or rice, it’s a dish that celebrates the bold and comforting flavours of African cuisine, making it perfect for a family gathering or special occasion. THANK-YOU FOR READING OUR BLOG POST  BUY NOW