Making Achi Soup in Canada is easier than you think if you know where to shop. Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Halifax, you can find most ingredients for this traditional Nigerian soup in African or Caribbean grocery stores.
This guide will help you locate key ingredients, plan your shopping list, and cook a rich, satisfying pot of achi soup in your Canadian kitchen.
Cooking the Nigerian Achi Soup Overseas
Achi soup is a thick, savory Nigerian dish made using ground achi seeds as a thickening agent. It’s popular across southeastern Nigeria and is often served with fufu, pounded yam, or rice.
Essential Local Ingredients for Achi Soup Preparation
To prepare this soup, you need a blend of spices, proteins, and local thickeners.
Core Ingredients
- Achi powder (ground achi seeds)
- Palm oil
- Meat (goat, beef, or tripe)
- Smoked fish or stockfish
- Ground crayfish
- Pepper (fresh or dry)
- Seasoning cubes
- Salt
- Leafy greens (ugu, bitter leaf, oha, or spinach)
- Uziza
Where to Buy Achi Ingredients in Canada
You’ll find most items in African, Caribbean, or international grocery stores. Some are also available online.
Table: Common Ingredients and Where to Buy
| Ingredient | Where to Find | Estimated Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Achi powder | MyChopChop, SMK African Foods, Etsy | $5–$12 per 100g |
| Palm oil | Afro-Caribbean stores, Real Canadian Superstore | $8–$15 per 1L |
| Crayfish | JD Best Market, African Grocery Online | $6–$10 per 100g |
| Stockfish | Local African markets | $10–$20 per piece |
| Goat meat | Butchers, ethnic stores like Adonis | $15–$18 per kg |
| Bitter leaf | Frozen packs at African stores | $4–$8 per pack |
Shopping by City
Toronto
- SMK African Foods (Jane Street, North York)
- MyChopChop (Online order, Toronto pickup)
- JD Best African Market (North York, Scarborough)
Calgary
- Moriel’s Oasis
- Afro World Market
- Kemi African Foods
Vancouver
- Mama Africa Store
- Africa General Market
- Sunrise Market (for meat and general spices)
Montreal
- Adonis (for meat and vegetables)
- Marché Afro-Caribbean
- Online stores with Quebec delivery
Making Achi Soup: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep Your Meat
- Wash and season your meat with salt, pepper, and onions.
- Boil until tender, saving the stock.
Step 2: Rehydrate Fish
- Soak stockfish or smoked fish in warm water.
- Clean and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Achi Paste
- Mix achi powder with a small amount of water or oil to form a paste.
- Stir well to avoid lumps.
Step 4: Build the Soup
- Add palm oil to the meat stock and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the achi paste gradually.
- Add fish, crayfish, pepper, and seasoning cubes.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
- Wash and chop your greens.
- Add to the soup and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Substitutes When Ingredients Are Scarce
If you can’t find traditional Nigerian ingredients, use these alternatives:
- Spinach for bitter leaf
- Dry cod for stockfish
- Ground almonds for crayfish (as a flavour base)
- Goat meat from halal butchers
- Cocoyam or oat flour if achi is unavailable
Cooking Tools You Might Need
- Large pot with lid
- Blender or spice grinder
- Cooking spoon
- Chopping board
- Measuring cup
Tips for Success
- Stir achi slowly to avoid lumps.
- Use enough palm oil for flavour and colour.
- Cook fish separately if too delicate.
- Don’t overcook leafy greens.
Sample Ingredient Cost Breakdown
| Item | Quantity | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Achi powder | 100g | $8 |
| Palm oil | 1L | $10 |
| Goat meat | 1kg | $16 |
| Crayfish | 100g | $6 |
| Stockfish | 1 piece | $12 |
| Spinach | 1 bunch | $3 |
| Seasoning cubes | 4 | $2 |
| Total | – | $57 |
This serves 4–5 people generously.
What Makes Achi Soup Worth Cooking in Canada?
- It connects you with Nigerian heritage.
- It’s budget-friendly and filling.
- It works well with Canadian winter weather.
Where Do You Go From Here?
Have you made achi soup in Canada before?
- Try different meat combinations.
- Invite friends to try it with you.
- Share your shopping tips with others.
Making Achi Soup in Canada is practical, rewarding, and totally doable. All you need is the right shopping plan and a bit of time. Grab your ingredients this weekend and enjoy a taste of Nigeria wherever you are.
