Ghanaian Light Soup with Mushrooms: The Ultimate Authentic Recipe

Try this Ghanaian Light Soup with Mushrooms Recipe, a bold, comforting take on West African cuisine. Locally known as nkrakra (meaning “light” or “clear”), this traditional Ghanaian soup is a spicy, tomato-based broth that is often served with fava beans, rice, or boiled yams. It’s typically made with goat, chicken, or fish, but in this unique twist, we’re highlighting mushrooms for a savory, earthy depth that’s perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for a light, nutritious meal.

This easy Ghanaian soup recipe is packed with flavor and versatile—you can make it with or without meat, and customize the spice levels to your liking. Packed with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet peppers, and umami-rich mushrooms, this soup is gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of immune-boosting ingredients. It’s perfect for a healthy African soup, a vegetarian West African recipe, or anyone looking for a traditional dish with a plant-based spin.

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🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the fresh, wholesome, and traditional ingredients used to prepare Ghanaian Light Soup with Mushrooms – a spicy, aromatic West African soup loved across the globe.

🌿 Traditional Ingredients

• 🍗 1 lb (450g) Chicken, Goat, or Beef – for rich flavor and protein
• 🍅 2 medium Tomatoes – for a fresh tomato base
• 🧅 1 Onion – half blended, half sliced
• 🧄 2–3 Garlic Cloves – adds aromatic depth
• 🌶️ 2 Scotch Bonnet or Habanero Peppers – for that signature spicy kick
• 🧑‍🍳 1 tbsp Tomato Paste – enhances color and taste
• 🫚 1-inch Ginger – for authentic Ghanaian flavor
• 🍄 2 cups Fresh Mushrooms (button, oyster, or shiitake)
• 🧂 Salt – to taste
• 🧊 1–2 Bouillon Cubes (Maggi or Knorr, optional)
• 💧 4 cups Water or Broth (chicken or beef)
• 🛢️ 2 tbsp Oil (optional – for sautéing onions)

🌱 Vegan-Friendly Options

• 🌿 Tofu or Tempeh – for plant-based protein
• 🥕 Vegetable Broth – instead of meat-based broth
• 🍄 Dried Mushrooms – for extra umami and depth
• 🧂 Sea Salt & Nutritional Yeast – for seasoning boost

📸 Ingredients for authentic Ghanaian light soup with mushrooms

Suggested: Crispy Parmesan Eggs

🍲 How to Make Ghanaian Light Soup with Mushrooms

Follow these simple steps to create a rich, flavorful Ghanaian light soup packed with earthy mushrooms and a spicy tomato base. This authentic West African soup recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

1. Step 1 – Blend the Base: Combine fresh tomatoes, half an onion, garlic, and ginger in a blender. Blend until smooth. This forms the foundation of your flavorful Ghanaian soup broth.
2. Step 2 – Pre-cook Your Protein (Optional): If using meat like chicken or goat, season lightly with salt and bouillon. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until partially cooked.
3. Step 3 – Cook the Tomato Mixture: In a pot, sauté the other half of the onion until translucent. Add the blended tomato mix and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Let simmer for 10 minutes to reduce acidity.
4. Step 4 – Add Water or Broth: Pour in 4 cups of water or broth. Stir well to combine all flavors.
5. Step 5 – Add Mushrooms & Peppers: Stir in sliced mushrooms and whole Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. Add protein or tofu if using.
6. Step 6 – Simmer Gently: Allow the soup to cook uncovered for 30–40 minutes until flavors develop. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or bouillon cubes.
7. Step 7 – Serve Hot: Remove whole peppers if desired. Serve your Ghanaian mushroom light soup with fufu, rice, or boiled yam.

Suggested: Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken

🔥 Top Tips for the Best Ghanaian Light Soup with Mushrooms

Cook authentic Ghanaian Light Soup with these expert tips and tricks. These proven techniques will ensure your soup is full of rich, spicy West African flavor.

• Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic: They’re essential in West African soups for depth and warmth. Avoid powdered substitutes for best results.
• Scotch Bonnet or Habanero = Authentic Heat: Use them whole for flavor without excessive spice, or blend for a hotter soup. Adjust to your heat tolerance.
• Let It Simmer Slowly: The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it gets. A slow simmer allows the mushrooms and spices to release their full aroma.
• Use Assorted Mushrooms for Texture: Mix oyster, button, and shiitake for a more robust and meaty mouthfeel in your vegetarian light soup.
• Balance the Acidity with Tomato Paste: Too much fresh tomato can make the broth overly acidic. Tomato paste adds depth and balances the soup beautifully.
• Don’t Skip the Onion Base: Blending onions into the soup base enhances both texture and umami — key in traditional Ghanaian soup recipes.

💡 Tip: For the most authentic Ghanaian flavor, add a pinch of dried crayfish powder or smoked shrimp powder—commonly used in West African soups and stews.

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🍲 Serving Suggestions for Ghanaian Light Soup with Mushrooms

Wondering how to serve Ghanaian light soup for the best experience? Here are the top ways to enjoy this spicy and nourishing West African soup recipe that brings warmth and comfort to every bite.

🍚 With Steamed Rice

A classic pairing! The light, spicy broth soaks into jasmine or basmati rice perfectly. Ideal for a balanced and easy-to-digest Ghanaian dinner.

🥔 With Boiled Yam or Plantains

For an authentic West African touch, serve with boiled yam or sweet plantains. These starchy sides balance the spicy mushroom soup beautifully.

🥣 With Fufu (Cassava or Yam)

This is the most traditional Ghanaian way to enjoy light soup. Dip soft, stretchy fufu into the soup for a hearty and satisfying meal.

🥑 Add Avocado or Salad

Lighten up your plate by pairing with creamy avocado slices or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad for a modern, health-conscious twist.

Related: Easy Chickpea Salad Recipe

🍲 Variations To Try – Customize Your Ghanaian Light Soup

Ghanaian light soup is not only deeply flavorful and nutrient-rich, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a traditionalist or following a plant-based lifestyle, there are plenty of delicious ways to customize this West African classic to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

🌱 Vegan Ghanaian Light Soup

Skip the meat and add cubes of firm tofu or sautéed tempeh. Use vegetable broth and dried mushrooms to enhance the umami flavor. It’s a perfect vegan African soup that’s just as hearty and spicy.

🐟 Seafood Light Soup

Swap out the red meat for pieces of tilapia, catfish, or shrimp. These add a delicate flavor and pair perfectly with the spicy tomato broth. Ideal for pescatarians or lovers of Ghanaian seafood recipes.

🥑 Low-Carb / Keto Light Soup

Cut down on carbs by omitting traditional sides like fufu or yam. Pair your soup with zucchini noodles or a fresh salad. A tasty keto-friendly African soup that’s still bold and satisfying.

✨ No matter your dietary style, this traditional Ghanaian mushroom light soup can adapt beautifully. Its base is rich in flavor, easy to tweak, and always comforting.

Related: Curied Red Bean Soup

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Yield: 6

Ghanaian Light Soup with Mushrooms

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This light and flavorful Ghanaian soup, traditionally known as Nkatenkwan (though Light Soup usually refers to a tomato-based broth), is made even more delicious with the earthy addition of mushrooms. It's a comforting and nutritious dish that's surprisingly easy to make.
This Ghanaian Light Soup with Mushrooms is a comforting and nutritious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of West Africa to your table. The blend of fresh aromatics, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms creates a truly satisfying experience. Perfect for a cozy meal or a taste of Ghanaian cuisine.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon palm oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 2-3 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (or to taste), whole or slit (handle with care!)
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 500g bone-in chicken pieces (or any preferred meat like beef, goat, or fish)
• 200g mushrooms (cremini, button, or oyster work well), cleaned and sliced
• 6-8 cups water or light chicken/vegetable broth
• 1 seasoning cube (Maggi or Knorr, optional)
• Salt to taste
• A handful of prekese (tetrapleura tetraptera) pods, optional (for authentic flavor, available in African markets)
• A few sprigs of fresh basil or scent leaf (nchuanwu), optional, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Aromatics: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped onion, tomatoes, Scotch bonnet pepper(s), ginger, and garlic. Add about 1/2 cup of water and blend until a smooth paste is formed.
2. Sauté the Base: Heat the palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Pour in the blended aromatic paste and sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the paste deepens in color and the oil separates. This is crucial for developing the soup's flavor.
3. Add Meat and Seasoning: Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken with the sautéed paste. Add the seasoning cube (if using) and a pinch of salt. If using prekese, lightly bruise the pods and add them now.
4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the water or broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Add Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
6. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt as needed. Remove the Scotch bonnet peppers if you don't want them to burst and make the soup too spicy. If using prekese, you can remove them now as well.
7. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or scent leaf, if desired.

Notes

• For richer flavor: Brown the chicken pieces slightly in the pot before adding the aromatic paste.
• Spice level: Adjust the number of Scotch bonnet peppers to your preference. For less heat, use fewer peppers or remove the seeds.
• Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a small portion of the cooked vegetables from the soup and return it to the pot.
• Vegetarian/Vegan option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add more mushrooms, other vegetables like carrots or potatoes, or plant-based protein.
• Prekese: This traditional Ghanaian spice adds a unique, slightly tangy, and woody flavor. If you can't find it, the soup will still be delicious.
• Serving suggestion: Ghanaian Light Soup is traditionally served with fufu, banku, kenkey, or rice. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 438mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 27g

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