Akple with light soup "The Taste of Home"

Here’s a short, heartwarming story about Akple with Light Soup, blending tradition, culture, and a bit of nostalgia:

"The Taste of Home"

The scent hit Kofi before he even reached the compound gate — rich, savory, and faintly smoky. It curled around him like an old friend, dragging memories from the corners of his heart.

He had been away for years. First to Accra for university, then abroad for work. Life was fast, shiny, and full of opportunity. But no matter where he went — from London’s icy streets to New York’s glass towers — nothing ever filled the void that smelled like home.

Now, finally back in his village in the Volta Region, the familiar sound of the wooden banku ta stirring vigorously in a pot greeted him. Inside, his mother stood over the fire, her headscarf tilted as always, beads of sweat on her brow. Beside her, a bowl of akple sat — warm, grey-white mounds shaped like little hills — waiting patiently.

The light soup bubbled with promise, filled with goat meat, garden eggs, tomatoes, and just enough pepper to make your eyes water and your soul sing. It was the kind of soup that wasn't just food — it was home, it was history, it was love.

“Ma, you remembered,” Kofi said softly, his throat tightening.

She turned, smiling. “How could I forget your favorite? You always asked for akple and light soup after school, even when there was only enough for one. You would give me the meat and keep the broth.”

He laughed. “Still would.”

They sat under the mango tree, with enamel bowls steaming in their laps, bare feet brushing red earth. Each spoonful brought back stories: of childhood games, of quiet nights under mosquito nets, of laughter by lantern light.

It wasn’t just a meal — it was a reconnection. To his roots. To his people. To himself.

As he sipped the last drop of soup, Kofi knew something deep in his spirit: no matter how far he traveled, home would always be where the akple was soft, and the soup was hot.

Here's the story translated into Ewe, keeping the warmth and feeling intact:

"Ŋutifafa ƒe Dzidzɔ" (The Taste of Peace/Home)

Kofi do ɖe agble ƒe ƒe nu vovo o — dzidzɔ dzi, akpa la, ke edze amedzro dzi. Gake dziɖuɖu la wòɖe akɔm dzi be: "Meɖo agbe ɖa le agble me."

Wòle gɔme ɖe ɖeɖe. Kɔle Accra be yewoɖe nu wɔ, eye wòtu kple akɔta siwo ŋu dze agblɔe ɖe abɔme. Míegbɔ dzidzɔ le London ƒe akɔnta me alo New York ƒe to dede me o — gake nye dzidzɔ si le akple kple dzogbor soup me la, menye e nye o.

Nuwuwu abe yewoya ɖe anyigba me ɖe Volta Region, Kofi ɖo anyigba ƒe afima. Eƒe nye gbɔgblɔm be wòtsɔ banku ta do ɖe akple me le kɔkɔe, ɖo vɔsɔe kple gbedoxɔ. Eƒe nye ŋutifafa.

"Me mawu!" Kofi gblɔ na eƒe mama, wòɖe gbe vovo.

"Ah, Kofi," eƒe mama gblɔ be, "Wòanye nu si wòle dzi dzi gake ke wòdzudzɔ dzo ɖe ŋutɔ. Wòwɔ akple kple dzogbor soup afisia gake nàma do meat la na mi."

Wòtsɔ dzidzɔ le ɖokui, wòɖe eya ɖe eƒe do le eƒe tɔtrɔ dzi. Dzogbor soup la le gome, ŋɔŋlɔ kple dɔmevi kple dɔdɔe kple ehɔ̃e, eye ke wòfɔ afi sia afi si be: "Wònyé fia nu, wònyé amegã nu, wònyé dɔ."

Kofi ɖo gbɔ be: "Agbale nyuie, akple le afime, dzogbor soup le afi ma — meɖe agbe ɖa ɖe eme ɖo."

Let me know if you want an audio version or a bilingual poster for sharing!

Akple with light soup is a delicious and comforting Ghanaian dish! Akple is a soft, slightly stretchy dough made from a mix of corn flour (sometimes with a bit of cassava flour), and it's a staple among the Ewe people of Ghana. It’s typically served in smooth, greyish lumps.

Light soup is a mildly spicy, tomato-based soup that's light in texture but rich in flavor. It’s often made with goat meat, chicken, or fish, and spiced with ginger, garlic, onions, and hot peppers.

When paired, Akple and light soup create a beautiful balance — the neutral, smooth Akple soaks up the flavorful, spicy soup, making each bite deeply satisfying.

AKPLE

Ingredients:

2 cups corn flour (not corn starch!)
1/2 cup cassava flour (optional for extra stretch)
Water
Salt (optional)

Instructions:

Mix the corn flour (and cassava flour if using) with enough water to form a smooth slurry (like a light porridge).
Pour into a saucepan and cook over medium heat.
Stir continuously with a wooden spatula (preferably a banku ta) to avoid lumps.
As it cooks, it thickens. Add small amounts of water as needed and cover briefly to steam through.
Once it’s firm and stretchy, mold into smooth balls using a wet spoon or your hands.

LIGHT SOUP (with goat meat or any protein)

Ingredients: Published from Blogger Prime Android App

1 kg goat meat (or chicken, fish, etc.)
4 medium tomatoes
1 medium onion (plus 1 for blending)
3-4 cloves garlic
1 thumb ginger
Scotch bonnet/hot pepper (to taste)
Salt
Seasoning cubes (optional)
Water

Instructions:

Season meat: Blend one onion, garlic, and ginger. Pour over meat. Add salt and optional seasoning cube. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Steam meat on low heat in its juices for about 10-15 mins.
Add chopped onion, whole tomatoes, and pepper to the pot. Add water to cover everything.
Boil until tomatoes and pepper are soft.
Remove the tomatoes, onion, and pepper. Blend them and return the mixture to the pot.
Add more water (as needed for your desired soup lightness) and let it boil until the meat is tender and the soup has a rich flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Skim off excess oil if needed.

Serve hot — ladle that flavorful light soup over a mound of akple and enjoy!

Nutrientional Benefits

Akple with light soup isn't just tasty — it has some decent nutritional value too. Here’s a breakdown of its key benefits:

Nutritional Benefits of Akple:

Carbohydrates for Energy: Akple is mainly made from corn flour, which is rich in complex carbs. This provides a steady energy release — great for fueling your day.
Dietary Fiber: Corn flour contains some fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.
Gluten-Free: If you’re avoiding gluten, akple is naturally gluten-free (just be sure the flour isn’t cross-contaminated).

Nutritional Benefits of Light Soup (especially with meat/fish):

Protein: Meat, fish, or chicken in the soup provides high-quality protein, important for muscle repair and overall body maintenance.
Vitamins & Minerals:
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C, lycopene (a powerful antioxidant), and potassium.
- Onions & Garlic: Known for immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Peppers: High in vitamin C and capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism.
Low in Fat (if not overly oily): When prepared without excess oil, light soup is actually quite light — hence the name!

Balanced Meal When Paired Together:

Carbs (Akple) + Protein (Meat/Fish) + **Vitamins (Veget