Bitter Leaf Soup
Bitter Leaf Soup
Bitter Leaf Soup is a hearty and rich West African dish, popular in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana. This flavorful soup is a perfect balance between a soup and a vegetable stew, often served alongside starchy dishes like fufu. 🥬🍲
Equipment
- Large pot or saucepan
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds assorted meats chicken, beef, smoked fish, smoked turkey
- ¼-½ cup cooking oil
- ½ large onion sliced
- 2 tomatoes sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic optional
- ½ cup ground crayfish
- ½ cup ground egusi
- 2 cups washed bitterleaf use 3 cups if using bitterleaf only
- 3 cups fresh chopped spinach
- 1 tablespoon bouillon powder or 2 Maggi cubes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: In a large pot, season the assorted meats or chicken with salt, bouillon, and onions. Add water and boil until the meat is tender. If using smoked fish, add it in during this step. You should have about 3 cups of stock when done. Reserve any extra stock for later use or freeze it.
- Prep the Vegetables: While the meat is cooking, slice the tomatoes and onions, and mince the garlic if using.
- Cook the Base: Heat the cooking oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the sliced tomatoes, garlic, and ground crayfish. Add the cooked meat pieces back into the pot, ensuring they are submerged. Mix in the ground egusi and pour in the reserved chicken or meat stock. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Greens: Add the washed bitterleaf, followed by the chopped spinach. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Enjoy the Bitter Leaf Soup warm with fufu, rice, or any accompaniment of your choice.
Notes
- 🌿 Adjust the quantity of bitterleaf to your preference—more for a stronger bitter flavor, or less for a milder taste.
- 🍲 You can use fresh or dried bitterleaf; just ensure it's thoroughly washed to reduce the bitterness.
Nutrition
Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 57gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 339mgPotassium: 1349mgVitamin A: 4110IUVitamin C: 23.2mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 3.1mg
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