Bitterleaf Soup is a traditional Nigerian dish that can be prepared with various thickeners including cocoyam, quaker oats, achi, or ofo. This recipe focuses on using cocoyam powder as the thickener, making it particularly suitable for those living outside Nigeria where fresh cocoyam might be difficult to find.
This hearty soup combines the unique taste of carefully washed bitterleaf with a rich mixture of meats, seafood, and traditional seasonings, all brought together by the smooth thickening properties of cocoyam powder.
Ingredients
- 3-4 handfuls washed bitterleaf
- 6 tablespoons cocoyam powder
- 500g beef
- 300g cow tripe
- 2 pieces stockfish
- 2 pieces dried catfish
- 10 pieces snails
- 3 cooking spoons palm oil
- 3 tablespoons crayfish powder
- 1 teaspoon ogiri Igbo
- 2 beef-flavored seasoning cubes
- Habanero pepper (to taste)
- Prep time: 45 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Serves: 6-8 people
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Thoroughly wash and squeeze the bitterleaf until all bitterness is removed
- Step 2: Mix cocoyam powder with warm water to create a smooth paste
- Step 3: Cook beef, snails, cow tripe, and stockfish with seasoning cubes until tender
- Step 4: Remove stockfish, debone, and break into smaller pieces
- Step 5: In a pot with 2.5 liters of water, combine crayfish, dried fish, deboned stockfish, ogiri Igbo, and pepper
- Step 6: Add cocoyam paste in small portions, palm oil, and washed bitterleaf
- Step 7: Cook on high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking
- Step 8: Continue cooking until cocoyam dissolves completely and soup reaches desired thickness
- Step 9: Adjust salt to taste before removing from heat
Additional Instructions
- Ensure bitterleaf is completely free of bitterness before cooking
- Meat combinations can be adjusted according to preference and availability
- Substitute beef with goat meat or lamb if desired
- Snails are optional and can be omitted
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Serve hot with any Nigerian fufu meal, especially Cassava Fufu (Akpu)
- Alternative peppers: scotch bonnet or fresh cayenne pepper can be used
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 35g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 20g
- Approx. Fat: 28g
- Approx. Fiber: 4g
