Bitterleaf Soup is a traditional Nigerian dish that can be prepared using various thickeners. This version uses cocoyam powder as the thickening agent, making it perfect for those living outside Nigeria where fresh cocoyam might be difficult to find.
This hearty soup combines tender meat, seafood, and well-washed bitter leaves with a rich, smooth cocoyam-thickened base. The result is a flavorful, nutritious soup that pairs perfectly with traditional Nigerian fufu meals.
Ingredients
- 3-4 handfuls washed bitter leaves
- 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 seasoning cubes (beef flavored)
- 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 bitter leaves 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 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 bitter leaves
- 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 bitter leaves are completely free of bitterness before cooking
- Meat combinations can be adjusted according to preference and availability
- Alternative meat options include goat meat or lamb
- Snails are optional and can be omitted
- Scotch bonnet or cayenne pepper can substitute habanero pepper
- Serve hot with cassava fufu (akpu) or other Nigerian fufu meals
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat thoroughly before serving
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 35g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 25g
- Approx. Fat: 28g
- Approx. Fiber: 4g
