Bitterleaf Soup is a traditional Nigerian dish that can be prepared using various thickeners. This recipe showcases how to make it using cocoyam powder, which is particularly useful 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 smooth, cocoyam-thickened base. The result is a rich, flavorful soup that pairs perfectly with traditional Nigerian fufu dishes.
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 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 bitter leaves until no bitterness remains
- 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, stockfish, ogiri Igbo, pepper, and cocoyam paste
- Step 6: Add palm oil and bitter leaves, cover and cook on high heat
- Step 7: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- Step 8: Cook until cocoyam dissolves completely and adjust salt to taste
- Step 9: Continue cooking until desired thickness is achieved
Additional Instructions
- Ensure bitter leaves are completely free of bitterness before using
- 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
- Alternative peppers: scotch bonnet or fresh cayenne pepper
- Best served with Nigerian fufu meals, especially Cassava Fufu (Akpu)
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on stovetop, adding small amounts of water if needed
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 35g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 25g
- Approx. Fat: 28g
