Bitterleaf Soup

Immerse yourself in the rich and comforting flavors of Bitterleaf Soup, a beloved West African delicacy that's as nutritious as it is delicious. This hearty soup is a delightful combination of tender goat meat, smoked dried fish, and the distinctive earthy flavor of fresh bitter leaves, which are carefully rinsed to balance their natural bitterness. Enhanced with a vibrant medley of ingredients like palm oil, ground crayfish, fermented locust beans (ogiri), and a creamy egusi (melon seed) paste, this soup is a one-pot showcase of bold, traditional flavors. Slow-cooked to perfection, it delivers a thick, aromatic broth that’s perfect for pairing with pounded yam, fufu, or steamed rice. With just 30 minutes of prep and a flavor payoff that’s well worth the wait, Bitterleaf Soup is an authentic and satisfying taste of African cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 cups Bitter leaf
• 1 pound Goat meat
• 1 Smoked dried fish
• 0.5 cup Stockfish
• 0.5 cup Palm oil
• 2 tablespoons Ground crayfish
• 1 tablespoon Fermented locust bean (ogiri)
• 1 teaspoon Ground pepper
• 1 cup Ground egusi (melon seeds)
• 2 Seasoning cubes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 5 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Start by washing the bitter leaves. Rinse them in water multiple times until the bitterness is reduced to your liking, then set them aside.

Step 2

In a large pot, place the goat meat, add 2 cups of water, salt, and one seasoning cube. Cook on medium-high heat for about 20 minutes until the meat is tender.

Step 3

Add the smoked dried fish and stockfish to the pot. Allow to cook for an additional 10 minutes to soften.

Step 4

Meanwhile, prepare the melon seeds (egusi) by blending them with a small amount of water to create a paste.

Step 5

Lower the heat to medium. Add the palm oil to the pot, followed by the ground crayfish, ground pepper, and fermented locust bean (ogiri). Stir well.

Step 6

Introduce the egusi paste into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent it from forming large lumps. Cook for 10 minutes.

Step 7

Add the washed bitter leaves, the second seasoning cube, and the remaining 3 cups of water. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 8

Let the soup simmer gently for another 40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the flavors are well combined.

Step 9

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.

Step 10

Serve hot with your favorite side, such as pounded yam, fufu, or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3183.3 grams (3183.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3941

Total Fat 264.00g	338%
Saturated Fat 81.50g	408%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 654mg	218%
Sodium 6396mg	278%
Total Carbohydrate 104.50g	38%
Dietary Fiber 22.50g	80%
Total Sugars 2.40g
Protein 336.00g	672%

Vitamin D 100IU	500%
Calcium 1822mg	140%
Iron 52mg	289%
Potassium 8240mg	175%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.4%

Protein: 32.5%

Carbs: 10.1%