Dive into the nourishing world of West African cuisine with this Heart-Healthy Ewedu Soup, a vibrant green dish packed with flavor and wellness benefits. Made with fresh jute leaves (ewedu) simmered to silky perfection, this soup is enriched with ground crayfish, egusi melon seeds, and a hint of chili for a balanced, savory kick. What sets this version apart is its heart-conscious twist—low-sodium vegetable bouillon and carefully measured seasoning ensure a nutritious, guilt-free meal. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this comforting soup is perfect with traditional swallows like amala or fufu, or even served alongside steamed rice. Ideal for health-conscious food lovers and fans of wholesome ethnic cooking, this ewedu soup is a delicious way to embrace both flavor and wellness.
Start by washing the fresh jute leaves thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities. Drain the water and set the leaves aside.
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water. This helps to soften the leaves quickly during cooking.
Add the washed jute leaves to the boiling water. Stir them gently and allow them to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the leaves become very soft.
Once the leaves are soft, use a blender or a traditional broom whisk to blend the leaves until they are smooth and have a slightly slimy consistency.
Return the pot with the blended leaves to low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of ground crayfish, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 low-sodium vegetable bouillon cube. Stir well to combine.
Add 2 tablespoons of ground egusi (melon seeds) and stir the mixture to prevent any lumps from forming. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Season the soup with 1/2 teaspoon of ground chili pepper and a pinch of salt, adjusting to taste as needed. Stir the soup thoroughly, allowing it to simmer for another 3-5 minutes until all flavors are well integrated.
Serve hot. Ewedu soup pairs well with traditional swallows like amala, fufu, or rice, providing a nourishing and heart-friendly meal.
Serving size | 1209.8 grams (1209.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 197 |
Total Fat 9.50g | 12% |
Saturated Fat 1.60g | 8% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
Cholesterol 20mg | 7% |
Sodium 2101mg | 91% |
Total Carbohydrate 20.60g | 7% |
Dietary Fiber 5.50g | 20% |
Total Sugars 1.80g | |
Protein 16.50g | 33% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 489mg | 38% |
Iron 6mg | 35% |
Potassium 819mg | 17% |
Source of Calories