Discover the magic of the Bitterleaf soup and the sweet balance of its bitterness.

bitterleaf
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Introducing Bitterleaf Soup

Bitterleaf soup (Onubu soup), also known as “Ofe Onubu,” is a traditional dish from the Igbo people of Nigeria, primarily enjoyed in the southeastern region. It’s a hearty soup made with onubu leaves, typically sourced from the African bush. The soup is rich in flavour and nourishing ingredients and often includes meat, fish, and a mix of spices that contribute to its distinctive taste. Here’s an extensive guide on how to prepare Onubu soup.

Bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina) soup is a mouth-watering and aromatic traditional dish known for its unique, bitter taste. It is made from the leaves of the bitterleaf plant, which are renowned for their healing and medicinal properties.

Ingredients

Before diving into the preparation, it’s essential to gather the right ingredients. Here’s a list of what you may need:

For the Soup Base:

  • Onubu leaves: 2-3 cups (fresh or dried)
  • Beef or goat meat: 500g, cut into chunks
  • Stockfish: 200g (optional, for added flavour)
  • Dried fish: 200g (optional)
  • Ground crayfish: 2 tablespoons
  • Ground pepper: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Palm oil: 1-2 cups (adjust for richness)
  • Seasoning cubes: 2-3 (such as Maggi or Knorr)
  • Salt: to taste
  • Water: 4-6 cups (enough to cook the meat and make the soup)

Optional Ingredients:

  • Ogiri: 1 tablespoon (a fermented seasoning for umami flavour). Optional but very important
  • Periwinkle: 1 cup (optional, for texture)
  • Assorted meats, such as tripe, chicken, or turkey

Equipment Needed

  • Large Pot: For cooking the soup
  • Blender: For pureeing the leaves and other ingredients (optional; you can also chop by hand)
  • Mortar and Pestle: For grinding pepper and iru (optional)
  • Cooking Spoon: For stirring

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onubu Leaves

  1. The leaves are carefully plucked from the bitterleaf tree to prepare the perfect bitter leaf soup, ensuring only the freshest and healthiest leaves are selected.
  2. The selected leaves are then spread out under the sun for a specific amount of time to wither to a certain extent, allowing them to develop the unique flavour profile that sets them apart from other soups.

  3. Once the leaves have withered to the desired degree, they are gently squeezed to remove the bitterness, leaving only a rich, flavourful essence behind. It is this essence that is used to create the perfect bitterleaf soup, a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.

Prepared bitter leaf

Step 2: Prepare the Meat

  1. Clean and Cut the Meat: Rinse your beef or goat meat under running water and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Boil the Meat: In a large pot, add the meat, a pinch of salt, and seasoning cubes, along with water. Allow it to boil until the meat is tender. This may take about 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of meat used. Add more water if necessary during the boiling process.

Step 3: Add Stockfish and Other Proteins

  1. Combine with Fish: If using stockfish and dried fish, add them to the boiling meat after the meat is tender. Allow them to cook together for about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Test for Tenderness: Ensure that the stockfish is soft and tender.

Step 4: Add Palm Oil and Seasonings

  1. Incorporate Palm Oil: Add the palm oil to the boiling pot. Start with 1 cup and adjust according to your preferred richness.
  2. Mix in Seasonings: Stir in the ground crayfish, ground pepper, and more seasoning cubes if needed. Allow it to simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

 Step 5: Introduce the bitterleaf (Onubu Leaves)

  1. Add the bitterleaf: Fold in the chopped onubu leaves. If using ogiri or periwinkle, add them at this point for additional flavour and texture.
  2. Final Simmer: Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the leaves to become tender while retaining their vibrant green colour.

Step 6: Adjust for Flavour

  1. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the salt and seasoning as necessary. The flavour should be well-balanced, with a rich aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Onubu soup can be served hot with a variety of accompaniments, such as:

  • Fufu: A starchy side made from cassava, yam, or plantains that pairs beautifully with the soup.
  • Pounded Yam: A traditional accompaniment that complements the soup’s richness.
  • Rice: For a non-traditional twist, some might enjoy it with rice.

Conclusion

Making Onubu soup is not just about following a recipe; it’s also about embracing the rich culinary traditions of the Igbo people. With its robust flavours and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that brings people together, often enjoyed during special occasions or family gatherings. Enjoy the process of cooking and the satisfaction of sharing this delightful meal with loved ones!

Bitterleaf Soup Recipe

bitterleaf

Bitterleaf Soup

Bitterleaf soup is a delicious Nigerian dish that is made with bitterleaf, meat or fish, palm oil, onions, crayfish, and seasoning. To prepare it, boil the meat or fish until tender, then add palm oil and onions. After that, add bitterleaf and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Finally, add crayfish and seasoning, and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes. This soup is usually served with pounded yam, fufu, or eba.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine African/Nigerian
Servings 4 People

Ingredients
  

  •  Beef/ Chicken/lamb/turkey or your preferred protein cow tripe (shaki) will add more flavour
  • Washed and squeezed bitterleaf quantity to cover for the pot of soup
  • Stockfish
  • Smoked fish
  • Ogiri Igbo
  •  Periwinkle
  • Ground crayfish
  • Ponmo
  • 3 cooking spoon of Palm Oil
  • Red Onions optional
  • Cocoyam well pounded
  • Seasonings
  • Salt to taste
  • fresh pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation before cooking the soup

  • It's essential to wash bitter leaves to remove any bitterness thoroughly. If needed, clean and squeeze them multiple times. If the bitterness persists (common in store-bought bitter leaves), boil them for 15 minutes and then wash them with cold water.
  • You can either add cocoyam while cooking the meat so it can cook together to save time or cook the cocoyam separately.

Cooking the Soup

  • Before cooking, wash your preferred meat (protein) and season it to your taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then add a little water, cover it, and cook until the meat is tender. If you are cooking with cow tripe(shaki), make sure that the tripes curl as a sign that they are done.
  • Add ground crayfish, ground pepper, and salt. Allow it to cook for an additional seven minutes. Add the bitterleaf.
     Note: If the bitter leaves were parboiled to remove the bitterness, add all the ingredients at this stage, including the pounded cocoyam corms.
  • Cover the pot and cook on high heat until all the cocoyam lumps dissolve. Add more water if the soup is too thick.
  • Switch off the heat once satisfied that the cocoyam lumps have dissolved.
  • The delicious Onubu (Bitterleaf) soup you have been waiting for is now ready.

Notes

You can serve Onubu soup with any swallow, but it’s best with fufu. Some enjoy it alone. Click here to order.
Keyword Bitterleaf

Nutrient Composition of Bitterleaf

  1. Vitamins 
  • Vitamin A: Important for vision health and immune function.
  • Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.
  • Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.

  1. Minerals:

  • Calcium: Important for bone health and muscle function.
  • Iron: Crucial for oxygen transport in the blood.
  • Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function and energy production.

  1. Fiber:

  • A good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

  1. Antioxidants:

  • Contains compounds that can help combat oxidative stress in the body.

Health Benefits of Bitterleaf↗

  1. Anti-inflammatory Properties:

  • Bitterleaf exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

  1. Blood Sugar Control:

  • Studies suggest that bitterleaf may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

  1. Digestive Health:

  • The fiber content aids digestion and can prevent constipation.

  1. Weight Management:

  • Low in calories but high in nutrients, bitterleaf can be a great addition to a weight-control diet.

  1. Detoxification:

  • Known for its cleansing properties, bitterleaf may help detoxify the body and support liver health.

  1. Bone Health:

  • The presence of calcium and other minerals contributes to stronger bones and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you might also like to check out the following Nigeria recipes.

How to make egusi soup (boiled method)
How to make okra soup (ofe okwuru)
How to make fisherman’s soup
How to make ofe Owerri (Owerri soup)
How to make oha soup (ofe oha)
How to make ogbono soup (ofe ogbono)

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African/Nigerian · Dinner · Lunch · Soups
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