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July 5, 2025

Learn how to make Ewedu Soup the authentic Nigerian way. This ultimate Yoruba soup recipe is easy, comforting, nutrient-rich, and perfect with amala, eba, or fufu. Step-by-step guide included.

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🌿 Introduction

Ewedu Soup is one of Nigeria’s most beloved traditional soups, especially among the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. Known for its silky texture, vibrant green colour, and deeply comforting taste, Ewedu Soup is a cultural staple that has stood the test of time. Whether served at family gatherings, local buka spots, or special occasions, this soup remains a symbol of simplicity, nourishment, and tradition.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make Ewedu Soup that stretches perfectly, tastes authentic, and pairs beautifully with amala, you’re in the right place. This detailed guide breaks down everything you need to know—from ingredients and tools to expert tips that guarantee success every time.

Beyond its cultural significance, Ewedu Soup is also highly nutritious. Made primarily from jute leaves, it is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support digestion and overall wellness. No wonder it’s often described as both food and medicine.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make Ewedu Soup step by step, following the trusted blog-9jakitchen pattern of writing, ensuring a practical recipe, and ready for your kitchen.

💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll instantly fall in love with this Nigerian Vegetable soup recipe for so many reasons:

It is authentic and traditional, just like it’s made in Yoruba homes
The recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, even if it’s your first time
Ewedu Soup cooks very fast, making it perfect for busy days
It pairs beautifully with amala, eba, fufu, and even semolina
The soup is nutrient-dense, supporting digestion and gut health
It delivers that classic stretchy, smooth texture everyone loves
This method guarantees no lumps and no bitterness

If you’ve been searching for the most reliable way to prepare Traditional Yoruba soup, this recipe is truly the ultimate guide.

🥬 Ingredients Needed

Below are the essential ingredients required to make authentic Soup, along with brief descriptions to guide you:

Fresh Ewedu Leaves (Jute Leaves)
The star ingredient of Ewedu Soup. These green leafy vegetables give the soup its signature texture and colour.
Potash (Kaun / Akanwu) – Optional
Traditionally used to enhance the stretchiness of the Soup. Use sparingly.
Iru (Locust Beans)
Adds a deep, earthy, umami flavour that defines authentic Yoruba soups.
Ground Crayfish
Enhances the aroma and gives the soup a rich seafood depth.
Salt
Used to balance and enhance all the flavours in the soup.
Water
Helps soften the leaves and blend all ingredients smoothly.

🍲 Equipment Needed

To achieve the perfect texture when learning how to make the soup, you’ll need the following tools:

Medium Cooking Pot – For boiling and cooking the leaves
Traditional Broom Whisk (Ijabe) or Blender – For blending the leaves
Knife – For trimming and sorting the leaves
Sieve or Colander – For washing the ewedu leaves
Wooden Spoon – For stirring and combining ingredients

👩🏽‍🍳 Step-By-Step Guide: How To Make Ewedu Soup

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these carefully detailed steps to achieve perfect Ewedu Soup every time:

Step 1: Sort And Wash The Ewedu Leaves

Remove tough stems and damaged leaves
Rinse thoroughly in clean water
Drain properly to remove excess water

Step 2: Boil The Leaves

Place the washed leaves into a pot
Add a small amount of water (just enough to cook)
Add a pinch of potash if using
Cook for 5–7 minutes until the leaves soften

Step 3: Blend Or Whisk

Remove the pot from the heat
Blend using a blender or whisk vigorously with a broom whisk
Blend until the soup becomes smooth and slightly stretchy

Step 4: Season The Soup

Return the blended mixture to low heat
Add ground crayfish and iru
Stir gently to combine
Add salt to taste

Step 5: Final Simmer

Allow the soup to simmer for 2–3 minutes
Stir continuously to prevent burning
Turn off the heat once the texture is silky and uniform

Your Ewedu Soup is now ready to serve.

⭐ Tips For A Perfect Result

To truly master how to make Ewedu Soup, keep these expert tips in mind:

Always use fresh ewedu leaves for the best colour and flavour
Avoid overcooking, as this can dull the green colour
Use potash sparingly to prevent bitterness
Whisk or blend while the leaves are still hot for a smoother texture
Add seasoning gradually and taste as you go
Stir continuously after blending to avoid lumps

These tips guarantee restaurant-quality Ewedu Soup every time.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Ewedu Soup is traditionally served with:

Amala (Yam flour swallow)
Eba (Garri swallow)
Fufu or semolina

For a complete Yoruba meal, serve Ewedu Soup alongside gbegiri and assorted meat stew.

🔄 Variations

You can customise Ewedu Soup in several ways:

Add blended spinach if ewedu leaves are scarce
Include smoked fish for extra flavour
Skip potash for a lighter, less stretchy version
Pair with vegetable-based proteins for a vegan option

Each variation still preserves the soul of Ewedu Soup.

Ewedu Soup Recipe

Ewedu Soup Recipe

Ewedu soup is a traditional Nigerian dish made from the ewedu leaves, known for their mucilaginous texture when cooked. The recipe begins with boiling and seasoning meat (if desired) to create a flavorful broth. The ewedu leaves are then added to boiling water, cooked until soft, and blended or chopped for a smooth consistency. Seasonings such as iru (fermented locust beans), ground crayfish, and palm oil enhance the soup’s rich flavour. Ewedu is typically served with swallows like pounded yam, amala, or fufu, making it a comforting and nutritious meal.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 20

Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup

Cuisine African/Nigerian

Servings 5 People

Calories 88 kcal

Equipment

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

Ingredients

Fresh Ewedu Leaves: 2 bundles (or you can use frozen ewedu if fresh is not available)
4 cups Water
1-2 tbsp Iru (Locust Bean) optional, for a richer flavour
2 tbsp Ground Crayfish
Pepper: 1-2 Scotch bonnets or habanero peppers (to taste)
1/2 cup Palm Oil (this adds richness and flavour)
Meat/Fish: You can use assorted meats, goat meat, beef, or dried fish (optional)
Salt: To taste
1-2 Cubes Seasoning Cubes: 1-2 cubes (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ewedu Leaves

Washing: If you’re using fresh ewedu leaves, rinse them thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Be sure to pick out any damaged or wilted leaves.
Chopping: You can chop the leaves finely with a knife or use a blender to puree them. If you prefer a smoother texture, blending is the way to go. If you enjoy a bit of texture, chopping is suitable.

Step 2: Cooking the Meat

If using meat, place it in a pot and add water to cover. Season with salt and a cube of seasoning. If you like, you can add onion slices and other spices to enhance the flavour.
Boil the meat until tender. This can take about 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of meat used.
Once the meat is cooked, you can reserve some of the stock for later use in the soup.

Step 3: Making the Soup

In another pot, bring about 4 cups of water to a boil.
Add the chopped or blended ewedu leaves to the boiling water. Stir continuously to avoid lumps forming. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes on medium heat. The leaves will soften, and the soup will become viscous.
Stir in the iru (if using), ground crayfish, and chopped pepper. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt or seasoning cubes to taste. If you like a bit of an extra kick, you can add more pepper.
Add the palm oil and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. The palm oil will give the soup its rich flavour and colour.

Step 4: Final Touches

If you reserved meat stock earlier, you can incorporate it into the soup to enhance the taste.
Ensure everything is thoroughly mixed, and adjust the consistency by adding more water if it seems too thick.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Ewedu soup is best served with swallows such as pounded yam, amala, or fufu, which you can use to scoop up the soup. It can also be paired with rice or served as a side dish. Some people enjoy adding a protein like fried chicken or fish alongside their meal.

Tips for Customisation

Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version by omitting meat and using mushrooms for flavour.
Hicker Consistency: For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water you add initially or allow the soup to simmer longer.
Flavour Enhancements: You can add spices like thyme or bay leaves during the meat cooking phase for added flavour.

Ewedu soup is not only delicious but also a great source of nutrients. It’s a vibrant dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Nigeria. Enjoy your cooking!

Keyword Ewedu Soup

📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value (DV)
Calories	65 kcal	3%
Fiber	4 g	14%
Vitamin A	2800 IU	56%
Vitamin C	25 mg	42%
Calcium	120 mg	12%
Iron	2.3 mg	13%

🔗 Source: SnapCalorie – Ewedu Soup↗

🩺 Health Benefits And Advice

Ewedu Soup is more than comfort food—it offers powerful health benefits:

Supports digestion due to high fiber content
Helps relieve constipation naturally
Promotes gut health and bowel regularity
Rich in antioxidants that support immunity
Low in calories, making it weight-friendly

For best health results, enjoy the Nigerian Vegetable Soup as part of a balanced diet.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I make the Soup without potash?
👉 Yes, you can. The soup will still taste great, just slightly less stretchy.

Q2. Can I store the Soup?
👉 Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q3. Can I freeze Ewedu Soup?
👉 Freezing is not recommended, as it affects texture and colour.

Q4. What makes the soup slippery?
👉 The natural mucilage in jute leaves gives the soup its slippery texture.

🌟 Final Thought

Learning how to make Ewedu Soup is a celebration of Nigerian culinary heritage. This ultimate recipe delivers authenticity, nutrition, and comfort in every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for family or introducing someone to Yoruba cuisine, The Soup remains a timeless classic that never disappoints.

If you enjoyed this guide, be sure to explore more traditional Nigerian recipes right here on blog.9jakitchen.com. Happy cooking! 🍲💚

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