Bitter leaf soup is one local soup, popular for its medicinal purpose. ‘Ewuro’ as it is called in Yoruba land can be prepared with another type of vegetable; a mixture of two vegetables. The bitter leaf on itself is a good cure for pile, and other sugar related ailments. Bitter leaf is surely bitter as the name implies but it has a very good taste when prepared especially by a good cook. This soup is native to the southern part of Nigeria. Its ease of preparation makes it a menu in different homes.
INGREDIENTS
The list of ingredients includes; bitter leaf, water leaf (optional), locust bean, assorted meat, stock cubes, curry, ground pepper, onions, palm oil, kanda, smoked fish and salt.
BEFORE PREPARATION
Pluck the waterleaf from its stalk and cut into small pieces. Do the same thing for the bitter leaf. If you desire to see the effective work of the bitter leaf, then just rinse and cut. Some wash off the leaf which reduces its effect and bitter taste. The assorted meat should be parboiled with seasoning, curry, onions and salt before cooking the soup. The smoked fish should be properly washed as well.
COOKING PROCEDURE
Heat the palm oil in a pot in a medium heat for about a minute. The ground pepper is added and other ingredients such as the parboiled meat, stock from the parboiled meat, locust bean, crayfish, kanda, smoked fish, meat, stock cube and salt to taste. It is allowed to cook for 5-10 minutes after which the water leaf is introduced. It is allowed to simmer for 2-3 minutes after which the main ingredient, bitter leaf is introduced. In another 2 minutes, the bitter leaf soup is done. This soup can now be served with any food of your choice. The water from the soup can also be taken; it serves as a medicinal purpose. Foods are not meant to be tasty alone but the health choices are also to be considered. Enjoy your bitter leaf soup and stay healthy. Bon appetite!
