Countries 
VEGAN NIGERIAN BITTER LEAF SOUP
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped bitter leaf thoroughly washed to reduce bitterness
- 1 cup chopped spinach or ugu leaves substitute with kale if ugu is not available
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 4 medium tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish optional, for additional flavor
- 1 tablespoon ground ogiri or ugba optional, for additional flavor
- 1 tablespoon palm oil
- 1 teaspoon ground dried pepper or chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the chopped bitter leaf and enough water to cover it. Boil over medium heat for about 10 minutes to reduce bitterness. Drain and rinse the bitter leaf thoroughly with cold water. Set aside.
- In the same pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the chopped red and green bell peppers to the pot and sauté until they soften.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until they break down and release their juices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water, stirring well to combine.
- Add the ground crayfish (if using), ground ogiri or ugba (if using), ground dried pepper or chili flakes (adjust to taste), and salt. Mix well.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer over medium-low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- After an hour, add the chopped bitter leaf and chopped spinach or ugu leaves to the pot and stir well.
- Pour in the coconut milk and continue simmering the soup for an additional 15 minutes.
- Taste the Bitter Leaf Soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the Nigerian Bitter Leaf Soup hot with fufu, pounded yam, or any preferred accompaniment.
Notes
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 200 | Total Fat: 12g | Total Carbohydrates: 18g | Dietary Fiber: 6g | Protein: 8g
For your kitchen tools, check Sur La Table.
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