Bitter Leaf Soup Description: Nigerian Ofe Onugbu Recipe

Bitter Leaf Soup Description: Authentic Nigerian (Ofe Onugbu Recipe), Health Benefits, and Step-by-Step Guide

Bitter leaf soup, popularly known as Ofe Onugbu, is one of the most loved traditional soups in Nigeria. It is especially popular among the Igbo people, particularly those from Anambra State.

This Nigerian bitter leaf soup is cherished for its distinct flavor, thick texture, and rich nutritional value. Whether you are looking for how to cook bitter leaf soup, how to prepare bitter leaf soup with egusi, or simply want to enjoy its health benefits, this article is your ultimate guide.

Bitter Leaf Soup Description: What is Bitter Leaf Soup?

Bitter leaf soup, Nigeria style, is a delicacy prepared with washed and squeezed bitter leaves, palm oil, assorted meats, stockfish, dry fish, crayfish, and a thickener such as achi, cocoyam, or ofo.

The soup’s unique flavor comes from the slightly bitter taste of the leaves, balanced with spices, proteins, and palm oil.

Unlike many other Nigerian soups, bitter leaf soup (Nigerian Ofe Onugbu) is an essential dish in Igbo celebrations. At weddings, funerals, festivals, or traditional gatherings in Anambra, bitter leaf soup is often the first dish served.

Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf Soup

Beyond its delicious taste, bitter leaf soup offers several health benefits. The bitter leaf, also called Vernonia amygdalina, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties:

• Regulates blood sugar – Excellent for people managing diabetes.
• Boosts immunity – Its antibacterial and antifungal properties fight infections.
• Aids digestion – Helps relieve stomach upset and promotes gut health.
• Prevents cancer – Contains antioxidants that protect the body from harmful free radicals.
• Supports skin health – Improves skin appearance, leaving it youthful and radiant.
• Aids weight management – Low in calories but high in nutrients, making it perfect for healthy eating.

No wonder many Nigerians ask: “Can a pregnant woman eat bitter leaf soup?” The answer is yes. In moderation, bitter leaf soup provides essential nutrients that support pregnancy, but it is best to consult a doctor for personalized advice.

Ingredients for Bitter Leaf Soup (Ofe Onugbu Recipe)

To prepare an authentic bitter leaf soup recipe, here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

• Assorted meats (beef, goat meat, or cow tripe) – about 10 medium pieces
• Cow skin (kpomo) – 7 medium pieces
• Stockfish head – 1 medium
• Stockfish soft flesh (okporoko flex) – 5 medium pieces
• Dry fish (Mangala or Asa) – 2 medium
• Onion – 1 medium (chopped)
• Seasoning cubes – 3 pieces
• Salt – to taste
• Ground crayfish – 3 tablespoons
• Red bonnet peppers – as desired
• Palm oil – 3 cooking spoons
• Ogiri (fermented locust beans) – 1 tablespoon
• Ground ehuru seeds – ½ teaspoon
• Achi powder (thickener) – 4 tablespoons (or cocoyam/ofo as alternatives)
• Bitter leaves – washed and squeezed (enough quantity for the soup)
• Water – as needed for cooking

How to Prepare Bitter Leaf Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever wondered how to cook bitter leaf soup, here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

• Wash and Prepare the Proteins
  • Clean the cow skin, beef, stockfish, and dry fish thoroughly.
  • Set each aside in separate bowls.
• Boil the Meat
  • In a clean pot, place the beef, add chopped onions, seasoning cubes, and salt.
  • Allow it to steam for about 5 minutes before adding a little water.
• Add Stockfish and Cow Skin
  • Add the stockfish head and cow skin into the pot and cook for another 10 minutes.
  • If the cow skin is tough, pre-boil it before combining it with the stockfish.
• Add Dry Fish and Soft Stockfish Flesh
  • Add the dry fish and stockfish flesh (okporoko flex) and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
• Season the Soup Base
  • Add ground crayfish, pepper, ehuru, and ogiri. Stir well and let it boil for 5 minutes.
• Add Palm Oil
  • Pour in the palm oil and allow it to blend into the stock for about 2 minutes.
• Thicken the Soup
  • Add the achi powder (or cocoyam paste/ofo) and stir until the soup thickens. Adjust thickness by adding more water if necessary.
• Add the Bitter Leaves
  • Finally, add the washed bitter leaves, stir, and allow the soup to cook for another 2 minutes.

Your rich, flavorful bitter leaf soup, Nigerian style, is ready! Serve hot with your favorite swallow such as pounded yams, fufu, eba, or semovita.

How to Cook Bitter Leaf Soup with Egusi

Many people enjoy bitter leaf soup with egusi, which gives the dish a slightly nutty and creamy flavor. To make this variation:

• Add blended egusi seeds (about 1½ cups) after steaming the meat and before adding palm oil.
• Fry the egusi in palm oil for a few minutes before mixing it into the stock.
• Continue with the regular bitter leaf soup cooking steps.

This gives you a unique twist on the classic Nigerian bitter leaf soup recipe.

Why Bitter Leaf Soup is Special

The love for bitter leaf soup in Nigeria goes beyond taste—it is deeply cultural. It’s not just food; it’s a symbol of togetherness, tradition, and celebration. For many Igbo families, no festive occasion feels complete without this iconic dish.

Bitter Leaf Soup Description: FAQs

Q1: How to make bitter leaf soup less bitter?
Wash and squeeze the leaves thoroughly with hot water or salt until most of the bitterness is reduced before cooking.

Q2: Can a pregnant woman eat bitter leaf soup?
Yes, in moderation. Bitter leaf contains nutrients beneficial during pregnancy, but always consult a doctor before adding it to your diet.

Q3: How long does it take to cook bitter leaf soup?
On average, it takes about 1 hour, depending on the toughness of your proteins and how well the bitter leaves are prepared.

Q4: What is the best swallow for bitter leaf soup?
Traditionally, pounded yam is the most popular swallow. However, it also pairs well with eba, fufu, or semovita.

Q5: Can I cook bitter leaf soup without ogiri?
Yes, but ogiri adds an authentic depth of flavor. If unavailable, you can still make delicious bitter leaf soup without it.

Q6: How to cook bitter leaf soup with egusi?
Fry the egusi seeds in palm oil before adding them to your soup stock, then follow the regular cooking steps.

Bitter Leaf Soup Description: Final Thoughts

Now you know everything about how to cook bitter leaf soup, its ingredients, health benefits, and even variations like how to make bitter leaf soup with egusi. Whether you’re Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, or from anywhere in the world, this bitter leaf soup recipe is worth trying.

So the next time you crave a healthy, delicious, and culturally rich dish, prepare a pot of Nigerian bitter leaf soup (Ofe Onugbu). Serve it with your favorite swallow, and you’ll understand why this soup is loved across generations.