How to Prepare Nigerian Bitterleaf Soup Recipe (Ofe Onugbu)
How to Prepare Nigerian Bitterleaf Soup Recipe (Ofe Onugbu)
Bitterleaf Soup Recipe (Ofe Onugbu) is one of the most popular Nigerian soups, especially loved by the Igbo people of Eastern Nigeria.
Whether you call it bitterleaf soup, Ofe Onugbu, or Igbo traditional soup, this delicacy is a must-try. In this article, you’ll learn:
- How to cook bitterleaf soup step by step
- The best ingredients for making bitterleaf soup
- Bitterleaf soup benefits
- How to prepare bitterleaf soup in Igbo style with cocoyam
What is Bitterleaf Soup Recipe (Ofe Onugbu)?
Bitterleaf soup is a traditional Nigerian soup made with freshly washed bitter leaves and a natural thickener like cocoyam (ede), achi, ofor, or egusi. Among the Igbos, the most common and authentic way is to use cocoyam as a thickener, giving the soup a smooth texture.
Although it is known as a traditional Igbo soup, other Nigerian ethnic groups also prepare different variations of bitterleaf soup.
Bitterleaf Soup Recipe Benefits
Bitterleaf is not only used in cooking but also in traditional medicine. Here are some health benefits of bitterleaf soup:
- Supports digestion – Bitterleaf helps cleanse the stomach and aids bowel movement.
- Boosts immunity – It contains vitamins A, C, and E, which help the body fight infections.
- Regulates blood sugar – Bitterleaf has been studied for its role in managing diabetes.
- Good for the skin – Rich in antioxidants, it helps fight free radicals.
- Weight management – Bitterleaf soup is low in calories but filling, making it great for weight control.
Bitterleaf Soup Recipe Ingredients
Here are the basic ingredients for bitterleaf soup (serves 12 people):
- 2 kg cow head or assorted meat
- 3 cups bitterleaf (washed until most of the bitterness is gone)
- ½ cup ground crayfish
- 3 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- 200 g dry fish (2 medium sizes)
- 200 g stockfish head
- 300 ml palm oil
- 1 tbsp ogiri (fermented castor seeds – optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cocoyam (ede) – cooked and pounded (or substitute with ofor/achi as thickener)
If you live outside Nigeria, you can buy bitterleaf, ogiri, stockfish, and cocoyam from African food stores or online.
How to Prepare Bitterleaf Soup Recipe (Step-by-Step Igbo Recipe)
Here’s a simple guide on how to make bitterleaf soup in Nigeria:
Step 1: Prepare the Bitterleaf
- Wash the bitterleaf thoroughly with water until most of the bitterness is reduced.
- For extra softness, boil the leaves for 10–15 minutes. Avoid using potash (it affects the soup’s flavor), but if you must, wash thoroughly afterward.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- Season the cow head or assorted meat with 2 cubes of seasoning, salt, and onions.
- Parboil for 10 minutes, then add more water and cook until tender.
3: Add Stockfish and Dry Fish
- Wash and soak the stockfish to soften it.
- Add stockfish and dry fish to the meat, and allow to cook until tender.
Step 4: Add Palm Oil and Seasoning
- Pour in palm oil and allow it to blend into the broth.
- Add crayfish, pepper, salt, and ogiri (if using). Stir and let the soup simmer.
Step 5: Add Cocoyam Thickener
- Add pounded cocoyam (or achi/ofor). Allow it to dissolve into the soup until thickened.
6: Add the Bitterleaf
- Finally, add the washed bitterleaf. Stir, taste for seasoning, and allow to simmer for 5–7 minutes.
And your authentic Nigerian Bitterleaf Soup (Ofe Onugbu) is ready!
What to Serve with Bitterleaf Soup
Bitterleaf soup pairs perfectly with Nigerian swallow foods such as:
- Pounded yam
- Eba (garri)
- Fufu
- Semolina
- Wheat
Bitterleaf Soup Recipe Variations
- How to cook bitterleaf soup with cocoyam – This is the classic Igbo method using ede (cocoyam) as a thickener.
- How to make bitterleaf soup with egusi – A delicious variation where melon seeds replace cocoyam.
- How to prepare bitterleaf soup with achi or ofor – A faster version using powdered thickeners.
Final Thoughts
Bitterleaf soup (Ofe Onugbu) is more than just food—it is a taste of Nigerian culture and tradition. Once you master how to prepare bitterleaf soup, you’ll find it hard not to crave it again and again.
So whether you’re searching for how to cook bitterleaf soup in Nigeria, how to prepare bitterleaf soup in Igbo style, or the health benefits of bitterleaf soup, this recipe has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bitterleaf Soup
What is Bitterleaf Soup in Nigeria?
Bitterleaf soup, also known as Ofe Onugbu in Igbo, is a traditional Nigerian soup made with bitterleaf, palm oil, assorted meats, stockfish, dry fish, and a natural thickener like cocoyam, egusi, achi, or ofor. It is one of the most popular soups from Eastern Nigeria.
How do you prepare Bitterleaf Soup in Igbo style?
To prepare bitterleaf soup in Igbo style, wash the bitterleaf thoroughly, cook the meat with seasonings, add stockfish and dry fish, mix in palm oil, crayfish, and pepper, then thicken with cocoyam (ede). Finally, add the washed bitterleaf and simmer until well-cooked.
How to cook Bitterleaf Soup with Cocoyam?
Cocoyam is the traditional thickener for Ofe Onugbu. To use cocoyam, boil and pound it, then add small lumps into the soup. As it cooks, it dissolves and thickens the soup, giving it a smooth and rich texture.
What are the health benefits of Bitterleaf Soup?
Bitterleaf soup is highly nutritious. It aids digestion, supports blood sugar control, strengthens the immune system, provides antioxidants for healthy skin, and is low in calories, making it good for weight management.
How do you wash bitterleaf for soup?
Fresh bitterleaf is naturally very bitter. To wash it, squeeze and rinse the leaves repeatedly in clean water until most of the bitterness is gone. You can also boil it for 10–15 minutes to soften and reduce bitterness.
Can Bitterleaf Soup be frozen?
Yes. Bitterleaf soup can be refrigerated or frozen. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week and in the freezer for 1–2 months. Always warm it before serving.
Is Bitterleaf Soup good for men?
Yes, bitterleaf soup is good for men. It helps improve digestion, reduces cholesterol, and supports overall health. However, excessive consumption of bitterleaf extract (raw juice) may lower sperm count, but the soup itself is safe and nutritious.
What can I serve with Bitterleaf Soup?
Bitterleaf soup is best enjoyed with Nigerian swallow foods such as:
- Pounded yam
- Eba (garri)
- Fufu
- Semolina
- Wheat
- Can I use Egusi instead of Cocoyam for Bitterleaf Soup?
Yes, you can. While cocoyam is the traditional thickener for Igbo bitterleaf soup, many people prepare bitterleaf soup with egusi, achi, or ofor as an alternative.
- Where can I buy Bitterleaf outside Nigeria?
