The humble ewedu leaf, or jute or molokhia, has a special place in Nigerian cuisine. Its deep green color and unique flavor add richness to many dishes, from abula to baby food. But despite its popularity, many people struggle to cook it correctly.
Do you love the savory, velvety texture of ewedu soup, but have trouble getting it to turn out just right? Are you tired of using okra as a shortcut and still not getting the authentic taste and color? Well, I’ve got a solution for you! Follow my easy, step-by-step guide to making perfect ewedu soup without okra. In just a few minutes, you’ll be enjoying a bowl of delicious ewedu soup that looks and tastes delicious.
Prep time | Cook time |
10 minutes | 5 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 2 Bunches of jute leaves, chopped
- ½ cup of locust beans
- 2 Stock cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed
Directions:
- Wash the jute leaves clean with warm water.
- Put it in a blender and blend with a bit of water.
- Pour the blended ewedu into a pot.
- Add the locust beans, stock cubes, and salt.
- Put on heat and cook for 2 minutes.
- Put off the heat, and your dish is ready.
Serving Suggestions
- Ewedu soup is served with stew on top and amala by the side.
- You can also serve ewedu soup with a side of roasted or fried fish.
- For a refreshing beverage, try palm wine or coconut water.
- Finally, serve a bowl of fresh fruits like sliced pineapple, mango, or papaya.
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Tips
Here are some tips for making the perfect ewedu soup:
- Use fresh, organic ewedu leaves for the best flavor and texture. You can find them at most African grocery stores or farmer’s markets.
- Wash the leaves thoroughly before using them.
- When chopping the leaves, use a sharp knife for cleaning, even cuts.
- Add a little water when blending the ewedu. If you blend with too much water, you won’t get that slimy texture from the ewedu.
- Cook the ewedu leaves over medium heat to avoid scorching them.
- Stir the soup frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
If you’d like to make your ewedu soup extra special, here are some variations to try:
- Add a touch of smoked fish for extra flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright, citrusy note.
- Garnish with sliced avocado for a creamy, nutritious topping.
- Sprinkle with chopped peanuts for a nutty, crunchy texture.
It’s time to enjoy your ewedu soup, with stew on top and the amala by the side! If there is no amala in store, you can substitute with fufu or eba.
You can enjoy eating ewedu soup in two ways:
- For a modern touch, make sure to have a clean spoon. Use a spoon, scoop up a ball of amala, and dip it into the soup. Use the spoon to swirl the amala in the soup, and then bring it to your mouth and enjoy!
The amala will soak up the flavors of the soup, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The best part is that you can adjust the consistency of the amala to your liking.
- And traditionally, you can eat using your hands. Start by moistening your hands with water. Then, take a small piece of amala and roll it into a ball. Use the ball to scoop up some of the ewedu soup and the stew. Bring the ball to your mouth and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.
The amala will soak up the soup, while the ewedu will add a smooth, velvety texture. It’s a truly unique and special way to enjoy this traditional dish.
Conclusion:
Ewedu soup is a traditional Nigerian dish full of flavor and culturally significant. It can be prepared at home or for any occasion with just a few simple ingredients, but the secret to making this dish so well is patience and passion.
The result is a dish not only delicious but also a window into the richness and diversity of Nigerian cuisine. Try this mind-blowing recipe and leave a comment on the blog below.