Dairy-Free Bitterleaf Soup

Dive into the rich, aromatic world of West African cuisine with this Dairy-Free Bitterleaf Soup, a hearty and flavor-packed dish that's perfect for cozy gatherings or weekday dinners. Made with tender bitterleaf, a touch of palm oil, and savory additions like smoked fish and cooked cow tripe, this soup delivers an authentic taste of tradition without any dairy. The blend of vibrant tomatoes, earthy crayfish powder, and a hint of ground pepper creates a deeply satisfying broth that pairs beautifully with fufu, pounded yam, or rice. Whether you're exploring African flavors for the first time or recreating a beloved classic, this one-pot, gluten-free recipe strikes the perfect balance of bold, comforting, and wholesome. Ready in just over an hour, it's an irresistible and nourishing meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups bitterleaf (washed and chopped)
• 1 cup palm oil
• 1 cup cooked cow tripe
• 1 cup smoked fish
• 2 cups fresh tomatoes (blended)
• 1 large onions (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons crayfish powder
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 2 bouillon cubes
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Start by washing the bitterleaf thoroughly to reduce its bitterness. Ensure that the leaves are finely chopped.

Step 2

Heat the palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.

Step 3

Add the blended tomatoes to the pot and stir well. Allow the mixture to cook for about 10-15 minutes until the raw tomato flavor cooks out.

Step 4

Introduce the smoked fish and cooked cow tripe into the pot, stirring to combine. Let this cook together for another 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the crayfish powder, ground pepper, and crushed bouillon cubes. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.

Step 6

Pour in the water and bring the soup to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 7

Finally, add the chopped bitterleaf to the pot. Mix it in well and allow the soup to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Taste for seasoning and add salt as required. Adjust the spices to your liking.

Step 9

Once the soup thickens to your desired consistency, remove it from heat.

Step 10

Serve the Dairy-Free Bitterleaf Soup hot, paired with your choice of accompaniment like fufu or pounded yam.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2682.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2695.4

Total Fat 231.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 110.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g
Cholesterol 462.5mg	0%
Sodium 5677.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.9g	0%
Total Sugars 23.5g
Protein 97.9g	0%

Vitamin D 43.2IU	0%
Calcium 915.1mg	0%
Iron 17.8mg	0%
Potassium 4046.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 74.6%

Protein: 14.0%

Carbs: 11.3%