Vegetarian Ewedu Soup

Dive into the vibrant and earthy flavors of Nigerian cuisine with this Vegetarian Ewedu Soup, a plant-based take on the classic West African delicacy. Packed with nutrient-rich fresh ewedu (jute) leaves, this soup achieves its signature silky texture using a whisk or traditional broom whisk (ijabe). Seasoned with savory vegetable bouillon, aromatic locust bean (iru), and a touch of ground crayfish (or omitting it entirely for a vegan variation), this dish bursts with umami and warmth. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a wholesome, gluten-free soup that's perfect for pairing with amala, fufu, or any soft African swallow of your choice. Whether you're exploring African flavors for the first time or craving a nostalgic and comforting classic, Vegetarian Ewedu Soup is a quick, healthy, and flavorful addition to your recipe repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams fresh ewedu (jute) leaves
• 500 ml water
• 1 tablespoon ground crayfish
• 1 piece vegetable bouillon cube
• 1 tablespoon locust bean (iru)
• 0.25 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the ewedu leaves thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and debris.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, bring 500 ml of water to a boil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add 0.25 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to the boiling water.

Step 4

Add the rinsed ewedu leaves to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until they are tender.

Step 5

Using a whisk or a traditional broom whisk (ijabe), mash the leaves vigorously in the pot until they break down and create a slightly viscous texture.

Step 6

Stir in 1 tablespoon of ground crayfish, 1 vegetable bouillon cube, and 1 tablespoon of locust bean (iru).

Step 7

Add 0.5 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper and 0.5 teaspoon of salt to the pot, and stir well.

Step 8

Let the soup continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Serve hot with your choice of sides like amala, fufu, or any African swallow of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(743.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	114.8

Total Fat 2.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 20.2mg	0%
Sodium 2528.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 18.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.2g	0%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 13.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 439.4mg	0%
Iron 5.6mg	0%
Potassium 1178.8mg	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: 14.0%

Protein: 37.5%

Carbs: 48.6%