{"id":"ewedu_soup_e41eeb24af","slug":"ewedu-soup","title":"Ewedu Soup","description":"A traditional Nigerian green soup made from jute leaves, known for its viscous (drawy) texture. It is a staple of Yoruba cuisine, typically served with Amala and a side of stew.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":15},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"500g Fresh Jute leaves (Ewedu)","name":"Jute leaves","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.1,"usUnit":"lb","form":"fresh","notes":"plucked from stems","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"500ml Water","name":"Water","quantity":500,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"2","usUnit":"cup","form":"","notes":"","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 tablespoon Iru (fermented locust beans)","name":"Locust beans","quantity":15,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.5,"usUnit":"oz","form":"fermented","notes":"Iru","group":"seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"2 tablespoons Ground crayfish","name":"Crayfish","quantity":10,"unit":"g","usQuantity":0.35,"usUnit":"oz","form":"ground","notes":"","group":"seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1/2 teaspoon Potash (Kaun)","name":"Potash","quantity":2,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"tsp","form":"crushed","notes":"helps soften the leaves","group":"base","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 Bouillon cube","name":"Bouillon cube","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"cube","notes":"Maggi or Knorr","group":"seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"Salt to taste","name":"Salt","quantity":1,"unit":"pinch","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"pinch","form":"","notes":"to taste","group":"seasoning","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Pick the Ewedu leaves from the stalks, then wash them thoroughly with cold water to remove any sand or debris.","group":"Preparation","title":"Pick the Ewedu leaves from the stalks","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"In a medium pot, add the water and the potash. Bring the water to a boil.","group":"Cooking","title":"Add the water and the potash","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Add the washed Ewedu leaves to the boiling water. Let them cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the leaves are very soft and tender.","group":"Cooking","title":"Add the washed Ewedu leaves","timerMinutes":8,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Using a traditional Ewedu broom (Ijabe), pound the leaves in the pot until they are broken down and the soup is slimy. Alternatively, pour the mixture into a blender and pulse briefly (do not blend into a smooth puree).","group":"Processing","title":"Using a traditional Ewedu broom, pound the leaves","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Processing"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Return the blended mixture back to the pot. Add the locust beans (iru), ground crayfish, bouillon cube, and salt. Whisk everything together and simmer on low heat for 2 more minutes.","group":"Seasoning","title":"Return the blended mixture back","timerMinutes":2,"sourceTitle":"Seasoning"}],"notes":"The texture is the most important part of this soup; it should be 'drawy'. If you don't have a traditional short broom (Ijabe), a blender works perfectly for a modern approach.","cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","Yoruba"]},"course":["soup"],"cookingMethod":["boil","simmer"],"equipment":["pot","blender or Ewedu broom (Ijabe)"],"diet":["gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb","high_protein"],"allergens":["shellfish"],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":800,"unit":"ml","note":"Makes about 4 standard servings"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Ewedu is best served fresh but can be blended and kept plain, adding seasoning when reheating."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat gently on the stovetop. Adding a little water might be necessary to regain the 'drawy' texture."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fewedu_soup_e41eeb24af%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=80033ba6-a624-4cb7-93f4-6b2e30d37501","imageAlt":"Ewedu Soup — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["healthy","slimy","traditional","west african","low calorie"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Ewedu Soup","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T23:02:37.038Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T23:02:37.038Z","related":[{"id":"recipe_7e08e81b95","slug":"vermicelli-soup-shorbat-shariya","title":"Vermicelli Soup (Shorbat Shariya)","description":"A light and comforting African-style soup featuring toasted vermicelli noodles simmered in a fragrant savory broth. Simple, quick, and perfect as a starter.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["North African"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_7e08e81b95%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=5635d06b-0fee-4e14-886a-986f260262e0","imageAlt":"Vermicelli Soup (Shorbat Shariya) — recipe cover","tags":["soup","vermicelli","african","easy","quick","comfort food","light meal"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5},{"id":"pepper_soup_da625ee460","slug":"african-pepper-soup","title":"African Pepper Soup","description":"A fiery, aromatic, and deeply comforting West African broth made with a unique blend of spices and tender meat. Often enjoyed as a light yet revitalizing meal.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":45,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","West African"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["high_protein","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fpepper_soup_da625ee460%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=49c825e9-4db5-48f7-9e5b-c2a81636556f","imageAlt":"African Pepper Soup — recipe cover","tags":["pepper soup","spicy","african","broth","high protein","comfort food"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":10,"stepCount":5},{"id":"okra_soup_e9a88b39d8","slug":"authentic-african-okra-soup-ila-alasepo","title":"Authentic African Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo)","description":"A rich, nutritious, and hearty West African specialty featuring fresh okra, assorted meats, and vibrant palm oil, known for its unique 'draw' texture and deep savory flavor.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":40,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":30},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","West African"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["gluten_free","dairy_free","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fokra_soup_e9a88b39d8%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=82c26950-d626-4459-bdc0-dc266e623311","imageAlt":"Authentic African Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo) — recipe cover","tags":["okra","african soup","ila alasepo","palm oil","spicy","high protein","one pot"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":10,"stepCount":5}]}