Ultimate Guide on How to Prepare Ewedu Soup Like a Pro, Health Benefits

Introduction

How to Prepare Ewedu Soup – Ewedu soup, also known as jute soup, is a popular traditional dish in Nigeria, particularly among the Yoruba people. This soup is made from the leaves of the jute plant, which are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Ewedu soup is usually served with pounded yam, eba, or amala. If you’re looking to prepare this delicious and healthy soup, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

Check this: How to Make Authentic African Egusi Soup

Ingredients for preparing ewedu soup

1. Ewedu leaves (Jute leaves)
2. Potash (food tenderizer)
3. Salt
4. Pepper (scotch bonnet or habanero pepper)
5. Crayfish (optional)
6. Smoked fish (optional)
7. Beef or goat meat (optional)
8. Onions (optional)
9. Locust beans (iru) (optional)

Procedures on how to prepare ewedu soup

1. Wash the ewedu leaves thoroughly. Cut off the stems and any bad parts of the leaves. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors for this.
2. Put the ewedu leaves in a pot with enough water to cover them. Add a teaspoon of potash (food tenderizer) to the water. Potash helps to soften the leaves and make them easier to cook. Bring the pot to a boil and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
3. While the ewedu leaves are cooking, you can prepare your other ingredients. If you’re using meat, wash and cut it into small pieces. Chop the onions and pepper. Grind the crayfish if you’re using it.
4. After the ewedu leaves have cooked for 10 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and blend the leaves with a blender or food processor. If you don’t have a blender, you can use a wooden spoon to mash the leaves until they’re smooth. Be careful not to over-mash the leaves as this can make the soup too slimy.
5. Pour the blended ewedu back into the pot and add salt, pepper, crayfish, and smoked fish (if you’re using them). You can also add iru (locust beans) at this point if you’re using it. Return the pot to the heat and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. If you’re using meat, you can cook it separately and add it to the soup when it’s done. To cook the meat, put it in a pot with enough water to cover it. Add salt and onions and let it cook until it’s tender. Drain the meat and add it to the ewedu soup.
7. Your ewedu soup is now ready to serve! You can serve it with pounded yam, eba, or amala. Enjoy!

Watch the video below for better understanding:

Tips for preparing ewedu soup

1. If you don’t have potash, you can use baking soda instead. Just add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water instead of potash.
2. To reduce the sliminess of the soup, you can add a small amount of palm oil while cooking. This will also give the soup a richer taste.
3. If you’re using smoked fish, be sure to remove the bones before adding it to the soup.
4. You can also add other vegetables such as spinach or ugwu leaves to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.

Health benefits of eating ewedu soup

Ewedu soup has several health benefits due to its rich nutritional content. Here are some of the health benefits of eating ewedu soup:

1. Rich in Fiber

Ewedu soup is rich in dietary fiber, which helps to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.

2. Good for Digestion

Ewedu soup contains mucilage, a type of soluble fiber that helps to soothe the digestive system and promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

3. Low in Calories

Ewedu soup is low in calories, making it an excellent choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

4. High in Vitamins and Minerals

Ewedu soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which are all essential for good health.

5. Boosts Immunity

Ewedu soup contains antioxidants that help to boost the immune system and protect the body against harmful free radicals.

6. Anti-inflammatory

Ewedu soup has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases.

7. Regulates Blood Sugar

Ewedu soup contains a type of soluble fiber called pectin, which can help to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in blood sugar.

Overall, ewedu soup is a nutritious and healthy food that can provide several health benefits when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion on how to prepare ewedu soup

Ewedu soup is a delicious and healthy Nigerian dish that’s easy to prepare.

With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make a tasty pot of ewedu soup that will impress your family and friends.

Whether you’re serving it with pounded yam, eba, or amala, this soup is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and give it a try!