BLACK soup is one of the major dishes of Esan (Edo) state popularly known as OMOEBE, with its origin from Edo state, Nigeria. The name black soup is associated its the dark color due to the use of ground vegetables.
Black soup is more than a meal, it’s represents a tradition, it is a cultural expression capturing the essence of Edo state’s culinary tradition. This soup is known for its medicinal properties and numerous health benefits.
Traditionally, the leaves used to prepare this delicacy are grind with a grinding stone but with the advent of technology food processors is now been used, just don’t over add water, this is to achieve a certain texture and consistency.
This soups medicinal properties are gotten from the main leaves used in making this dish, which includes bitter leaf, scent leaf and uziza leaf. Some people add pumpkin leaf (ugwu). Butter leave has hypertension reduction properties, scent leave has an anti-inflammatory property including its aroma and flavor and uziza leave which adds a distinct flavor.
Health benefits includes improved digestion, potential for weight loss, better blood sugar regulation, it can also contribute to a balanced diet and enhance good skin health.
Ingredients
- Scent leave
- Uziza leave
- Bitter leave (washed)
- Palm extract (banga sauce)
- Assorted meat
- Dry fish
- Stock fish
- Cube seasoning, salt
- Pepper, crayfish
NOTE: Boil palm fruits for about 15-20 minutes, pound the with mortal and pestle (but I use bottle in a bowl, add water then filter to get the extract (sauce). It’s better to use palm extract.
When using fresh bitter leave, wash before you grind to remove bitterness.
STEPS
- Grind leaves together, it’s better to grind or blend to paste texture.
- Wash and boil meat with little water, add onion, seasoning cube and pinch of salt. Cook for 30-45 minutes until meat becomes tender and chewable.
- Add dry fish, stock fish and palm extract (banga sauce). Allow to cook for 15-17 minutes until thickens to normal soup texture.
- Add the leave mixture, stir add crayfish taste and add seasoning and salt accordingly. Allow to cook.
Food is Ready.
Black soup can be taken with various swallows like Eba, Fufu, Semo, Pounded Yam and even Starch.
