Translations:African cuisine/52/en

The exact origins of Bitter Leaf soup appear to be unknown thought it is known to have been prepared and eaten for hundreds of years. The dish traditionally consists of fish, meat (usually beef), bitter leaves, palm oil, and an array of spices and seasonings. Shellfish such as shrimp or crayfish are often used alongside fish in the preparation of Bitter Leaf Soup. Due to the bitterness of bitter leaf, the bitter leaf is washed thoroughly to diminish the bitterness before being cooked with the rest of the ingredients. It is widely consumed in West Africa, especially Nigeria where it is associated with the Igbo people and referred to as Ofe Onugbu.