Tag: Ofe onugbu

In many West African kitchens, bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) is a staple vegetable used in a wide array of soups and stews. This distinctive green can absolutely be cooked, with preparation techniques focused on reducing its characteristically strong bitter taste to make it more palatable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to transform this powerful ingredient into a delicious meal.

Over 90% of the natural bitterness from the bitter leaf is washed out before it's used to make the soup. What does bitter leaf soup taste like once prepared? The flavor is a complex and hearty mix of savory, earthy, and nutty notes, with only a very subtle, pleasant bitterness that balances the rich ingredients.