Making Ewedu soup in Europe with a local Yoruba recipe is an exciting adventure if you know where to find the ingredients and how to prepare them. Whether you’re in the UK, Germany, France, or the Netherlands, you can enjoy this traditional Nigerian soup with just a few smart steps.
The Local Yoruba Ewedu Cuisine Overseas
Ewedu is a green leafy soup made from jute leaves. It’s popular among the Yoruba people in Nigeria. It’s often served with amala, gbegiri, and stew. The texture is slimy, like okra, and it pairs well with swallows like eba or pounded yam.
Key Ingredients for Ewedu Soup
To cook authentic Ewedu, you need:
- Fresh or frozen jute leaves (ewedu)
- Potash (kaun) or baking soda
- Iru (locust beans)
- Salt
- Maggi or Knorr seasoning cubes
Optional:
- Ground crayfish
- Blended pepper (for spice lovers)
Where to Buy Ewedu Soup Ingredients in Europe
Finding Nigerian ingredients in Europe depends on your location. Major cities have African or Asian stores that stock them. You can also order online.
Table: Where to Find Ewedu Ingredients in Europe
| Ingredient | Where to Buy (Offline) | Online Stores |
|---|---|---|
| Jute leaves | African grocery shops, Asian markets | TropicalSunFoods.com, OshodiMarket.com |
| Potash (Kaun) | African food stores | eBay, Amazon EU |
| Iru (locust beans) | Nigerian or Ghanaian stores | MyAfricanBuy.com, Afrikrea.com |
| Crayfish | African supermarkets, Caribbean stores | AfricanSupermart, Amazon |
| Seasoning cubes | Most grocery stores, Lidl, Aldi | Amazon, Local international shops |
Ewedu Soup Recipe: Simple Yoruba Cooking Method
Step 1: Prep the Leaves
- Use fresh jute leaves if available.
- If frozen, let them thaw before cooking.
- Rinse thoroughly in cold water.
Step 2: Cook the Ewedu
- Boil 1.5 cups of water in a small pot.
- Add a pinch of potash or 1/2 tsp baking soda.
- Add the washed or thawed jute leaves.
- Boil for 5–7 minutes until soft.
Step 3: Blend or Whisk
- Use a traditional ewedu broom or hand blender.
- Mash the leaves until smooth and slimy.
Step 4: Add Flavour
- Add iru (locust beans).
- Add crayfish, salt, and a cube of Maggi.
- Stir and simmer for another 2 minutes.
Serving Ewedu in a Yoruba Style
Pair your Ewedu with:
- Amala (yam flour swallow)
- Gbegiri (bean soup)
- Beef stew or assorted meat
Many Nigerians in Europe serve it as a trio: Ewedu + Gbegiri + Stew with meat and fish.
Average Prices for Ewedu Ingredients in Europe
| Ingredient | Quantity | Average Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen jute leaves | 250g pack | 3.00 |
| Potash or baking soda | 50g | 1.00 |
| Iru (locust beans) | 100g | 2.50 |
| Crayfish | 100g | 2.00 |
| Seasoning cubes | 1 pack (10 cubes) | 1.50 |
Popular Stores by Country
United Kingdom
- Afro World Market (London)
- Tropical Sun Foods
- Niyis African Store (Manchester, Birmingham)
Germany
- Royal African Store (Berlin)
- Afro Shop Stuttgart
- Ege Afro Shop (Hamburg)
France
- Oba Market Paris
- Le Comptoir Africain
- Paris Store (Carries frozen jute)
Netherlands
- Tropical Food Store (Amsterdam)
- AfroEuro Market
- Jambo African Food (Rotterdam)
Tips for First-Timers
- Use frozen jute leaves if fresh ones aren’t available.
- Don’t overcook; this keeps the slimy texture.
- A small pinch of potash or baking soda helps soften the leaves quickly.
- Crayfish and iru add depth of flavour—don’t skip them.
- Use a blender if you don’t have the ewedu broom.
Can You Store Ewedu?
Yes. You can:
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Freeze for up to 2 weeks
- Reheat gently without boiling too hard
Cooking Ewedu Abroad Feels Like Home
Even if you’re far from Nigeria, making Ewedu soup in Europe with a local Yoruba recipe brings a sense of comfort. The aroma, the texture, and the taste connect you to your roots.
Once you cook it the first time, you’ll want to do it again.
So, where will you get your jute leaves today?
