Cameroonian Bitterleaf Soup (Ndolé) Recipe: Authentic Preparation Guide

🥣 What Is Ndolé (Cameroonian Bitterleaf Soup)?

Ndolé is a cherished Cameroonian dish made from bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina) cooked with ground peanuts, spices, and assorted meats or seafood. This hearty stew is renowned for its rich, nutty flavor and is traditionally served with starchy sides like plantains, yams, or fufu. Ndolé holds a special place in Cameroonian cuisine, often featured in festive gatherings and everyday meals alike.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 cup blanched peanuts (or raw peanuts, boiled and peeled)
• 1 cup washed bitterleaf (substitute with kale or spinach if unavailable)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, to balance bitterness)
• 1 pound assorted meats (beef, chicken, smoked turkey) or seafood (shrimp, smoked fish)
• 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
• 2 medium onions (1 sliced, 1 chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons palm oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and Maggi seasoning to tasteFacebook+2eat well abi+2Immaculate Bites+2Immaculate Bites+1eat well abi+1

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Bitterleaf

• If using fresh bitterleaf, wash thoroughly to reduce bitterness. This may require multiple rinses and squeezing.
• If using dried bitterleaf, soak overnight in water, then rinse and squeeze to soften.

2. Cook the Meat or Seafood

• Season the assorted meats or seafood with salt, Maggi, and chopped onions.
• Boil until tender, reserving the stock for later use.YouTube

3. Blend the Peanut Mixture

• In a blender, combine blanched peanuts, ginger, garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper, and one chopped onion.
• Add a cup of water and blend into a smooth paste.eat well abi

4. Cook the Peanut Sauce

• In a large pot, heat palm oil over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent.
• Pour in the blended peanut mixture and ground crayfish.
• Add the reserved meat stock and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.eat well abi+1Immaculate Bites+1

5. Combine and Simmer

• Add the cooked meats or seafood to the peanut sauce.
• Introduce the prepared bitterleaf (and spinach, if using) into the pot.
• Season with additional salt and Maggi to taste.
• Simmer for another 10-15 minutes until the flavors meld and the stew thickens.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Ndolé is traditionally served hot, accompanied by:eat well abi

• Boiled plantains
• Yams
• Fufu (cassava, corn, or yam-based)
• Riceeat well abirestohqrecipes

The rich, savory flavors of Ndolé pair perfectly with these starchy sides, making for a satisfying meal.restohqrecipes+1eat well abi+1

💡 Tips & Variations

• Peanut Preparation: If using raw peanuts, boil for 10 minutes and peel before blending.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit meats and seafood, and use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
• Adjusting Bitterness: Adding spinach can help balance the bitterness of the bitterleaf.
• Storage: Ndolé can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat thoroughly before serving.eat well abi

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use peanut butter instead of ground peanuts?
A: Yes, unsweetened natural peanut butter can be used as a substitute. Use approximately ¾ cup and adjust the consistency with water as needed.

Q: Where can I find bitterleaf?
A: Bitterleaf is available in African or international grocery stores, either fresh, dried, or frozen. If unavailable, kale or spinach can serve as substitutes.

Q: Is Ndolé spicy?
A: The spiciness can be adjusted to taste. Scotch bonnet peppers add heat, but you can reduce or omit them based on preference.