Name: West-African Draw Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-485694H55M3S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: Ewedu leaves (fresh or frozen); Beef, goat meat, or chicken (cut into pieces); Stockfish (optional); Dried fish (optional); Palm oil; Ground crayfish; Ground pepper or scotch bonnet (optional for heat); Onion (optional); Seasoning cubes or powder; Salt to taste; Water

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Draw Soup offers a distinctive texture that’s both comforting and satisfying. The mucilaginous nature of the jute leaves gives it its characteristic “draw” or slimy quality, which pairs perfectly with starchy side dishes like fufu or rice. Combined with tender meats, flavorful fish, and a variety of seasonings, this soup is an explosion of rich flavors. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a hearty and traditional West African meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ewedu leaves (fresh or frozen)
Beef, goat meat, or chicken (cut into pieces)
Stockfish (optional)
Dried fish (optional)
Palm oil
Ground crayfish
Ground pepper or scotch bonnet (optional for heat)
Onion (optional)
Seasoning cubes or powder
Salt to taste
Water

Directions

Prepare the Meat: Wash the meat (beef, goat meat, or chicken) and place it in a pot. Add seasoning cubes, salt, and optional onions. Add water and cook the meat until tender.
Prepare the Ewedu: If using fresh Ewedu leaves, wash them thoroughly. If using frozen, thaw them in warm water. Blend the leaves slightly with water to release the mucilaginous (slimy) texture or leave them whole if you prefer.
Prepare the Broth: Add stockfish, dried fish, and ground crayfish to the pot with the cooked meat. Pour in some water to create the soup base, then bring it to a boil.
Add the Palm Oil: Stir in the palm oil and allow the soup to simmer for about 5 minutes. This step will give the soup its beautiful color and richness.
Add the Ewedu Leaves: Stir in the Ewedu (jute) leaves and cook for another 10–15 minutes. You can add ground pepper or scotch bonnet at this point if you want some heat.
Final Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional seasoning cubes if needed. The soup is now ready to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings and takes approximately 1 hour to prepare and cook.

Variations

Vegan Version: Use only vegetables like spinach or okra instead of meat and fish.
Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of scotch bonnet pepper or add chili peppers.
Meat Combination: Use a variety of meats like beef, goat meat, and chicken together for more flavor.
Thickening Alternatives: You can use ground cocoyam or yam to thicken the soup if desired.

storage/reheating

West-African Draw Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water if necessary to restore its consistency.

FAQs

What are Ewedu leaves?

Ewedu (jute) leaves are a type of leafy green plant used to make this unique, mucilaginous soup. They are popular in West African cuisine for their slimy texture when cooked.

Can I use frozen Ewedu leaves?

Yes, frozen Ewedu leaves are an excellent substitute for fresh leaves. They can be found in most African or international grocery stores.

What meat is best for Draw Soup?

Goat meat, beef, and chicken are the most commonly used, but you can also use fish such as stockfish or dried fish for extra flavor.

How can I make the soup less slimy?

The sliminess is a characteristic of the Ewedu leaves, but you can reduce it by blending the leaves more thoroughly or using less of them.

Can I make Draw Soup without palm oil?

While palm oil is traditional for this soup, you can substitute with vegetable oil or leave it out entirely for a lighter version. However, the soup will miss its rich color and flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can include other leafy greens or vegetables like spinach, okra, or even pumpkin leaves to alter the flavor and texture.

Is Draw Soup gluten-free?

Yes, Draw Soup is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for those on a gluten-free diet.

How do I serve Draw Soup?

It is traditionally served with fufu, eba, pounded yam, or rice. These starchy side dishes complement the soup’s rich flavor and thick texture.

How can I thicken the soup?

You can thicken the soup with ground cocoyam, yam, or even ground crayfish. However, the Ewedu leaves themselves naturally thicken the soup.

Can I make Draw Soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or frozen. The flavors improve as it sits.

Conclusion

West-African Draw Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that showcases the unique texture and rich flavors of the Ewedu leaves. Perfect for family gatherings or a satisfying meal, this soup pairs wonderfully with traditional side dishes like fufu and rice. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, with a variety of meats or a vegan twist, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore West African cuisine.