Bitekuteku (Bitekoutekou) / Green Leaf / Efo Tete / Callaloo Soup

Bitekuteku Soup, also known as Green Leaf, Efo Tete, or Callaloo Soup, is a delightful and nutritious dish popular in Congo. This flavorful soup combines smoked turkey, dry catfish, and bitekuteku leaves with a blend of spices and vegetables, creating a rich and hearty meal. Whether served as a main or side dish, Bitekuteku Soup is perfect for any occasion and pairs beautifully with kwanga, plantain, or fufu. Experience the authentic taste of Congolese cuisine with this simple and delicious recipe.

Serves:  2-4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Meal type: Main dish/Side dish

Country/Region: Congo

• 200g smoked turkey (you can use beef, chicken or fish)

• 1 packet of dry catfish

• 2 packets of bitekuteku

• 3 cups of green onions, chopped (optional)

• 2 small eggplants (garden egg), peeled

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 small tin of palm nut soup (mosaka) or 4 tablespoons palm oil

• 2 spoons of crayfish

• 2 knorr cubes

• Salt to taste

• Optional ingredients: ground peanuts

1. In a large saucepan, season smoked turkey with salt, knorr and onions, then boil until tender.

2. Remove cooked turkey from broth and pour in bitekuteku leaves. Cook for about 10 minutes.

3. Add washed dry catfish and let boil for about 10 minutes. (Also wash dry catfish will salt – especially the skin – to remove any lingering oil or dirt).

4. Add the smoked turkey, chopped eggplant, crayfish and palm nut soup (mosaka) (or palm oil).

5. Cook until desired consistency (add a bit of water if necessary, but usually not.)