Vernonia - Bitter leaf - Amanvivè
Vernonia - Bitter leaf - Amanvivè
Ingredients
60g dried bitter leaf
2 red onions, sliced
4 fresh tomatoes (chopped) or 250g tomato paste
4 green peppers, sliced
1/4 cup palm oil (or any oil of your choice)
Salt, to taste
50g traditional mustard (Afintin)
500g smoked fish, fried fish, or protein of choice
A pinch of baking soda
Preparation
Prepare the Dried Bitter Leaf
Rinse the dried bitter leaf thoroughly.
Soak in warm water for about 10–15 minutes to rehydrate and soften.
Add a pinch of baking soda and briefly boil the leaves to reduce bitterness, then drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce
Heat palm oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add sliced onions and sauté until they soften and become translucent.
Add chopped tomatoes or tomato paste, stirring until the tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Add the sliced green peppers and rehydrated bitter leaf to the pot, stirring well.
Stir in Afintin and season with salt to taste.
Let everything simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the Protein
Gently fold in the smoked or fried fish (or any chosen protein).
Simmer for another 5–10 minutes, ensuring the flavors are fully absorbed.
Serve
Serve hot with rice, fufu, pounded yam, or any other traditional side.
Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful stew! The bitter leaf, combined with Afintin and rich spices, brings a unique taste of West Africa to your table.