Palm Butter Fish Soup

Palm Butter Fish Soup, also known as Banga Soup, is a delicious and creamy stew that is popular in many West African countries, including Liberia. Palm Butter is traditionally served with fufu, but it can also be served with rice.

Palm butter is a rich and flavorful dish that is often enjoyed at special occasions and celebrations. It is also a staple in many households and is considered comfort food in West Africa.

About the ingredients in Palm Butter Soup you might not be familiar with; Palm fruit and sweet potato leaves:

Palm fruit pulp, also known as palm fruit flesh, is the fleshy, edible part of the fruit of the oil palm tree. The oil palm tree is a tropical tree that is grown in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and its fruit is used to produce palm oil, which is widely used in cooking and various industrial applications.

The pulp of the palm fruit is yellow or orange in color and has a sweet, mild flavor. It is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as other nutrients such as potassium, calcium, and iron. In West Africa, palm fruit pulp is a popular ingredient in many dishes, including stews and soups, and is often combined with meat, fish, or vegetables to create a flavorful and nutritious meal.

Sweet potato leaves are the leaves of the sweet potato plant, which is a staple food crop in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa and Asia. The leaves are edible and highly nutritious, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and fiber.

In African cuisines, sweet potato leaves are a popular leafy vegetable and are used in a variety of dishes, such as stews, soups, and sautés. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a side dish or added to other dishes. Sweet potato leaves have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, similar to spinach or collard greens.

Sweet potato leaves can usually be found at African or Asian markets or specialty produce stores. When selecting sweet potato leaves, look for bright green leaves that are free of blemishes or yellowing. Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and use them within a few days for best quality.

Palm Butter Fish Soup.

Ingredients

2 cups of palm fruit pulp (fresh or canned)

2 large fish filets

2 onions, chopped

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

2 cups of water or chicken broth

1 tablespoon of ground crayfish

1 tablespoon of dried pepper flakes

3 cups of chopped sweet potato leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions 

If using fresh palm fruit, remove the outer husk and wash the fruit thoroughly. Boil the palm fruit in enough water to cover it until it is soft and tender, about 30-45 minutes. Remove the fruit from the water and pound or blend it to separate the pulp from the nuts. Strain the pulp and set it aside. 

In a separate pot, brown the meat in some oil until it is cooked through. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside. 

Add the onions and tomato paste to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.  Add the water or chicken broth, palm fruit pulp, ground crayfish, and pepper flakes to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the stew simmer for 10-15 minutes. 

Add the meat back to the pot and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.  Finally, add the chopped greens to the pot and let them cook until they are tender, about 5-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with fufu or rice.

Cooking with sweet potato leaves in America.

Sweet potato leaves are not commonly used in American cuisine, partly because they are not widely available in mainstream grocery stores. Additionally, many Americans are not familiar with the use of sweet potato leaves in cooking and may not know how to prepare them.

Another reason why sweet potato leaves are not commonly used in American cuisine could be due to cultural differences in food preferences and traditions. For example, leafy greens like spinach and kale are more commonly used in American cooking, whereas sweet potato leaves are more commonly used in African and Asian cuisines.

Despite this, sweet potato leaves are becoming more popular in the United States, as more people become interested in international cuisine and exploring new flavors and ingredients. They are also increasingly recognized for their nutritional benefits, which could increase their popularity in the American diet.