Gbanunu Soup – A traditional Medicinal Soup from Ondo (Modified recipe)

This is my interpretation of the Gbanunu Soup. Gbanunu means ‘colon cleanser’. Gbanunu soup is a traditional Soup from Ondo State. This soup is also called Obe Luku and it is similar in looks to the Black soup (Omoebe soup).  One of the vegetables used to prepare this soup is the Marugbo leaves – Clerodendrum Volubile(also called Obnetette; Beletientien).

Marugbo leaves contain a lot of phytochemicals that are beneficial to the health.  Current researches on this vegetable are looking at its effect on cancer cells and neurodegenerative diseases. So, it appears to be a very powerful vegetable.

Apart from Marugbo leave, there are other leaves used in preparation of Obe Gbanunu. The combination of the leaves differ depending on what you want to achieve. Some of the leaves I was able to get include: Ewe Atare (Alligator pepper leaves), Ewe Ailu, Pakududu, Ewe emi eesu,ewe lapapa, ewe ipin, danguro, Odudu, and ewe isiyin. These are the names that were given by the seller (and written as pronounced by the seller).

I got Marugbo leaves in different forms: fresh, dried and powder. Sincerely, they do not come by easily and I am grateful to the powerful women who helped me source them. I also had the Marugbo spice (I have no idea what is in it but it reminds me of cloves –Kanafuru), turmeric powder and cottonseed powder all the way from Ondo state.

Tumeric and Black pepper are a powerful combination of spices with a lot of health benefits (backed by research). Also, Bitter leaf and Efinrin (African Basil) leaves also have ‘street cred’ when it comes to traditional medicine.

So, if I was to eat any herbal concoction, this soup would be it because I understand the science behind it (at least to an extent).

However, it is important to note that the soup does not have an appealing look at all but it is smooth in the mouth and tastes great. And of course, Efinrin gives it that medicinal feel. Gbanunu soup is a delicacy eaten with Pupuru – A fermented cassava stiff porridge (swallow).

Ingredients:

Dried Marugbo leaves                                   1 cup

Marugbo leaf powder                                    ¾ -1 cup

Fresh Efinrin leaves                                         1 cup

Uziza leaves                                                       ¼ cup

Bitter leaves                                                       ½ cup

Oven-Grilled fish                                              ½ of whole

Marugbo spice                                                  2 teaspoons

Tumeric powder                                               2 teaspoons

Cottonseed powder                                       As thickener (Optional)

Cooked Beef/Chicken/Assorted                     As desired

Dried Shrimps                                                    2 teaspoons

Onion                                                                    I medium

Palm oil                                                               4 Tablespoons

Pepper mix                                                         2 cooking spoons

Locust beans (Iru)                                            ¼ cup

black pepper                                                      Optional

Salt to taste

Method of Preparation:

• In a blender, add the blended pepper mix (pimento pepper, scotch bonnet and tomatoes) with onions and locust beans
• Put a pot on fire and add the palm oil and pour the pepper blend into it, allowing it to stew/fry a little.
• Add salt and other seasonings. You can add some chicken or beef stock if desired and allow to boil.
• Next action is to add your fish, meats/chicken or assorted, black pepper and continue to cook for about 5 minutes.
• Blend all the vegetables (dried marugbo leaves, bitter leaves, efinrin) together in a blender till smooth, adding just some water to get it to move in the equipment.
• Poor the blended veggies into the pot. Allow to cook.
• Add cottonseed powder to thicken if it’s more fluid that you desire.
• Finally, add dried shrimps and check for salt.

Note: Pimento Pepper is Tatase, Scotch Bonnet is Rodo.

Also, the ingredients used in making this soup varies based on preference. The Marugbo leaves is the most important ingredient.

In a nutshell, Gbanunu soup or Marugbo soup is a traditional soup worth trying.

As always, do not forget to eat better and live better.