Sope Bouye
A unique and delicious soup made from the pulp of the baobab fruit, often combined with meat (usually lamb or beef) and vegetables. It has a distinctive tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Lamb or beef(cut into cubes)
- 200 g Baobab fruit pulp(dried, rehydrated in water)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped, or 2 tbsp tomato paste)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 1 medium Sweet potatoes(diced)
- 150 g Okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 1.5 liters Water or broth
- 2 tbsp Peanut butter(smooth)
- 1 optional Chili pepper(finely chopped, for heat)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rehydrate the baobab pulp in warm water for about 30 minutes, then strain to get a smooth pulp. Discard any seeds or fibrous material.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat cubes on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
- 3
In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic and chopped chili pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in chopped tomatoes (or tomato paste) and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- 6
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add diced carrots and sweet potatoes. Pour in the water or broth and bring to a boil.
- 7
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
- 8
Stir in the prepared baobab pulp and sliced okra. Add the peanut butter and stir until well combined and the sauce is smooth.
- 9
Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 10
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The tanginess of the baobab fruit can vary, so adjust the amount to your preference.
- ✓Ensure the baobab pulp is well strained to avoid any gritty texture.
- ✓This soup is often served with white rice or millet.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like cassava or yams.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.