1poundassorted meatsbeef, tripe, and cow skin, cleaned and chopped
1cupperiwinklesoptional
1cupdried fishdeboned and shredded
1cupstockfishsoaked and shredded
1cupcrayfishground
2cupspalm oil
2medium onionschopped
4clovesgarlicminced
2tablespoonsground pepper
2seasoning cubes
Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare The Ingredients
I start by thoroughly washing and chopping the ugu and waterleaf. It's essential to rinse them multiple times to remove any sand or impurities. I also clean and chop the assorted meats, soak the stockfish until it's soft, and shred the dried fish.
Cook The Meats
In a large pot, I combine the assorted meats with chopped onions, minced garlic, seasoning cubes, and a pinch of salt. I add enough water to cover the meats and cook them over medium heat until they're tender. This usually takes about 45 minutes.
Add The Seafood
Once the meats are tender, I add the soaked stockfish, shredded dried fish, and periwinkles to the pot. I let them cook together for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Introduce Palm Oil And Crayfish
I pour in the palm oil and add the ground crayfish to the pot. Stirring well, I let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes. The palm oil gives the soup its characteristic rich color and depth of flavor.
Incorporate The Vegetables
I first add the finely chopped waterleaf, stirring it into the soup. After about 3 minutes, I add the ugu leaves. I mix everything thoroughly and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. It's important not to overcook the vegetables to retain their nutrients and vibrant color.
Season And Serve
I taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and ground pepper as needed. Once satisfied with the flavor, I remove the pot from heat. The soup is now ready to be served hot.
Notes
While palm oil is a traditional ingredient in this recipe, it's high in saturated fats. If you're watching your fat intake, consider using it in moderation or exploring alternative cooking oils.