Eru is a green leafy plant used in cooking one of traditional vegetable soups of the Manyu people, located in the Southwest Region of Cameroon Eru is commonly eaten with cassava fufu (locally called water fufu); although it is a native dish to the Manyu people, water fufu and Eru is also one of Cameroon’s signature dishes.
Ingredients and Preparation
½ Pound Beef
½ Deboned Smoked Fish
½ Cooked Tripe
½ Cooked Cow Skin
1 Cup Crayfish
2 Cups Palm Oil
2 Habanero Peppers
4 oz of Eru
2 Pounds of Fresh Spinach or Water Leaves
Salt
Knor cubes
How to prepare the Eru
- Thoroughly wash the eru under running tap water. Use a strainer to strain the eru and squeeze firmly to drain excess water then set aside.
- Cut the meat into bite size pieces and wash thoroughly under running tap water. Place the meat into a clean pot and add salt, bouillon, and enough water until it’s slightly above the level of the meat. Cook on medium heat until it’s done.
- Add the cooked tripe, fish, cow skin, and pepper into the pot and allow to cook on medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the spinach or water leaves into the pot and mix well.
Note: at this stage. Do not cover the pot as it will cause the spinach or water leaves to become over cooked and it will lose its green color.
- Add the eru into the pot and mix until it’s fully incorporated. Allow to cook on medium heat while mixing intermittently.
- Add the crayfish and adjust the salt and to your desired taste and mix well.
- When you notice that the eru is beginning to get soft, add the palm oil to it and mix well. Then allow to cook on low heat until the palm oil is done.
Culinary Experience and Tradition
Cameroon Water Fufu and Eru is a labor of love, as the preparation process can be time-consuming and requires attention to detail. The dish is typically enjoyed communally, with each person dipping the fufu into the flavorful eru and meat or fish sauce.
Variations
While the basic recipe remains consistent, there are regional variations of Cameroon Water Fufu and Eru. In some regions, the fufu is made from yam or plantain instead of cassava. Additionally, different types of meat or fish may be used, and some variations may include other vegetables, such as okra or pumpkin.
Nutritional Aspects
Cameroon Water Fufu and Eru is a nutritious dish, as it is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The cassava fufu provides energy, while the water leaves offer essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. The fish or meat contributes high-quality proteins, which are essential for growth and repair.
Conclusion
Cameroon Water Fufu and Eru is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Cameroon and its people. This dish, with its simple yet flavorful ingredients, showcases the depth of flavors that can be achieved with locally-sourced ingredients. As a symbol of unity and tradition, Cameroon Water Fufu and Eru continues to be a beloved dish that brings people together,
You can also watch my video tutorial on how to prepare this delicacy
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/yf7VJpsADHg?si=ITywOOXS2cc8rWty
