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The African Gourmet: Folktales, Cuisine & Cultural History

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Sour Fish Soup African Food Recipe

Sour Fish Soup African Food Recipe

Roadside market in Sierra Leone
A roadside market in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a small coastal African country where fishing is a way of life and Sour Fish Soup African Food Recipe is one of Africa's favorite recipes.

African Fish Soup Recipe

As such fish is an important representing almost 70 percent of the animal protein consumed in Sierra Leone. The herb sorrel or sour grows wild in Sierra Leone. The leaves of the sorrel plant are the part used in recipes throughout Sierra Leone. 

Because of its pungent flavor, sorrel is often combined with fish; blanch the sorrel leaves before cooking if they taste too sharp. Sierra Leone Fish Sour Soup is an easy one-pot recipe to make ahead or on a weeknight. 

Sierra Leone Fish Sour Soup African Food Recipe
Sierra Leone Fish Sour Soup

Sierra Leone Fish Sour Soup African Food Recipe


Ingredients:
1 handful fresh sorrel leaves, chopped
4 ounces any smoked fish
Peppers to taste
2 cups water

Directions:
In a large pot with water boil the sorrel for 3 minutes, drain water. Add water, fish and seasoning to pot of sorrel and simmer 10 minutes. Serve over rice or as a soup.

Did you know?
Sorrel has a characteristically sharp acidic taste and contains large amounts of oxalic acid which can interfere with absorption of some minerals. Spinach and broccoli also contain high amounts of oxalic acid.


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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The African Gourmet blog about?

The African Gourmet explores African food, history, and culture through recipes, folktales, and proverbs written for curious readers worldwide.

Who writes The African Gourmet?

The blog is written and curated by Ivy, a lifelong historian and storyteller who highlights Africa’s culinary and cultural richness.

How can I find African recipes on this site?

Use the “African Recipes” category or explore posts like African Recipes for regional dishes and ingredients.

Can I share or reprint your articles?

You may share articles with attribution and a link back to The African Gourmet. Reprinting in print or commercial use requires permission.

Where can I learn more about African proverbs and folklore?

Explore our African Proverbs and African Folktales sections for timeless wisdom and stories.

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