Discover Eru: Cameroon’s Beloved Leafy Green Eru Stew (Okazi Leaves)

Now available at Yado African Market – Your trusted source for African groceries in Chicago

If you're craving a taste of Cameroon or curious about trying something rich, hearty, and full of cultural flavor, Eru is the dish to discover. This traditional Cameroonian soup is more than just a meal—it's a celebration of heritage, community, and deeply satisfying flavors.

At Yado African Market, we carry the ingredients you need to prepare authentic Eru right at home, from jute leaves to ground crayfish and palm oil, as well as goat meat, smoked fish, fufu flour, and more.

What Is Eru?

Eru is a popular soup in Cameroon, known for its rich, earthy taste and thick, comforting texture. It’s traditionally made with chopped leafy greens, tender meat or fish, and seasoned with spices, crayfish, and palm oil. The soup is often served with a side of fufu—a starchy accompaniment made from cassava, yams, or plantains that’s used to scoop up the stew.

Key Ingredients in Eru

• Eru leaves (Okazi/Afang) or substitutes like spinach, collard greens, or kale

• Meat or fish such as beef, chicken, goat, or smoked fish

• Palm oil for flavor and color

• Ground crayfish to bring that umami richness

• Salt, Maggi cubes, and pepper to season the stew

• Fufu (cassava, plantain, or yam flour) for serving

You’ll find all of these essentials at Yado—your one-stop shop for African and Caribbean groceries.

How Is Eru Prepared?

First, the meat is simmered until tender. While that’s cooking, the leafy greens are chopped and set aside. Once the meat is ready, it’s added to a pot with the greens, crayfish, palm oil, and spices. The mixture simmers for a while, allowing all the flavors to meld into a thick, savory broth.

Eru is typically eaten with fufu, which is boiled and pounded into a dough-like consistency. Together, the two make a filling and deeply satisfying meal.

Why Eru Is So Loved

Eru’s appeal lies in both its flavor and versatility. It can be adjusted to taste—more or less oil, milder or spicier, meat-heavy or veggie-focused. It’s a dish that adapts to the cook’s preferences while staying rooted in tradition.

It's also nutritious. The leafy greens are rich in fiber, iron, and vitamins, while the meat or fish adds protein. Even better? It's naturally gluten-free and low in sugar, making it ideal for balanced, wholesome eating.

Shop Ingredients at Yado African Market

Whether you’re preparing Eru for the first time or it’s a dish from your childhood, Yado African Market is here to support your journey. We carry:

• Authentic dried or frozen Eru leaves

• Palm oil and ground crayfish

• Goat meat, beef, smoked fish, and more

• Fufu flour and fresh African vegetables

• A wide variety of seasonings and traditional staples

Taste the Tradition

At Yado African Market, we believe that food is more than fuel—it's culture, comfort, and connection. That’s why we’re committed to bringing you the freshest, most authentic African and Caribbean ingredients available in Chicago.

Explore our aisles or shop online at YadoMarket.com
Your roots. Your flavors. Your market.