Achu Soup

Achu (AH-choo)

Yellow Soup with Pounded Cocoyam

⏱ Prep Time 2 hours

📈 Difficulty Hard

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 536 kcal

A vibrant yellow soup made from limestone-filtered palm oil and spices, served over pillowy mounds of pounded cocoyam, a beloved dish from Cameroon's Northwest region.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 22.0g

Carbs 58.0g

Fat 24.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

mortar and pestle large pot sieve wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep bowl

Garnishes: palm oil drizzle

Accompaniments: pounded cocoyam

Ingredients

2kg cocoyam (taro), peeled
500g beef, cut into chunks
200g smoked fish, deboned
1 cup palm oil
2 tbsp limestone powder (nikkih or kanwa)
2 cups water
2 bouillon cubes
Salt to taste
1 tsp ground white pepper

Instructions

1
Boil peeled cocoyam in salted water until very soft, about 40 minutes. Drain and pound in a mortar until smooth and stretchy.
2
Season and boil beef until tender, about 45 minutes. Reserve stock.
3
Mix limestone powder with 2 cups warm water, stir and let settle. Carefully pour off the clear liquid into a pot.
4
Add palm oil to the limestone water and boil vigorously, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns bright yellow and emulsifies, about 20 minutes.
5
Add bouillon cubes, white pepper, salt, cooked beef, and smoked fish. Simmer 10 minutes.
6
Serve the yellow soup poured generously over mounds of pounded cocoyam.

💡

Did You Know?

The secret to achu soup's vivid yellow colour is the limestone water (nikkih), which chemically transforms the palm oil into a smooth, golden emulsion.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

mortar and pestle
large pot
sieve
wooden spoon

Garnishing

palm oil drizzle

Accompaniments

pounded cocoyam

The Story Behind Achu Soup

Achu is the pride of Cameroon's Northwest region, particularly the Ngemba and Bamileke peoples. The technique of using limestone to transform palm oil into the yellow soup is unique to this region and has been practiced for centuries. The dish is central to cultural identity and is mandatory at traditional celebrations.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed sunday lunch, celebrations, cultural festivals 📜 Origins: Pre-colonial Northwest Cameroon

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