Alinje

Alinje is a traditional dish originating from the Edo people of Nigeria. It is a soup made primarily from yam and various leafy green vegetables, often including uziza or uzhugwu leaves. The preparation typically involves boiling yam until tender, then mashing it to create a thick base for the soup. Meats such as beef, chicken, or fish are commonly added for flavor and protein, along with palm oil, onions, and spices like pepper and salt.

The texture of Alinje is characteristically smooth and dense due to the mashed yam. It is known for its rich and savory taste, with the greens contributing a slightly bitter or peppery note depending on the type used. This soup is a staple in many Edo households and is often served during important gatherings, celebrations, and family meals. It is typically eaten with a swallow, a starchy accompaniment such as pounded yam, eba, or fufu, which is rolled into small balls and used to scoop up the soup. The dish is considered nutritious, providing carbohydrates from the yam and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and meat.