seychelloissoup
Bouillon Bréde
A light, nourishing Seychellois broth of leafy greens, ginger and garlic — everyday soul food of the islands.
Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
★★★★★
4.7(610 ratings)#soup#greens#broth#healthy#gluten-free#vegan
About This Recipe
Bouillon bréde is simplicity itself: a clear, golden broth enriched with whatever leafy greens (bréde) are at hand — watercress, spinach, moringa leaves or Chinese cabbage — plus ginger, garlic and a whisper of turmeric. It is eaten daily in Seychellois homes, ladled over rice at lunch or served as a restorative soup. The broth is light yet deeply flavourful, and it is considered a remedy for everything from a cold to fatigue.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 200 gwatercress or spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 litrevegetable or chicken stock
- 3 clovesgarlic, minced
- 2 cmfresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 tspground turmeric
- 1 tbspvegetable oil
Instructions
- 1
Sauté aromatics
Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger; cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 2
Add stock
Pour in stock and stir in turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- 3
Add greens
Add greens and simmer 8–10 minutes until tender but still bright. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Serve
Ladle into bowls or serve over steamed rice as a light meal.
Pro Tips
- →
Add a few slices of tomato to the broth for extra body.
- →
Use moringa leaves if you can find them — they are traditional and very nutritious.
Variations
- •
Add shredded cooked chicken for a heartier soup.
- •
A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens the flavour.
Storage
Refrigerate up to 2 days. The greens soften on standing — add fresh greens when reheating for the best texture.
History & Origin
Bouillon bréde has roots in the subsistence cooking of early enslaved African workers who cultivated greens alongside their staple crops on the Seychelles plantation estates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'bréde' mean?
Bréde is the Seychellois Creole word for leafy greens — it covers spinach, watercress, moringa, amaranth and more.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, though fresh gives a better colour and texture. Add frozen spinach directly to the simmering broth.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (300g / 10.6 oz) · 4 servings total
Calories70kcal
Protein4g
Carbohydrates6g
Fat3g
Fiber2g
Protein4g
Carbs6g
Fat3g
Time Summary
Prep time10 min
Cook time20 min
Total time30 min
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