Egusi (also known by variations including agusi, agushi) is the name for the fat- and protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants (squash, melon, gourd), which after being dried and ground are used as a major ingredient in West African cuisine.
Egusi soup does not just benefit your stomach, it is a healthy meal rich in iron, calcium, Vitamin A and C, sodium, potassium, protein and carbohydrate and low in fat, cholesterol, fiber, saturated fat, and sugar.
In Nigerian culture, egusi is a popular with pounded yam. These seeds are rich in fat and protein, and add these essential nutrients into West African cuisines.
Nigerian Egusi Soup is a soup thickened with ground melon seeds and contains leafy and other vegetables.
It is one of the most popular soups prepared by most tribes in Nigeria with considerable variation and often eaten with dishes like Pounded Yams.
Prepare it with goat, beef, fish, or shellfish!
This recipe will show you how to make Nigerian Egusi Soup, a popular West African soup made with melon seeds.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup blended onions about 3- 5 and fresh chilies, to taste
- 4 cups egusi melon seeds, ground or milled
- 1⁄2 – 1 cup palm oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh Une Iru, locust beans
- Salt to taste
- Ground crayfish to taste
- 7– 8 cups stock
- Cooked Meat & fish (quantity and variety to personal preference)
- 2 cups cut pumpkin leaves
- 1 cup waterleaf cut
- 3 tablespoons bitter leaf washed
HAVE YOU READ: A RECIPE FOR BITTER LEAF SOUP (OFE ONUGBU)
INSTRUCTIONS
EGUSI PASTE:
Prepare the egusi paste:
Blend egusi seeds and onion mixture. Set aside.
MAKE THE SOUP:
- In a large pot, heat the palm oil on medium for a minute and then add the Une.
- Slowly add the stock and set on low heat to simmer.
- Scoop teaspoon size balls of the egusi paste mixture into the stock. Be sure to keep ball shape.
- Leave to simmer for 20 – 30 minutes so the balls cook through.
- Add the meat and fish and other bits which you’d like to use.
- You can now add cut-up pumpkin leaves.
- Then add the waterleaf.
- Stir and put a lid on the pot and allow cook for 7–10 minutes, till the leaves wilt.
- Add the bitter leaf. Leave the lid off while the cooking finishes for another 5-10 minutes.
- Stir, check seasoning and adjust accordingly.
HAVE YOU READ: A RECIPE FOR NIGERIAN CATFISH PEPPER SOUP
RECIPE NOTES
Now you can sit back and enjoy your delicious Nigerian Egusi Soup!
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