1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of fresh or frozen spinach leaves
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley leaves
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 2. Add the diced tomatoes, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes more. 3. Add the ground ginger, ground cumin, ground black pepper, and salt and cook for 1 minute more. 4. Add the egusi seeds and stir to coat in the spices. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the egusi seeds are soft. 5. Add the chicken breasts and cook until cooked through, about 15 minutes. 6. Stir in the palm oil and cilantro leaves and cook for 1 minute more. 7. Serve immediately with rice or fufu.
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the palm oil. 2. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. 4. Add the peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 5. Add the okra, pumpkin, water yam, white yam, red yam, sweet potatoes, plantains, cassava, yams, potatoes, carrots, and onions. 6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. 7. Add the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. 8. Serve with rice or fufu.
Egusi soup is a delicious and nutritious
How To Cook Egusi Soup Frying Method?
Q: What are the ingredients for Egusi Soup Frying Method?
A: The ingredients for Egusi Soup Frying Method are:
Q: How do I cook Egusi Soup Frying Method?
A: To cook Egusi Soup Frying Method, follow these steps:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 2. Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper (if using), cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes more, or until the vegetables are softened. 3. Add the egusi seeds and stir to coat in the spices. Add the water and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the egusi seeds are soft. 4. Add the chicken and cook until cooked through, about 15 minutes. 5. Add the potatoes, carrots, and green beans and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes more. 6. Stir in the parsley and serve immediately.
Q: What are some tips for making Egusi Soup Frying Method?
A: Here are some tips for making Egusi Soup Frying Method:
Q: What are some variations on Egusi Soup Frying Method?
A: There are many variations on Egusi Soup Frying Method. Some popular variations include:
Q: What are the health benefits of Egusi Soup Frying Method?
A: Egusi Soup Frying Method is a healthy and nutritious soup that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the health benefits of Egusi Soup Frying Method include:
Egusi soup is a delicious and nutritious Nigerian soup that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. The frying method is a quick and easy way to make Egusi soup, and it produces a rich and flavorful broth. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy Egusi soup, be sure to try the frying method.
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Egusi is a West African name for the seeds of plants like squash, melons, and gourds that, when dried and ground become a staple ingredient in many West African dishes . Particularly, in Nigerian culture , egusi is popular with pounded yam. These seeds are rich in fat and protein, and add these essential nutrients into West African Cuisine.
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.
Add the bitter leaf. Leave the lid off while the cooking finishes for another 5-10 minutes.
Stir, check seasoning and adjust accordingly.
Now you can sit back and enjoy your delicious Nigerian Egusi Soup!
How to prepare and cook pumpkin leaves.
2 Comments 5 Minutes
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We loved this recipe, would definitely make this again.
I love this method
Delicacy meal
Delicious, I love this recipe
I loved this recipe my Husband is from Nigeria and I wanted to make his favorite dish. He usually cooks rgis for himself. I felt it was time I cooked for him and show him I can make hos favorite dishes as well
This recipie worked It was nice I loved it?
So, there’s no part where it says you should add water????
very very delicious meal hummmun
This recipe will definetly make sense o
Thank you for this very delicious recipe!
It’s different from what I know.. but thanks ?
Thank you for this love your way so much
Love the cook
Nice recipe
I love this thanks so much for this wonderful method perfectly okay
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS RECIEPE
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A creamy, nutty staple that varies from region to region.
Ozoz Sokoh is a food explorer focused on celebrating and documenting West African culinary heritage.
Serious Eats / Maureen Celestine
Creamy, nutty egusi soup is a staple in homes and bukas, or street food stalls, across Nigeria and in many parts of West Africa. The soup takes its name from egusi, or agushi―the seeds that both thicken and flavor it. Egusi soup typically features meat (such as beef, smoked poultry, goat, cow skin, and offal) and seafood (smoked dried fish or stockfish), as well as awara (Nigerian tofu), mushrooms, and greens.
Oil-rich egusi seeds come from small, hard green melons speckled with cream-colored spots or streaks, which makes them resemble watermelons. Often referred to as the white-seed melon (cucumeropsis mannii), it’s related to other cucurbitaceous gourds, melons, and squashes. You may also see it labeled bitter melon (not to be confused with the bitter melon common to Asian cooking), a reference to its white flesh, which can be slightly bitter.
The seeds are first extracted from the melon’s flesh then sun-dried until their shells turn mustard yellow. Once dried, they are stored as-is, deshelled (either by machine or by hand, a more prized and expensive method), or ground into a coarse flour.
The seeds have a variety of culinary uses: they can be toasted for a snack; ground and pressed to extract a cooking oil; blended into nut butter; and milled into a flour for baking or thickening soups and stews―I've even made a pesto of sorts with it. Mgbam, a textured protein popular in eastern Nigeria, is made by combining ground egusi seeds and usu, a mushroom tuber (akin to a truffle but without the intense flavor).
To make egusi soup, I start by making a stock infused with beef, red onion, and ground crayfish. Once that’s ready, I blend coarsely ground egusi seeds with chopped red onion and water to form a thick, creamy paste, which I dollop into the simmering stock and poach, undisturbed, until the paste congeals. I then give everything a stir to break up the paste, creating curds. The finished soup, which can be topped off with a mix of wilted pumpkin and waterleaf greens, eats more like a stew. You might hear people say, "I'm eating soup" or "I'm licking soup," when eating egusi; these common phrases are a nod to its thicker consistency.
Take note that my version is only one of many. Across Nigeria, egusi soup varies from region to region and palate to palate. You'll find differences in the proteins, seasoning, and greens used, and, more importantly, in the way the egusi itself is prepared. For instance, a friend of mine from the east shared his recipe for a creamier style of egusi in which the ground seeds are stirred into the stock and cooked, resulting in an even, creamy consistency; he finishes the soup with delicate herbs that add layers of freshness and flavor. In contrast, Egusi Ijebu from the southwest of Nigeria is similarly creamy but uses toasted and ground egusi seeds, and omits the greens.
Egusi soup is commonly paired with swallows (soft cooked doughs made from roots, tubers, vegetables, flours, and more) like eba , fufu, lafun , and pounded yam (think mashed potatoes without seasoning, so the sweet delightful flavors of the yam shine through). You can also serve egusi with white rice (typically parboiled long-grain), dodo (fried plantains) , and other starchy preparations, such as boiled yam or plantain, or enjoy it on its own.
Recipe Details
Ingredients.
For the Beef and Stock:
1 pound ( 450 g ) bone-in or boneless beef chuck roast , cut into 2-inch pieces
1 medium red onion (about 6 ounces; 175 g ), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons ground crayfish (see note)
2 teaspoons ( 6 g ) Diamond Crystal kosher salt , plus more to taste; for table salt use half as much by volume or the same weight
1/2 teaspoon Nigerian red dry pepper
For the Egusi Soup:
1 medium red onion (about 6 ounces; 175 g ), roughly chopped
1/2 fresh habanero or Scotch bonnet pepper, stemmed (optional)
2 cups (10 ounces; 300 g ) ground egusi seeds (see note)
3/4 cup unrefined red palm oil (5 1/4 ounces; 150 g ), such as Obiji
Kosher salt and Nigerian red dry pepper
1 teaspoon ground crayfish (see note)
3 1/2 ounces ( 100 g ) fresh pumpkin leaves, amaranth greens, or kale , rinsed and finely chopped (see note)
3 1/2 ounces ( 100 g ) fresh waterleaf or spinach , rinsed and finely chopped (see note)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh or dried bitter leaf or fresh dandelion greens (see note)
For the Stock: In a medium pot, combine beef, onion, crayfish, salt, red pepper, and 6 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Lower heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the stock is slightly reduced and the beef is mostly tender, about 45 minutes (the beef will tenderize further when cooked in the soup). Using a slotted spoon, remove beef and transfer to a medium heatproof bowl; set aside. Reserve stock (you should have about 5 1/2 cups).
For the Egusi Soup: In a food processor or countertop blender, process onion, habanero pepper (if using), and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Scrape into a medium bowl and stir in the ground egusi seeds. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a thick, creamy paste has formed (paste should be viscous and hold its shape). Set aside.
In a 4-quart saucepan, heat oil over low heat for 1 minute. Slowly add all of the reserved stock, along with the crayfish, and bring to a gentle simmer. Add paste, 1 heaped teaspoon at a time, to stock. Cover and cook, stirring and gently scraping the bottom of the pot occasionally, until all of the paste is firm and crumbly, about 25 minutes (patches of orange-red palm oil may bubble on top or around the sides).
Add reserved beef and stir gently to break up the cooked paste into curds (stirring more or less affects the size of the curds). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook until beef is heated through and tender, and some of the orange-red palm oil pools on top, about 10 minutes.
Mound pumpkin leaves and waterleaf on top of soup without stirring, then cover and let steam until greens are wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in wilted greens. Add bitter leaf and cook until soft, about 8 minutes.
Divide soup among warmed bowls and serve hot or at room temperature with eba , lafun , dodo , or cooked white rice .
Food processor or countertop blender
Ground crayfish is made from small prawns that are often sun-dried and smoked.
You can find ground egusi seeds in many West African stores and online .
You will find pumpkin leaves, also known as ugwu or ugu, in Nigerian and West African stores. Curly kale and collard greens are acceptable substitutes.
You will find waterleaf in Nigerian and West African stores. If unavailable, substitute with spinach.
You will find bitter leaf in Nigerian and West African stores. It can be purchased fresh, dried, or frozen. Most versions are washed and shredded, which tones down the bitterness. Other bitter greens, like dandelion, are a good substitute.
To make a creamier egusi, in Step 2, add an additional 1/2 cup water to the blender, along with the ground egusi seeds. In Step 3, stir all of the paste into the soup at once, then proceed as directed.
You can make egusi soup without the greens. If desired, simply omit the pumpkin leaves, waterleaf, and bitter leaf in Step 5, and proceed to serve.
The soup thickens as it stands. Some people prefer to eat it on the day it’s made, while others prefer it the day after.
The simmered beef and stock can be refrigerated in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months (thaw before using).
Egusi soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
674 | Calories |
59g | Fat |
14g | Carbs |
31g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 674 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 59g | 75% |
Saturated Fat 20g | 101% |
Cholesterol 51mg | 17% |
Sodium 684mg | 30% |
Total Carbohydrate 14g | 5% |
Dietary Fiber 5g | 17% |
Total Sugars 4g | |
Protein 31g | |
Vitamin C 29mg | 145% |
Calcium 91mg | 7% |
Iron 7mg | 36% |
Potassium 858mg | 18% |
What To Know
Egusi soup, a culinary masterpiece of Nigerian cuisine, is a thick, savory stew made from ground egusi seeds ( melon seeds ). It is a beloved dish enjoyed across the country and beyond, known for its rich, nutty flavor and versatility.
The core ingredients of egusi soup include:
Variations of egusi soup exist throughout Nigeria, each region adding its unique touch . Some popular variations include:
Egusi soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Egusi seeds are a good source of protein, dietary fiber , and essential vitamins and minerals, including iron , calcium, and magnesium. The soup also provides:
Cooking egusi soup is a relatively simple process , but it requires patience and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Grind the Egusi Seeds : Use a blender or food processor to grind the egusi seeds into a fine powder. 2. Prepare the Base: Heat palm oil in a large pot . Add chopped onions and fry until translucent. Add tomatoes and peppers and cook until soft. 3. Add the Egusi: Gradually add the ground egusi to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. 4. Cook the Egusi: Cook the egusi on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Add Meat and Vegetables: Add the desired meat and vegetables to the pot. 6. Season and Simmer: Season the soup to taste with salt, pepper, and bouillon cubes . Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. 7. Serve: Serve egusi soup hot with your favorite side dish , such as fufu, pounded yam , or rice.
Egusi soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes , including:
In addition to its nutritional value, egusi soup has several potential health benefits:
Egusi soup holds a significant place in Nigerian culture . It is a traditional dish served at special occasions, such as weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies . It is also a symbol of hospitality and community, as it is often shared with guests and neighbors.
Egusi soup is a beloved culinary treasure of Nigeria. Its rich flavor, versatility, and nutritional value make it a dish that is both satisfying and nourishing. Whether enjoyed as a special occasion meal or as a comforting everyday dish , egusi soup continues to captivate the hearts and palates of food lovers around the world.
Q: What is the difference between egusi and pumpkin seeds? A: Egusi seeds are from the egusi melon, while pumpkin seeds are from the pumpkin. Egusi seeds are smaller and have a slightly different flavor than pumpkin seeds.
Q: Can I substitute groundnut (peanut) paste for egusi seeds? A: Yes, you can substitute groundnut paste for egusi seeds . However, the flavor of the soup will be slightly different.
Q: How can I make my egusi soup thicker? A: Add more ground egusi or cook the soup for a longer period of time.
Q: What are some other ingredients that can be added to egusi soup? A: Other ingredients that can be added to egusi soup include okra , bitter leaf , locust beans , and crayfish.
Q: Can egusi soup be frozen? A: Yes, egusi soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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1 Comments
by Pharm Adenike
Last Updated 08/08/2023
Want to know how to cook Egusi soup? Then you're in the right kitchen. Because in this blog post, you'll discover how to make Egusi soup in five (5) different easy and tasty ways. Let's dive in right away...
The frying method of making egusi is probably the commonest way of making Egusi soup.
Depending on whether you want egusi lumps or not, there are two ways to this frying method.
Fun fact: Back in the days, Egusi lumps served as meat for people who could not afford meat. And today, it can serve as meat for people who avoid meat (like vegetarians)
Anyway, here's how to make frying method egusi soup:
: Soup :Fried : Nigerian | |
This boiling method of making egusi soup is majorly used by the Yoruba people of Nigeria (It's refered to as Efo Egusi). Here's how it's done:
: Soup :Boiled : Nigerian | |
This recipe is my mum’s recipe. She would be proud of me right now ^_^. And, luckily for us it can serve as sort of a fit-fam, more nutritious version of making Egusi.
Let’s begin….
: Soup :Boiled : Nigerian | |
This is making Egusi with just waterleaf. This Egusi is usually very light and watery because of the nature of the waterleaf (only vegetable used). It contains a lot of water and unleashes that into the soup.
This soup is a hit back to back and can be used to eat rice and bread….don’t ask me how oo. LoL!
: Soup :Boiled : Nigerian | |
This is a soup from the Ijebu speaking parts of Nigeria. Unlike the common Egusi, this one is really light and lump free.
Let’s cook.
: Soup :Fried : Nigerian | |
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Egusi and thier answers:
Egusi is Not the same as Pumpkin seeds . Egusi is gotten from Melon seeds. Although pumpkin seeds are different from Melon seeds (egusi), they can can still be used to make the delicacy, “Egusi soup”. The pictures below show the differences:
Melon/Egusi Seeds
Pumpkin Seeds
Egusi soup is eaten in all the parts of Nigeria. In Yoruba, it’s called Efo elegusi. In Igbo, it’s called Ofe egusi and Miyan gushi in Hausa.
Egusi is good for the body because it is rich in some healthy fats like polyunsaturated and Omega-6 fats. Egusi is beneficial for skin, heart and fertily health, just to name a few.
Want to know how to cook Egusi soup? Then you're in the right kitchen. Because in this blog post, you'll discover how to make Egusi soup in five (5) different easy and tasty ways.Let's dive in right away...
Cuisine: Nigerian
Recipe Yield: 6
Preparation Time: PT10M
Cooking Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT50M
Recipe Ingredients:
Let me know in the comment section below which of the egusi recipe you'll be cooking first.
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Nice receipe will try the boiling method first. Looking forward to try your mum method soon
Vegan egusi recipe | how to make nigerian egusi soup.
Egusi seeds are often sold whole or ground. I usually like to buy it whole and grind it myself, but if you want to save on time then go ahead and buy it ground. The seeds are derived from a gourd plant that is indigenous to West Africa. Other countries that grow and use egusi include Ghana (where it is called agushi), Benin, Ivory Coast, Mali, Togo, Cameroon and Burkina Faso. It is made up of about 70% fat and 30% protein, and is packed with tons of nutrients and vitamins such as A, B1, B2, C and E - making it excellent for skin, hair and bone health.
Notably, egusi soup is the most popular dish amongst the Ijesha people of Osun state (where my family is from!), where it is eaten alongside pounded yam. Egusi is eaten all the way across Nigeria though, amongst not only the Yoruba but Igbo, Hausa, Edo, Itsekiri, Ibibio and Efik people.
The ground seeds are added to soups as a thickening agent. Egusi soup or stew in particular is composed of leafy greens, palm oil, ground egusi and seasonings. The traditional recipe calls for meat to be added, but as this is a vegan version I have of course left this out. For anyone interested in having that meaty texture though, I recommend adding roasted mushrooms or diced aubergine (garden egg/eggplant).
This is one of my absolute favourite things to eat and it would be one of the dishes I'd include in a personal recipe book showcasing my top family recipes.
Now let's get to the recipe! As always, if you do try it, please share your food pics and tag me on Instagram :)
Nice one. I'm definitely trying it out, cos I don't know how to cook eguisi.
Have you tried alghi to sobstitute cray fish?
Ooh that’s something I’ve thought about but yet to try. Will definitely do a test and update 😄
I'm trying this today
Doing this today 🙂
I’ll be trying this on the weekend
I've got melon seeds it's not clear how to prepare that part. Do I dry the seeds first or blend wet? I don't want to buy pre made egusi seeds
Egusi seeds are usually sold dried. For this recipe, blend them with a little water to form a coarse paste before adding to the pot.
Certainly doing this for my upcoming Fast. What is Alghi please?. Thank you for the Recipe. Blessings 🙌
Made this today and it was delicious. Thank you for the recipe x
Amazing recipe I make it for my family all the time
Nigerianfoodiehub
Nigerian recipes, African recipes and kitchen lover lifestyle
Recipes , Soup · August 10, 2023
Egusi soup stands out with its rich flavours and cultural significance. This delectable dish, made with ground melon seeds, various vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices, holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of Nigerians. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the steps of preparing an authentic Nigerian Egusi Soup that will leave your taste buds dancing and your cravings satisfied.
This will be my second egusi recipe on this blog. The first Egusi soup recipe was the boiled method but today we will dive into how to make the soup using the fried method.
Before you embark on your Egusi Soup adventure, gather these essential ingredients:
Instructions:
Embarking on the journey of creating Nigerian Egusi Soup in your own kitchen is not just about preparing a delicious meal; it’s about embracing the rich culinary heritage of Nigeria. This iconic dish encapsulates the heart and soul of Nigerian cuisine, and by following these steps, you’ll be able to savor its authentic flavors right at home. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or savoring it solo, Nigerian Egusi Soup is sure to leave you with a sense of fulfillment and a new appreciation for the diversity of flavors in global cuisine.
P.s if you try this recipe at home, remember to tag me @nigerianfoodiehub on instagram, tiktok or Pinterest so that I get to see it and I add you to my cabinet of honourable foodies.
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My Active Kitchen
Published: May 14, 2020 by Ajoke
This Egusi soup recipe is insanely delicious and easy to make. Before you say I write this about all my recipes, I just want to confirm once again that this is true. I can tell you, this soup is the truth. It is simple and quick to make.
Let me show you how to cook egusi soup in easy steps. Serve this Nigerian soup with pounded yam, amala, eba, tuwo or any other swallow of choice.
To begin with, I wasn't supposed to post this egusi soup recipe on the blog right away. Then, my family had this soup and it was a hit, so I thought I should share it. Whilst in the kitchen, my daughter told me she had been dreaming of eating noodles or okra soup for lunch.
Tough! I told her that we are having egusi soup for lunch, whether she likes it or not (giving her my serious African Mum's side eyes). We had the egusi soup with pounded yam, and she couldn’t stop singing its praises after eating it.
Furthermore, egusi soup is popular in Nigeria and it is best eaten with morsels or “swallow” as it’s popularly called. Egusi soup and pounded are top of the list. Perfect food marriage the universe has ever brought together.
We have other types of soups too (you can check it out here ). Egusi soup is very easy to make in varied preferences.
I have more than four egusi recipes on the blog and all with different tastes because of the methods of cooking. The ingredients used in cooking varies too and it is safe to call it egusi soup 101 as it's in the simplest way possible and it can be ready under 40 minutes.
I made this soup with pepper mix , ground egusi (melon seed), smoked turkey, spinach, dried prawns and smoked mackerel. I have a thing for smoked turkey that makes me want to add it to anything I cook.
Its no joke at all, I need deliverance. Don’t blame me though, I think whoever invented smoked turkey should be immortalised. The addition of smoked turkey elevated this dish and we all a second helping just licking the soup.
Ground melon
smoked turkey
Smoked Mackerel
Beef stock cubes
Nigerian pepper mix
Dried Prawns
Iru woro or pete (locust beans): substitute with ogiri or omit if you do not have it
Spinach: any type of spinach can be used but I used baby spinach
Egusi (Ground melon seed which is not the same as pumpkin seed) can be cooked with a different method.
Frying method: I love this method and I use it a lot. You fry ground melon seed paste in palm oil first before adding the other ingredients.
Boiling method: Check out how I have used both methods in this lumpy egusi soup recipe
Serve and enjoy with any Nigerian swallow of choice, you can even serve over white rice . Not afraid to try new things, cool, then we are related. you may also enjoy this soup with freshly baked Agege bread .
Absolutely, check out other methods here
Yes, it is. It can be considered as a superfood and it is high in protein, vitamins etc. More importantly, I found an interesting read about egusi here (melon seed) and its invaluable benefits. It is worth a read, Like everything in life, moderation is KEY!!!
I used baby spinach to cook this egusi soup but there are other varieties of green vegetable leaf that can be added as well
In Nigeria (West Africa), the popular egusi soup recipe without vegetable is called egusi ijebu
Yes, you can, just skip the step where you add palm oil.
I would say palm oil. I am yet to come across anyone who cooks the soup with vegetable oil.
Add beef, chicken or fish to the soup if you can't source smoked turkey.
Stockfish can be used to substitute smoked fish used in this recipe. If you will be using stockfish, ensure it is washed in hot water with salt. rinse clean to get rid of the debris before adding to the soup.
Nigerian beef stew : this can be served over this soup if you want.
Nigerian chicken stew
Efo elegusi
Catfish Stew
Finally, as always lovelies, if you make this egusi soup, I'll recommend it with pounded yam. Please leave a comment for me. Also, pin this recipe on Pinterest or tag me your beautiful yummy image on Instagram.
See you on my next post
All the best x
This recipe was originally published in February 2019 but now updated for housekeeping with step by step photos and some tips.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? PLEASE RATE IT AND LEAVE ME A COMMENT. USE #MYACTIVEKITCHEN OR TAG @MYACTIVEKITCHEN ON INSTAGRAM SO I CAN SEE YOUR PHOTOS, I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR CREATIONS. THANK YOU!
September 25, 2023 at 8:01 pm
I definitely enjoyed the write up and how explanatory everything was.. kudos! Would make this sometime following the steps in my leisure time. Keep up the good work Ajoke!
August 10, 2023 at 8:12 pm
October 16, 2022 at 8:55 pm
March 21, 2022 at 11:35 am
February 10, 2022 at 10:35 pm
Question. Is it possible to make egusi soup without the crayfish? I don't eat crustaceans, but would love to enjoy this meal.
February 11, 2022 at 12:13 am
Yes, Sun, you can make egusi soup with ccrayfish. Thanks for stopping by and kindly let me know how you get on.
January 17, 2023 at 1:20 pm
Hey Sun if you don't like the taste of crustaceans you can just omit it, but if you don't eat them for dietary or moral reasons I would recommend you add ground dried seaweed with the seasoning. I use it as a crayfish substitute in many soups and stews.
January 20, 2024 at 10:57 pm
Yes you can however the flavour isn’t as pronounced as the dish is intended!
August 01, 2019 at 12:10 pm
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Nigeria is the most populated black nation on earth and is renowned for its rich diversity in culture, tribes, customs, beliefs, and food.
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They are known to be vivacious and welcoming. It is simply a home filled with beautiful and exotic cultures.
As it is widely known, Nigeria likes to outdo itself in everything, food not been an exception.
We just like to enjoy the best of life. We go all out with our dishes. Typical Nigerian food is rich, spicy, tasty, and appetizing as well as nutritional.
We make a great deal of ensuring our food is filled with a whole lot of nutritional benefits to enable us to live a healthy and strong life.
Our foods are rich in vitamins, proteins, and other vital nutritional components we need to stay healthy.
So, if you are thinking of visiting or staying in Nigeria, one thing you must do is explore the richness of this nation including our delicacies.
Our meals form a vital part of our rich heritage. Each tribe has a rich array of cuisines mostly sourced from natural plants, fruits, and vegetables.
They are a mixture of spicy, juicy flavours that leave your palates wanting more.
Our meals are simply a part of our story, just like the meals of every culture around the globe.
READ ALSO: Red Velvet Cake: Recipe, Simple Steps On How To Bake For Your Next Birthday
In this piece, we will be guiding you through the steps of how to prepare egusi soup , one of Nigeria’s popular soups.
Egusi is a staple, and is usually accompanied with pounded yam, fufu, and eba.
It is prepared in variations by the various ethnic groups in the country. It is made out of freshly-grounded melon seed with other richly assorted ingredients.
Egusi soup recipes:.
This soup can be served with different kinds of swallows like eba, pounded yam, semo, and any swallow you prefer.
Once again, if you’re planning on visiting this beautiful country Nigeria, then you most definitely should try this soup.
This piece was written for BizWatch Nigeria by Pearl Nwaogazi, Client Service Executive at MediaCraft Associates.
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Egusi (Melon) soup is one of Nigeria’s most popular dishes. Eaten by all tribes and loved by foreigners, Egusi is one of your best bets if you are looking for a finger-licking dish.
Ingredients
· 1 cup of Egusi (ground) · 1 cup of palm oil · 1 cup crayfish · 2 seasoning cubes · Fresh meat/fish or preferred protein (Seasoned and boiled) · Meat Stock · 1/2 cup onion-chopped · 1 teaspoon of dried pepper · 1 cup of leafy vegetables (my preferred vegetables for egusi is oziza and okazi)
1. Place palm oil in a pot and heat for about 1 minute (Please, do not bleach) 2. Add the onions to the palm oil and fry for 2 minutes. 3. Add your ground Egusi to the palm oil and let it fry for 3 to 4 minutes, stir from time to time so it doesn’t burn. This should take about 8 minutes in total. 4. Add a teaspoon of crayfish and stir then add the cooked meat, stockfish, dried fish and meat stock. Add the remaining crayfish, seasoning cube, pepper then add very little water. Stir well and taste for seasoning. 5. Let all the ingredients simmer together for about 5 minutes. 6. Add the vegetables (Ugu or Oziza and Okazi) and let them cook in for about 1 minute. 7. Turn off the heat, serve your egusi as desired.
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We all know that Egusi soup is a well-known Nigerian delicacy, but do you also know that Egusi soup can be custom-made by each tribe in Nigeria? In this article, I’ll be giving the recipes and all you need to know about how to make Yoruba Egusi soup.
Egusi is one of the most widely consumed soups in Nigeria. Most tribes prepare it. Egusi is a ground-shelled melon seed. It’s dry-milled and combined with a little water to form a paste. The paste is then combined with seafood and meat to make the soup.
This soup can be paired with any swallow of choice, like eba, amala, semo, pounded yam, fufu, and even white rice. You can serve it for lunch or dinner and enjoy it with family and friends. Egusi soup can be served at parties or any ceremony.
Prep your ingredients
Wash your meat properly, pour it into a pot, and add some chopped onion, salt, seasoning cubes, and some pepper if you want. Add a little, cover, and cook until the meat is soft. When the meat is soft, separate it from the stock and set aside.
Take out the seed from the bell peppers and wash them properly. Pour in the habanero peppers, red bell peppers, and some onion into a blender and blend till it until you get your desired consistency.
Wash your ugu leaf with some salt and water to remove all the dirt. Also, wash the bitter leaf very well with salt and water until you can’t taste the bitterness.
Pour your melon seeds into a blender, add some water, onion, and crayfish, and blend until you get a very smooth thick paste.
Wash your ponmo properly and dice it into smaller bits. Also, wash your dried fish with some salt and hot water. Set them aside.
Pour some palm oil into a pot and allow it to heat up. Drop in the Egusi paste in bits into the pot of oil and let it fry. Stir it continuously until it no longer sticks to the pot.
After frying, pour in your blended pepper mix and meat stock and stir. If it is too thick, you can add more water.
Next, stir together your crayfish, locust beans, dried fish, stock fish, diced ponmo, and cooked meat. Add in your seasoning cubes and some salt, stir, and allow to boil for 5 minutes.
After it has boiled properly, add in your washed vegetables (bitter leaf and ugu leaves). Stir and allow to simmer for 2 minutes.
Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary; your egusi soup is ready. You can serve it with boiled white rice, fufu, eba, or pounded yam.
For more guidance, watch the video on How to make Egusi soup like a Yoruba woman below
Remember to add your seasoning cubes and salt in moderation because of the meat stock already used. You can purchase the already blended melon seeds from the market. All you need to do is mix it with water or some meat stock to form a thick paste.
Your palm oil should be used in moderation. If you are using Ugu or Spinach, add them to your soup when it is almost ready so it can retain all its vitamins. If you’re using stockfish, soak it in hot water and salt overnight.
A lot of times, picking the right vegetable to use for egusi soup could really be tasking as each leaf gives the soup its own unique flavor. Uziza is a spicy aromatic leaf on its own, and just a little can take any soup it is added to from zero to 100% in no time.
Efo-riro is a hearty Nigerian soup native to the Yorubas. It usually consists of stock cubes, pumpkin leaves, onions, tomatoes, and assorted meat or fish.
Another reason that soups can become watery is that the vegetables or other ingredients in the soup continue to emit moisture through the cooking process. Mushrooms and potatoes are prime examples of vegetables that continue to lose moisture as they cook further, especially from a raw state.
Egusi soup is a native soup known distinctively for its taste and leaves, which sets it apart from the rest. This very delicious and nourishing soup can go with any popular swallows like Garri (Eba), Fufu (Akpu), Semovita, or even pounded yam.
Egusi Soup is a Nigerian Soup that is made with melon seeds and enriched with spices and vegetables. It can be prepared with leafy vegetables, such as ugwu(fluted pumpkin leaves), bitter leaf, spinach, and the like.
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Step 3. Parboil for about ten minutes, then add water and cook till the meat is tender and the stock (water) is about to dry. Use two seasoning cubes, a teaspoon of salt and a half cup of sliced onions. Step 4. Pour hot water over the stockfish in a bowl and wash thoroughly to remove sand, then set aside.
Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Serve and Enjoy. Egusi soup is traditionally served with pounded yam, fufu, or eba. Scoop some of the soup into a bowl and enjoy with your preferred swallow. Tips for a Perfect Egusi Soup. Texture: For a thicker consistency, reduce the amount of stock or add ...
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat the oil. 2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Add the garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper and cook for 1 minute more. 4. Add the egusi seeds and stir to coat in the spices. 5.
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 ...
For the Egusi Soup: In a food processor or countertop blender, process onion, habanero pepper (if using), and 1/4 cup water until smooth. Scrape into a medium bowl and stir in the ground egusi seeds. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until a thick, creamy paste has formed (paste should be viscous and hold its shape). Set aside.
In Nigerian households, the preparation of Egusi Soup often serves as a communal activity, bringing family and friends together to share stories, laughter, and of course, delicious food.
Add tomatoes and peppers and cook until soft. 3. Add the Egusi: Gradually add the ground egusi to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. 4. Cook the Egusi: Cook the egusi on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Add Meat and Vegetables: Add the desired meat and vegetables to the pot. 6.
Stir together and fry for 4 more minutes. This time on high heat. 4. Reduce to medium heat and scoop the egusi paste into the frying tomatoes and pepper. Add sliced onions and fry until the overall water concentration reduces. 5. Add the stock water together with the boiled meat and stockfish to the mix.
2. Wash and chop your pumpkin leaves (Ugwu) or vegetable of choice. 3. In a large pot, pour your palm oil and allow it to be hot for a few seconds. 4. Add enough water into the Egusi powder to make a thick paste then add your Egusi paste into the hot oil with a spoon, in bits till the paste is exhausted.
Cook on low heat with the lid on your pot. After 5 minutes, open the saucepan and stir to evenly distribute the egusi and other ingredients. For another two to 3 minutes of cooking, cover once more. Add your clean spinach or any other vegetable you wish to use after 3 minutes. Cook for two minutes while covered.
Season with salt and cook on medium-high heat for 10 minutes. Stir in the vegetable stock and sprinkle the ground egusi over the top. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes. The egusi should cake and form little air pockets. Add the chopped spinach and iru, give it a good mix and cook uncovered for a further 5 minutes.
In a pot , heat the palm oil and add the egusi paste. Stir fry for about 5 minutes until the egusi is fried and clumpy. Add pepper paste, cooked meat, Cameroon pepper, crayfish, and some water to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Then add meat stock and season with more salt and seasoning cubes if needed.
Wash and chop the spinach, drain in a colander and set aside. Add pepper mix, locust beans and stir to combine. Bring to boil for 5 minutes. Add the egusi paste in bits to pepper, reduce the heat, do not stir and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for another 10 minutes. Remove the lid, and gently stir the soup.
This is how to make an authentic Nigerian Egusi soup from the scratchINGREDIENTS 🔴 INGREDIENTS FOR EGUSI SOUP RECIPE *1 & 1/2 Cup Egusi (Melon) seeds*1/2 ki...
Grind the egusi and osu using a grinding stone or blend using a blender. Pour the ground egusi into a clean dry bowl and set aside about 20%. Mold the egusi dough into flat discs, each as big as a coin. Then, boil some water and add the molded egusi to the pot of boiling water. Cook for ten minutes over medium heat.
Blend your egusi and make it into a paste by mixing with water or stock from the meat; Put a pot on a stove and pour your palm oil, set to low heat; Add the stock and set your cooker to low heat to simmer; Add your grounded crayfish; Use a teaspoon to make the egusi paste into a ball and put it into the pot; Leave to simmer for 20-30 minutes;
Egusi soup is an all time staple dish in Nigeria and I have not met a person that didn't fall in love with. There are different methods of making Egusi Soup ...
Ingredients · 1 cup of Egusi (ground) · 1 cup of palm oil · 1 cup crayfish · 2 seasoning cubes · Fresh meat/fish or preferred protein (Seasoned and boiled)
Learn how to make a delicious and authentic Nigerian Egusi soup! This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the steps to create this rich and flavorfu...
To make boiled Egusi Soup, you need ground egusi seeds, palm oil, assorted meats, stockfish, dried fish, onions, fresh peppers, spinach or bitter leaf, seasoning cubes, salt, and any other desired vegetables. Boil meats and stockfish in a pot. Fry onions in palm oil. Add egusi seeds and cook until slightly dry.
Step 1. Pour some palm oil into a pot and allow it to heat up. Drop in the Egusi paste in bits into the pot of oil and let it fry. Stir it continuously until it no longer sticks to the pot. Step 2. After frying, pour in your blended pepper mix and meat stock and stir. If it is too thick, you can add more water.
Welcome back to my channel! Today, we're cooking up a classic Nigerian favorite: Egusi Soup with Spinach and assorted meat. As the soup simmers, the aroma of...
Egusi soup is a rich and flavorful Nigerian soup that is made with ground melon seeds, assorted meat/fish and, a handful of fresh vegetables.This soup has be...