How to Prepare Nigerian Egusi Soup

Egusi Soup

The popular Egusi soup which is also known as melon soup is a delicacy that is enjoyed in West Africa. Egusi is the West African name for melon seeds, the seeds are rich in fat and protein and when dried and grounded, it becomes a staple ingredient in so many West African foods and it is one of the most popular soups in most tribes in Nigeria.

Egusi soup is a soup made with leafy and other vegetables which is thickened with ground melon seeds. The soup is often paired with pounded yam, eba, tuwo, banku, amala and many other swallows. However, some people substitute egusi seeds with pumpkin seeds when egusi seeds aren’t obtainable. But this doesn’t give the same great flavour that egusi gives. The egusi seeds or the grounded egusi can be obtained from most African shops.

There are lots of variations in the way Egusi soup is prepared due to the loads of distinct ethnic groups in West Africa. However, whichever way it is prepared, Egusi soup will always come out as a delicious meal!

This recipe and instructions will show you how to make Nigerian Egusi soup.

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Egusi Soup

The popular Egusi soup which is also known as melon soup is a delicacy that is enjoyed in West Africa. 

Course Main Course
Keyword African food, Egusi Soup, Nigerian food
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 7
Calories 250 kcal
Author Mfon-Abasi Akpabio

Ingredients

  • 4 Cups Egusi melon seeds, ground or milled
  • 1 Cup Palm oil
  • 2 Cups Chopped spinach leaves
  • 2 Medium size dried fish
  • Ground crayfish to taste
  • Cooked assorted Meat like; Goat, oxtail, cow, chicken (you can make use of your personal preference)
  • Stockfish (This is optional, but can be obtained in African shops)
  • 1 Cup Blended onions about 3- 5 and fresh chilies (Pepper), to taste
  • Salt, Bouillon cubes to taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Une Iru (locust beans) (This ingredient is optional)
  • 7-8 Cups Stock
  • 3 tbsp Bitter leaf washed This can be obtained in most African shops (This is optional)

Instructions

  1. With most soups and sauces from the West African region, meat and fish are cooked in water and spices to form broth or stock which in turn serve as the base for various soups. To save time, the meat and fish should be cooked prior to the main cooking, so that the soup can be ready in about 20 minutes.

HOW TO MAKE THE SOUP:

  • In a large pot, heat the palm oil on medium for a minute and then add the Une Iru.
  • Fry the chopped onions in the oil for about 3 minutes and add the Une iru for a distinctive aroma (Une Iru is optional).
  • Add the stock (from the meat and fish) and set on a low heat to simmer.
  • Scoop the egusi paste mixture into the stock.
  • Leave to simmer for 20 – 30 minutes so it can cook through.
  • Add the meat and fish and other bits which you would like to use.
  • Add ground crayfish.
  • Add the chopped spinach leaves.
  • Stir and put a lid on the pot and allow cook for 7–10 minutes.
  • Add the bitter leaf (if you want to use bitter leaf, bitter leaf is however optional) Leave the lid off while the cooking finishes for another 5-10 minutes.
  • Stir, check seasoning and adjust accordingly (Taste for salt, bouillon cubes and pepper).

Bon appétit! You can serve with Pounded yam, eba or any other fufu meal.

2 thoughts on “How to Prepare Nigerian Egusi Soup

  1. Spinbot says:

    5 stars
    Great food. Thank you for sharing

  2. YASUA says:

    Delicious recipe

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