Nigerian Egusi Soup
Nigerian Egusi Soup
njoy a comforting and hearty bowl of Egusi Soup, a beloved Nigerian delicacy! 🇳🇬🍲 This rich and flavorful soup combines ground melon seeds with tender goat meat, assorted fish, and vibrant vegetables, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Food processor (for blending)
Ingredients
- 1 cup ground Egusi melon seeds
- 1 cup palm oil
- 1 medium onion roughly blended
- 1 cup mixed yellow and red peppers roughly blended
- 1 cup pre-cooked goat meat
- 1 cup cooked cow skin pomo
- 1 cup stockfish cleaned and shredded
- 1/2 cup dry fish cleaned and shredded
- 1 tablespoon ground crayfish
- 2 cups meat stock from boiling the goat meat and pomo
- 2 seasoning cubes
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon ground pepper optional
- 1 tablespoon local seasoning optional
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups pumpkin leaves ugu, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Palm Oil: In a large pot, add the palm oil and allow it to heat for about 30 seconds on medium heat.
- Sauté the Onion and Peppers: Add the roughly blended onions and mixed peppers to the hot oil, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate the Egusi: Stir in the ground Egusi, adding about 1 cup of water. Mix well to form a smooth paste and let it fry for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to float on top.
- Add the Meat Stock: Pour in the meat stock (from cooking the goat meat and pomo) and give it a good stir. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine with Meat and Fish: Add the pre-cooked goat meat, pomo, shredded stockfish, and dry fish to the pot. Stir everything together and adjust the consistency with up to 2 cups of water.
- Season the Soup: Add the ground crayfish, seasoning cubes, optional local seasoning, ground pepper, and salt. Mix well and allow it to cook for another 10 minutes.
- Final Touch with Vegetables: Gently fold in the chopped pumpkin leaves (ugu) in batches. Let the soup cook for another 2-3 minutes until the leaves soften but remain vibrant.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with your choice of pounded yam, garri, or rice.
Notes
- 🌿 Feel free to substitute pumpkin leaves (ugu) with spinach if unavailable.
- 💡 For a richer flavor, adjust the spice level to your preference with more or less ground pepper.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 22gFat: 35gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mg
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