A traditional Nigerian soup made with melon seeds, goat meat, dried fish, and vegetables.

Egusi Soup recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
1hr

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)
  • goat meat
    goat meat
    2lb
  • dried fish (malgala or dried catfish)
    dried fish (malgala or dried catfish)
    2piece
  • palm oil
    palm oil
    1cup
  • long bitter leaf (washed)
    long bitter leaf (washed)
    1bundle
  • diced onion
    diced onion
    1piece
  • dry prawns
    dry prawns
    1cup
  • seasoning
    seasoning
    2tbsp
  • grinded melon seed (egusi)
    grinded melon seed (egusi)
    2cup
  • fresh yellow pepper (grinded)
    fresh yellow pepper (grinded)
    2piece

How to make Egusi Soup

  1. Step 1

    Wash the goat meat, dried fish, and prawns. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Put the grinded melon seeds in a plate and add some water. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Place the goat meat in a pot, add water, diced onion, and grinded yellow pepper. Cook for a few minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Add the washed dried fish and prawns to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes and set aside.

  5. Step 5

    Heat a clean pot and pour in the palm oil. Allow to heat for just a minute.

  6. Step 6

    Add the diced onion and grinded yellow pepper. Stir for 2 minutes.

  7. Step 7

    Add the mixed melon seeds to the pot and fry for 5 minutes.

  8. Step 8

    Add the washed bitter leaf and fry until it tastes a bit cooked.

  9. Step 9

    Add the cooked goat meat, dried fish, and prawns. Stir for 2 minutes.

  10. Step 10

    Add the stock and stir.

  11. Step 11

    Add the seasoning and allow to cook for 10 minutes.

  12. Step 12

    Add salt to taste and cook for 2 minutes.

  13. Step 13

    Serve with any swallow of your choice.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

660.0kcal (33%)

Protein

49.2g (98.34%)

Carbs

25.0g (9.09%)

Sugars

1.7g (3.34%)

Healthy Fat

25.2g

Unhealthy Fat

10.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

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Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the melon seeds are well ground for a smoother texture.

  2. Adjust the amount of pepper to suit your spice tolerance.

  3. You can substitute bitter leaf with spinach if unavailable.

FAQS

  1. What is the best way to store leftover Egusi Soup?

    To store leftover Egusi Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in portions, which can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

  2. Can I make Egusi Soup vegetarian or vegan?

    Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Egusi Soup by substituting the goat meat and dried fish with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth instead of meat stock and add more vegetables such as spinach or kale for added nutrition.

  3. What are some good side dishes to serve with Egusi Soup?

    Egusi Soup pairs well with various 'swallow' dishes such as pounded yam, fufu, or eba. You can also serve it with rice or plantains for a delicious meal. The combination of the rich, nutty flavors of the soup with the starchy sides creates a satisfying dining experience.

  4. What can I substitute for palm oil in Egusi Soup?

    If you need a substitute for palm oil in Egusi Soup, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil as alternatives. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor profile of the soup. For a closer match to the traditional taste, consider using red palm oil if available.

  5. How long does it take to cook Egusi Soup from start to finish?

    While the exact cooking time can vary, preparing Egusi Soup typically takes about 30-45 minutes from start to finish. This includes the time for washing and prepping the ingredients, cooking the meat, and allowing the soup to simmer to develop its rich flavors.

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