A classic Nigerian dish made with ground melon seeds.
Ingredients
- 1cupground egusi seeds
- 2tbspvegetable oil
- 1pieceonion, chopped
- 2clovegarlic, minced
- 1tspgrated ginger
- 1lbbeef or goat meat, cut into small pieces
- 1lbfish (optional), cut into small pieces
- 2cupswater
- 1tspsalt
- 1/2tspblack pepper
- 1/2tspground cumin
- 2tbsptomato paste
- 2cupsspinach or other leafy greens (optional)
- 2pieceScotch bonnet peppers (optional), chopped
How to make Egusi Soup
Prepare the Egusi Seeds
Rinse the egusi seeds and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
Drain and grind the seeds into a fine paste using a blender or food processor.
Cook the Meat
Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until onion is translucent.
Add beef or goat meat; cook until browned.
Add fish (if using); cook until browned.
Add Water and Spices
Add water, salt, black pepper, and cumin; stir well.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Add Egusi Paste
Stir in the ground egusi paste.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Tomato Paste
Stir in tomato paste.
Cook for 5 minutes.
Add Leafy Greens (Optional)
Add spinach or other leafy greens; stir well.
Cook until greens are wilted.
Add Scotch Bonnet Peppers (Optional)
Add chopped Scotch bonnet peppers; stir well.
Serve
Serve egusi soup hot with fufu, garri, or rice.
Tips & Tricks
Use a blender or food processor to grind the egusi seeds.
Adjust spice levels to taste.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor.
Use beef or goat broth instead of water for more flavor.