EGUSI SOUP
Egusi soup is a delicious and popular Nigerian dish made with ground melon seeds. Here's a basic recipe for Egusi soup:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ground Egusi (melon seeds)
- 1/2 cup palm oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 cups assorted meats (chicken, beef, or goat meat), cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups chopped leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, or bitterleaf)
- 2-3 tablespoons ground crayfish
- 2-3 cups broth or water
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Seasoning cubes or powder (optional)
- Ground pepper or chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions:
1. Heat the palm oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
2. Add the ground Egusi and stir continuously to incorporate it with the palm oil and onions. Keep stirring for about 5-7 minutes until the Egusi starts to clump together and slightly change color.
3. Gradually add the broth or water to the pot while stirring to create a smooth paste. The consistency should be similar to a thick pancake batter.
4. Add the assorted meats and ground crayfish to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to meld and the Egusi to cook through.
6. Stir in the chopped leafy vegetables and ground pepper. If using seasoning cubes or powder, add them at this point. Cover the pot again and let the soup cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
7. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and seasoning if needed. If you prefer extra heat, you can add ground pepper or chili powder.
8. Once the soup is well cooked and the flavors have developed, it's ready to be served.
9. Serve the Egusi soup hot with your choice of swallow (fufu, pounded yam, or eba) or rice.
Egusi soup can be customized with various ingredients, such as fish, prawns, or additional vegetables, based on your preferences. Enjoy your homemade Egusi soup!