Egusi soup is one of the most popular soups in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. This dish is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Nigeria.
You can make egusi soup using several ingredients, but the star ingredient of the soup is the melon seeds.
The seeds are processed into a fine paste, giving the soup flavor and a fine texture. To prepare egusi soup is a labor-intensive process, but the result is worth it.
The soup dates back to the days of the Yoruba and Igbo people, who were some of the earliest inhabitants of the region of Nigeria.
The dish has been passed down through generations and has become a staple of Nigerian cuisine. Today, egusi soup has gained the hearts of many people from all walks of life and is considered a national dish.
INGREDIENTS FOR EGUSI SOUP
- Melon seed, blended with a little bit of water
- Onion, minced
- Salt
- Seasoning cube
- Water
- Shaki
- Kpomo, pre-boiled
- Dried fish (any kind of your choice)
- Stockfish, washed with hot water.
- Beef, washed and cut into bit sizes.
- Pepper, blended
- Tatachi blended
- Palm oil
- Locust beans (optional)
- crayfish
- Ozizia, sliced
- Ugu, sliced
- Periwinkles, washed
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HOW TO MAKE
- Into a large pot, add the beef, Shaki, dried fish, stock fish, Kpomo, onion, pepper, salt, and seasoning cubes and steam on low heat for 10 minutes. Do not add water when steaming the protein.
- Once done, add water and cook for 20-25 minutes or until meat is tender and soft. Once done, keep that aside, and let’s get to work.
- Next, add the stock you got from steaming and cooking your protein. Then, add it to the egusi to form a paste and keep it aside.
- Get out another pot and add the palm oil, salt, seasoning cubes, locust beans, crayfish, pepper, and Tatachi, and stir for 5 minutes. Add the egusi paste, mix to combine, and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes. Check now and then, so your egusi won’t get burnt.
- Add the stock as well as the protein, stir it, and allow it to come to a boil. Add your periwinkles and mix again.
- Once you see the palm oil rising to the top, add your well-washed vegetables (Ugu and Uziza), mix until combined, and allow to cook for 10 minutes.
- Serve in a dish with either fufu, Garri, pounded yam, or Semovita. Either way, it still tastes delicious!
CONCLUSION
Egusi soup is a dish that has its roots in the rich history and culture of Nigeria. Its unique ingredients and flavor profile make it a must-try for anyone interested in experiencing the cuisine.
While the recipe may vary depending on the region of Nigeria it’s from, the ingredients and cooking process remain unchanged. The resulting dish is a hearty and filling meal that pleases the palate.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Nigerian cuisine or simply interested in trying something new, egusi soup will delight you.
So, have you ever tried egusi soup? If not, what’s stopping you? Give it a try, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
