How to Cook Egusi Soup

Egusi soup is a popular and delicious Nigerian dish made from ground melon seeds. It is enjoyed by many across West Africa and is often accompanied with pounded yam, fufu, or eba. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this flavorful soup:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of melon seeds (Egusi)
• Assorted meat (beef, goat meat, chicken, or fish)
• 1/2 cup of palm oil
• 2 onions
• 3-4 fresh tomatoes
• 2 bell peppers
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers (optional, for extra heat)
• 3 cups of spinach or pumpkin leaves (ugu)
• 1 tablespoon of ground crayfish
• 1-2 stock cubes
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the melon seeds. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until they become golden brown. Ensure that you stir frequently to avoid burning. Once toasted, allow them to cool down, then grind them using a blender or a grinding machine until they become a smooth powder. Set aside.
2. Wash and season the assorted meat with onions, stock cubes, and salt. Cook the meat in a pot with water until tender. You can also add any desired spices or seasonings. If you are using fish, pre-cook it separately and set aside.
3. In a separate pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become golden brown.
4. Add the blended tomatoes, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers to the pot of sautéed onions. Stir well and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes or until the mixture is well cooked and the water has dried out.
5. Add the ground melon seeds (egusi) to the pot and stir thoroughly to combine with the tomato and pepper mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let the egusi cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
6. Add the cooked assorted meat or fish to the pot, followed by the ground crayfish and stock cubes. Stir well and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Rinse and chop the spinach or pumpkin leaves into small pieces. Add them to the pot and stir. If using dried leaves, soak them in water before adding. Allow the soup to simmer for about 3-5 minutes or until the leaves are wilted.
8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding salt and spices according to your preference.
9. Simmer the egusi soup for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
10. Your delicious Egusi soup is now ready to be served! It pairs well with pounded yam, fufu, or eba. You can garnish it with chopped fresh herbs such as basil or coriander for added flavor.

Enjoy this traditional Nigerian delicacy and share it with family and friends. Egusi soup is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. It's a perfect meal to savor on any occasion!