Suwaiba Dalhatu
Egusi soup, a popular Nigerian delicacy, has captured the hearts and taste buds of people from all tribes and regions across the country. This delectable soup is renowned for its exquisite flavors and unique combination of ingredients, which come together to provide a truly satisfying culinary experience.
What makes this soup even more intriguing is its versatility, which allows for customization with a variety of other ingredients based on personal preferences and financial strength. The primary ingredient in egusi soup is egusi seeds, which are ground melon seeds, lending a rich and distinct flavor to the dish.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef looking to expand your culinary repertoire or a newcomer in the kitchen eager to learn, discovering how to make egusi soup will undoubtedly elevate your cooking skills.
To guide you through the process, we have created a comprehensive text and an accompanying video instruction that will walk you through the creation of this delightful Nigerian meal step by step. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey as you savor the rich and delicious tastes of egusi soup!
How to Make Egusi Soup
Equipment
Before diving into the recipe, gather the following equipment:
Dry mill – Available on Amazon and Jumia
Blender – Available on Vevor, Amazon and Jumia
Cooking pot – Available on Amazon and Jumia
Wooden spoon – Available on Amazon and Jumia
Knife – Available on Amazon and Jumia
Chopping board – Available on Amazon and Jumia
Ingredients
To prepare Egusi Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
3 cups of egusi seeds
Palm oil
Kpomo (cow skin)
Beef
Sharki (dried fish)
Stockfish
Ground crayfish
Seasonings
Salt to taste
Onions
Ugu leaves (fluted pumpkin)
Red bell pepper
Habanero pepper
Procedure for Making Egusi Soup
STEP 1: Start by soaking the stockfish in water for 30 minutes. If the fish is particularly tough, boil it for 20 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it soak for an additional hour.
STEP 2: Once the stockfish has softened, break it into sizeable chunks and set it aside.
STEP 3: Grind the egusi seeds using a dry mill. Pack the ground egusi seeds and set them aside.
STEP 4: Wash all the vegetables listed in the ingredients, except for the ugu leaves. Cut them into medium sizes and blend them together.
STEP 5: Wash the kpomo, beef, and sharki thoroughly. Place a cooking pot over medium heat, add all the meats, water, seasonings, and chopped onions. Cover and cook until they are all soft, especially the kpomo.
STEP 6: Once the meats are tender, remove them from the pot and set them aside, leaving the broth in the pot.
STEP 7: Add the ground egusi to the pot, stir well, and allow it to cook over medium heat for 25 minutes. If the mixture becomes too thick, add water before cooking. Stir occasionally to prevent burning or sticking to the pot. When the egusi is well cooked, you will notice the clear egusi oil rising to the surface.
STEP 8: Add palm oil to the pot and stir it in. Then, return the cooked meats, soaked stock fish, blended vegetables, seasonings, and salt to taste. Stir well, cover the pot, and allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes.
STEP 9: Cut the ugu leaves, wash them thoroughly, and add them to the pot. Stir well. Next, add the ground crayfish and stir again. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
STEP 10: Your delicious Egusi Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Egusi Soup
Egusi soup pairs perfectly with a variety of Nigerian swallows such as amala, pounded yam, eba, fufu, tuwon shinkafa, tuwon masara, tuwon dawa, or any other swallow of your choice. To complement the flavors, serve it with chilled water, a beverage of your choice, or a refreshing watery drink like Zobo or Millet Gruel.
Occasions to Serve Egusi Soup
Egusi soup is suitable for any mealtime, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. Additionally, it can be served during festivals and cultural events, adding a touch of traditional flavor to the festivities.
How to Store Egusi Soup
If you have leftovers, you can store Egusi Soup in the freezer. Ensure it cools off before freezing, then package it in an airtight container and label it with the date. This will help you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw before reheating, whether on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Health Benefits of Egusi Soup
Aside from its delightful taste, Egusi Soup offers numerous health benefits. It improves appetite, promotes healthy skin, aids in digestion, enhances vision, reduces inflammation, supports heart health, prevents malnutrition, and is beneficial for bone health. Additionally, it helps prevent anemia and provides various essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Egusi Soup can be prepared in various ways, with regional variations adding their own unique twists. Aside from the meats and vegetables mentioned in the ingredient list, you can incorporate additional ingredients to suit your preferences and create a personalized version of this delicious soup.
It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions, depending on the accompanying swallow and the particular event.
So, grab your ingredients, follow the video guide, and embark on a culinary adventure with Egusi Soup!
