Egusi Soup is a popular dish in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. It is made with ground melon seeds and vegetables, and often includes meat or fish. This hearty and flavorful soup is a staple in many African households and is enjoyed as a main dish or side dish. In this recipe, we will show you how to make an authentic African Egusi Soup that’s sure to impress.
African Egusi Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Meat (Chicken, Beef, Or Goat) Cut Into Small Pieces
- 1/2 cup Egusi (Melon Seeds) Ground
- 2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Palm Oil
- 1 Onion Chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves Minced
- 1 tbsp Ginger Grated
- 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper Chopped, (Optional)
- 2 cups Spinach Chopped
- 2 cups Chicken Broth or Water
- Salt To Taste
- Pepper To Taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the ground egusi and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
- In a separate pan, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Saute for 5-7 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add the meat to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned on all sides.
- Add the chicken broth or water to the pot with the egusi and stir to combine. Add the sauteed onion and meat mixture to the pot and stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the soup has thickened. If the soup is too thick, you can add more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- Add the chopped spinach to the soup and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the spinach is wilted.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the egusi soup hot, with rice or fufu on the side.