Discover how to make the most deliciously lumpy Nigerian Egusi Soup, featuring distinctive egg-like chunks that add an incredible texture to this traditional dish.
This recipe allows you to perfectly control the size of your egusi lumps – whether you prefer large, medium, or smaller chunks – while creating a richly flavored, authentic Nigerian soup that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ground egusi (melon seeds)
- 500g beef
- 1 cup cow tripe
- 1 dried catfish
- 1 piece stockfish
- 2 cooking spoons red palm oil
- 2 sweet peppers
- Habanero pepper (to taste)
- 1¾ onions (divided: ¼ chopped, ½ blended for meat, 1 blended for egusi)
- 1 large beef-flavored seasoning cube
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- Leafy vegetables (choice of uziza, ugu, or spinach)
- Prep time: 45 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Serves: 6-8 people
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Soak dried fish in cool water and grind egusi seeds
- Step 2: Prepare vegetables and blend onions until smooth
- Step 3: Cook beef with seasoning cube and chopped onions until pale
- Step 4: Add stockfish and tripe, cover with water and cook until tender
- Step 5: Mix ground egusi with blended onion and form into small balls
- Step 6: Heat palm oil and fry chopped onions until translucent
- Step 7: Add some peppers, then carefully place egusi balls in the oil
- Step 8: Fry balls until caked, then crush to desired lump size
- Step 9: Add crayfish and meat stock, simmer for 10 minutes
- Step 10: Incorporate all meats and remaining peppers
- Step 11: Add vegetables and salt to taste
- Step 12: Transfer to serving bowl immediately after vegetables are heated
Additional Instructions
- Ensure egusi balls aren’t overcrowded while frying
- Keep stirring meat while steaming to prevent burning
- Maintain liquid levels by adding stock gradually
- Clean all dried fish thoroughly before use
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Serve with Nigerian fufu meals or white rice
- Can be made spicier by adding more habanero pepper
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 25g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 15g
- Approx. Fat: 35g
- High in healthy fats from palm oil and egusi
- Rich in protein from various meat sources
