Beniseed Soup, also known as Sesame Seed Soup, is a delightful dish that originates from various regions in Nigeria, particularly popular in the middle belt area. This nutritious soup is especially cherished in places like Abakaliki, Ogoja (Cross River State), and among the Ibira people of Kogi State, where it’s known as ‘Epi Gorigo’.
What makes this soup particularly special is its rich, nutty flavor profile and higher oil content compared to traditional Egusi soup. The beniseed brings a subtle bitterness that pairs beautifully with bitter leaf, creating a harmonious blend of flavors without the characteristic ‘jute bag’ smell often associated with egusi.
Ingredients
- 1 cup beniseed (sesame seeds)
- 3 pieces snails
- 8 pieces pomo (cow skin)
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1/4 cup washed and chopped bitter leaf
- 4-6 leaves Nchawun/Effirin/Ntong/Scent leaf, sliced
- 1 tablespoon ground crayfish
- 1/4 medium onion
- Yellow Cameroon pepper to taste
- Red scotch bonnet pepper to taste
- 1 cooking spoon palm oil
- Seasoning cubes to taste
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 people
Steps to Follow
- Step 1: Clean and dry the beniseed. Dry-fry until it begins to pop but not brown. Let it cool completely.
- Step 2: Blend the cooled beniseed with some onion and scotch bonnet pepper into a powder.
- Step 3: Season snails and cow skin with salt, pepper, chopped onion, and seasoning. Steam snails for 5 minutes, then remove.
- Step 4: Continue cooking cow skin until tender.
- Step 5: Add beef stock, crayfish, and palm oil to the pot. Boil for 5 minutes and adjust seasoning.
- Step 6: Stir in ground beniseed mixture and return snails to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7: Add bitter leaf and Nchawun, cook for 2 minutes more.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and serve with any swallow of choice.
Additional Instructions
- The beniseed can be prepared and ground several days in advance.
- Use less palm oil than you would for Egusi soup as beniseed has high oil content.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop, adding a little water if needed.
- For allergies: This dish contains sesame seeds.
General Nutritional Values
- Approx. Calories: 380 kcal per serving
- Approx. Protein: 15g
- Approx. Carbohydrates: 12g
- Approx. Fat: 32g
- High in healthy fats and protein
- Rich in iron and calcium
