Best Egusi Soup Recipe

Egusi soup recipe


Egusi Soup is one of Nigeria’s most loved dishes. Made with ground melon seeds, palm oil, assorted proteins, and leafy greens, it is hearty, flavorful, and perfect with a variety of swallows like pounded yam or eba.

What is Egusi Soup?

Egusi Soup is a thick, rich soup cooked with ground melon seeds. The seeds give the soup a nutty flavour and creamy texture. It is often prepared with a mix of meats, dried fish, crayfish, and vegetables such as pumpkin leaves (ugu) or spinach. Depending on preference, it can be made creamy or with distinct “lumps” of egusi.

Ingredients

  • 2–2½ cups ground egusi (melon seeds)
  • ½–¾ cup palm oil
  • 2 medium onions
  • 2–4 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers
  • 1–2 red bell peppers (optional)
  • 2–3 tbsp ground crayfish
  • 1–2 tsp iru/ogiri (fermented locust beans, optional)
  • 600–800 g assorted meats (beef, goat, shaki/tripe)
  • 60–120 g dried fish or stockfish (optional)
  • 150–250 g prawns or shrimp (optional)
  • 3–4 cups chopped greens (ugu, waterleaf, or spinach)
  • Meat stock or water, as needed
  • Salt and seasoning cubes/powder to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the stock: Boil assorted meats with onion, salt, and seasoning until tender. Set meats aside and keep the stock. Soak dried fish/stockfish if using.
  2. Make the egusi paste: Blend egusi with one onion and a little water into a thick paste.
  3. Cook the pepper base: Heat palm oil, add chopped onion and blended peppers, and fry until reduced. Stir in crayfish and iru/ogiri.
  4. Fry the egusi: Add egusi paste into the pot and fry gently on medium heat until grainy.
  5. Simmer with stock: Pour in reserved meat stock little by little. Return meats and dried fish. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  6. Add greens: Stir in chopped vegetables and cook for 2–5 minutes until wilted.
  7. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Egusi

  • Fry egusi gently on medium heat to avoid burning.
  • For “lumpy” egusi, spoon dollops of egusi paste into simmering stock and let set before stirring.
  • Add greens last to keep them fresh and vibrant.
  • Mix meats and fish for the best depth of flavour.

What to Serve With Egusi Soup

Egusi Soup pairs beautifully with Nigerian swallows such as:

  • Pounded yam
  • Eba (garri)
  • Semolina
  • Amala
  • Fufu

Conclusion

Egusi Soup is rich, versatile, and deeply satisfying. Whether you enjoy it creamy or lumpy, with assorted meats or seafood, it remains a comforting dish that brings people together. Serve it with your favourite swallow and enjoy a true taste of Nigeria.


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