Egusi soup is one of the most loved Nigerian dishes: rich, hearty and made for sharing. Here is a simple way to make it at home in the UK.
What you need
- Ground egusi (melon seeds)
- Palm oil
- Onion and fresh or ground hot pepper
- Crayfish, and stockfish or your choice of meat or fish
- Locust beans (iru), optional
- Leafy vegetables such as spinach
- Seasoning and salt to taste
Method
- Cook your meat or fish with onion and seasoning until tender, and keep the stock.
- Heat palm oil in a pot, add chopped onion and fry briefly.
- Mix the ground egusi with a little water into a thick paste, then spoon it into the oil and fry gently, stirring, until it forms small curds.
- Add the stock a little at a time, then the pepper, crayfish and locust beans. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in your vegetables and cook for a few more minutes. Adjust the seasoning and serve with pounded yam, eba or amala.
You can find everything you need in our Soups and Cooking Essentials collection.