Nigerian Egusi Soup with Spinach and Melon Seeds
A traditional West African soup with rich textures and flavors.
This hearty Nigerian soup combines ground melon seeds with spinach for a savory, satisfying dish that's enjoyed with various sides.
- 1 h 30 min
- 6
- Intermediate
Ingredients
Egusi Paste
Soup Base
Vegetables
Additional Ingredients
Preparation
Marinating the Meat
Season Meat
Season the beef and assorted meats with salt and bouillon cubes.
Rest
Allow to rest while preparing other ingredients.
Sauté Onion
Sauté the onion in palm oil until translucent for depth of flavor.
Ensure the palm oil is well-heated to prevent a greasy soup.
Preparing the Egusi Paste
Mix Egusi Paste
Mix ground egusi with water to form a thick paste.
Portion Paste
Divide into small portions for easy incorporation.
Optional Roasting
Roast portions briefly for nuttiness if desired.
Finely grind the melon seeds for a smoother paste.
Cooking Process
Searing the Meat
Brown the seasoned meats in a large pot for added richness.
Building the Base
Add beef stock, bring to a simmer, and simmer until meat is tender.
Incorporating the Egusi
Stir in the egusi paste in small batches to prevent clumping.
Plating & Serving
Nigerian Egusi Soup with Spinach and Melon Seeds
Nigerian Egusi Soup with Spinach and Melon Seeds
Plating & Serving
Serve in traditional bowls, garnishing with chopped fresh chili and serving with fufu or pounded yam.