Egusi Soup Recipe

Egusi Soup Recipe

Experience the irresistible flavors of Nigeria with this hearty and addictive African Egusi Soup Recipe.

Egusi soup is a dish like no other, made by simmering chili paste in oil for spicy richness, then adding broth, greens, optional meats, and "egusi", or ground melon seeds, which makes this dish truly unique in both taste and texture.

Egusi soup is an ideal dish for spicy food lovers who enjoy rich and hearty flavors.

What You'll Love About This Dish

• We're using fiery habanero peppers or Scotch Bonnets to bring a welcomed heat to the final dish that does not overpower, but compliments the flavors.
• The ground melon seeds add nuttiness and texture for an experience that may surprise you.
• We're using seafood for a delicious version of the dish that is very easy to make and keeps cooking time to a minimum.
• I've included a recipe for fufu, which is optional, but highly recommended as African egusi soup is typically served with fufu. Fufu is a West African staple made from starchy ingredients like cassava, yam, plantains, or potatoes. Fufu and egusi are the perfect combination.

Let's talk about how to make egusi soup, shall we?

Egusi Soup Ingredients

The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• For the EGUSI PASTE
• Onion.
• Egusi Melon Seeds. Egusi is ground melon seeds, sold as a powder. See below for a purchasing option. You can use ground pumpkin seeds as a substitute.
• FOR THE PEPPER PASTE
• Onion.
• Red Bell Peppers.
• Habanero Peppers. Or use Scotch Bonnets. Optional, for a spicy version.
• Dried Crawfish Powder. You can use shrimp powder as a substitute for ground crayfish.
• FOR THE EGUSI SOUP
• Red Palm Oil. Or use annatto oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. Olive oil works, too.
• Onion.
• Stock. I'm using fish stock, though you can use a meat stock.
• Red Pepper Powder. Use a spicy Nigerian red chili powder if you can, or use cayenne.
• Optional Proteins. I'm using white fish, though you can use others, such as shrimp, smoked fish, oysters, or meats like tripe, beef, or goat. If using these meats, it is best to simmer them in water to soften and make a stock, then proceed with the recipe. Tofu can also be used.
• Greens. I'm using fresh spinach, though many leafy greens or leafy vegetables can be used, such as pumpkin leaves, bitter leaves, dandelion greens, kale, or a mix.
• EASY FUFU RECIPE (OPTIONAL)
• Pounded Yam Powder. You can also use cassava powder, plantains, or potatoes, or a combination of these.
• Water. As needed.

How to Make Egusi Soup - the Recipe Method

Make the Egusi Paste. Process the onion in a food processor to form a paste, then mix it with the ground egusi seeds and water in a bowl to form a thick paste.

Set aside.

Make the Pepper Paste. Process the onion, peppers, crawfish powder, and water to form a smooth paste.

Set aside.

FOR THE EGUSI SOUP

Heat the palm oil to medium heat in a large pot and cook the onion to soften, then add the pepper paste and simmer it for 15 minutes. This will add a spicy, rich flavor base.

Then, add the stock, red pepper powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Cook a few minutes.

Next, gently spoon in the egusi paste a bit at a time. Don't over mix it - just carefully stir it in. It should be somewhat lumpy. Let it all simmer about 15 minutes to cook through.

Stir in the white fish and let it cook through, about 5 minutes or so.

Add the spinach to the top and cover it. Let it steam the greens a couple minutes, then remove the lid and gently stir it through the soup to incorporate.

FOR THE FUFU (OPTIONAL)

Bring the water to a boil in a pot over medium-high heat and stir in the yam powder. Stir until it mixes together and thickens into a doughy, starchy ball, about 5 minutes.

Separate and roll into golf ball sized pieces and serve with the soup.

Boom! Done! Your Nigerian egusi soup is ready to serve. Doesn't it look amazing? You're going to LOVE the flavor of this dish. It's incredibly satisfying, and addictive!

Did you make the fufu? Egusi and fufu are a dream combination!

That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this easy egusi soup recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!