How to Cook Egusi Soup With Boiling Method

Egusi soup is among the recognized and favorite foods in most West African region especially Nigeria. Popularly characterized by its exquisite nutty taste, this soup is prepared using ground melon seeds known as egusi, sundry meat preparations, various types of green leaves and mixtures of spices. It can therefore be exciting and a fulfilling process to prepare egusi soup for the first time or for the nth time around. It is therefore very easy to prepare egusi soup in clear soup whether you are a professional cook or otherwise. 

For first time cooks, do not be worried should this be the very first time you are preparing egusi soup. I will explain and show you the steps of preparing coffee in details and we will concentrate on boiling method. This method is easy, requires less ingredients and is ideal for the novices. It is good for those would like to taste the dish without going to an extent of ordering a full cup. Plus, do not worry my friends, unless you are so lazy, easy going or maybe you just never practiced well enough, you will be able to make the egusi soup within no time. 

 What is Egusi Soup..? 

Now it’s time to get some understanding and definition of what egusi soup is before we proceed to the actual recipe. Egusi involves seeds of melon tree like pumpkins, gourds or squashes or better still the seeds of such plants. These seeds are dried and then crushed and the resultant powder used in thickening the soup. This gives a thick and rich soup which can be used to satisfy hunger and also is healthy for the body. 

The soup can be taken with other proteins which range from beef, goat meat, chicken, and even fish, among others. It is also a custom to eat it with pounded yam, fufu, garri (which is processed cassava flour). The boiling method of making egusi soup is one of the easiest methods thus the natural taste of the egusi without diminishing the soup’s consistency is enjoyed.

Ingredients for Egusi Soup (Boiling Method)

NOTE:- Gather all the ingredients you’ll be needing before you start cooking. (So that you won't start running around). This list is enough to serve about 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

• Egusi (Ground Melon Seeds): 2 cups
• Beef or Goat Meat: 1 kg (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Stockfish: 1 piece (optional but highly recommended for authentic flavor)
• Dried Fish: 1 cup (optional)
• Palm Oil: 1/2 cup
• Fresh or Frozen Spinach: 2 cups (you can substitute with other leafy greens such as ugwu, bitter leaf, or kale)
• Crayfish (Ground): 2 tablespoons
• Habanero or Scotch Bonnet Pepper: 1-2 peppers (depending on your spice preference)
• Onions: 1 large (chopped it).
• Bouillon Cubes: 2 cubes (or to taste)
• Salt: To taste
• Water or Broth: 4-5 cups
• Seasoning (Curry Powder, Thyme, and Ground Pepper): 1 tablespoon each

Easiest Guide | Cooking Instructions:-

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

The biggest secret of becoming a good cook is prior planning. When preparing to cook your egusi soup make sure that you prepared all the necessary ingredients before you start cooking (very important)

1. Soak the Stockfish and Dried Fish: For your stock fish or dried fish, it is important that you first immerse the fish in hot water, preferably warm water for about 15-25 minutes. This will make the fish to become soft and tender so that it cooks well. After washing the fish let them to be rinsed well enough so that most of the dirt and sand may be washed off. 
2. Chop the Vegetables: If you are using fresh spinach or any other vegetables that has leaves chopped them into smaller pieces and keep aside. If frozen vegetables are used, then defrost them first before putting them to use. 
3. Blend the Pepper and Onions: Puree the habanero or scotch bonnet peppers and onions to a paste like consistency. In case you wish to have something thicker you don’t blend the vegetables but chop them. 

Step 2: Season and Boil the Meat

In this step, one needs to season the bones with seasoning of their choice and boil the meat until the bones soften. 

Put the beef or goat meat into a large pot depending on the quantity of meat that you intend to prepare. Pour in water, dissolve the bouillon cube, add salt, a little thyme, curry powder and pepper. The water should just immerse the meat at the most and ensure the meat is well coated with the mixture. Let it simmer and continue cooking on low heat for averagely one and a half hours or until the meat becomes tender. It is also advisable to add a little more water as the cooking period elapses especially if the meat is very thick. 

Incase you are using stock fish or any dried fish add them half way through the process because they are relatively hard and will not take long to cook. 

Once the meat is tender, take it off the boiling liquid and put it aside but keep the soup in the pot. The egusi seeds will act as an ingredient to thicken the soup while the other ingredients will give it a rich taste. 

Enjoy your egusi soup!! There is no way of avoiding the fact this dish goes well served with pounded yam, fufi, eba (garri). Take a fair share of the dish and pour it onto a plate or bowl and then accompany it with a side dish. 

Tips for First-Time Cooks

Whenever you are preparing egusi soup for the first time/you would develop a feeling of nervousness but don’t. Sculpting is all about practice and time. Cooking is considered as a blend of experiment and time. Here are a few tips to help you through the process: 

1. Prepare Everything Beforehand: Of course it is always best if all ingredients are prepared, chopped, and blended for use before the performance of cooking. This makes the process less stressful and less time-consuming Compared to other companies. 
2. Take Your Time: Do not be in a haste when cooking since this will lead to you making a lot of mistakes. Let the meat to cook nicely so that it would be so tender and tasty. In the same way, take time in frying the egusi paste until so that the paste will be rich with the nutty flavor. 
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Taste: It is about cooking and the volume being created through the production of various flavors. Do not forget to check the soup as you don’t want your guests to taste the chunk rather than the soup. This will help you to salt and pepper and taste and all the things to suit your taste buds before serving. 
4. Ask for Help: As for the first point, if something will seem unclear at some moment, do not hesitate and address to the person who knows the particular dish. Preparing a meal can also be more enjoyable while with friends or family doing so! 
5. Have Fun: Just always bear in mind that cooking is suppose to be enjoyable and fulfilling. Make the most out of the process and feel proud of what you’ve made. 

Final Thoughts

 Boiling egusi soup is really tasty and yummy and it will give you the best of west African culinary experience. The soup is delicious, thick and can be served to several persons in the home including members of the family. If it is your first time it’ll take you to this and you will have arrived at this yummy conclusion. The best thing with this particular dish is that the more often you repeat, the better the outcome of your preparation will be. 

 So, gather your ingredients, get into the kitchen, and start cooking your own homemade egusi soup. Once you taste the result, you'll be glad you tried!