Egusi Soup - How to make Egusi Ijebu
Egusi Soup is mainly eaten in West Africa and it also is known as Agusi or Agusi in some parts of Africa. In Nigeria, we cook this soup in different ways depending on the region.
- Prep time
- 15 min
- Cook time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 5 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 Cup Egusi Melon
- 1/4 Cup Palm Oil
- 2 Cups Beef stock ( or as needed)
- 3/4 Cup sauce
- 1 Onion (medium sized )
- 1 Tablespoon Ogiri ( or a small chunk)
- 1 Tablespoon Iru (Locust bean)
- Salt to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Crayfish
- Prawns (as desired)
- Meat (or Fish of choice)
Instructions
- 1
Toast the Egusi melon in a hot pan on a medium to high heat until it begins to brown and pop but don't get it burnt. You will literarily perceive the 'Nutty Aroma' of the toasted melon once it's done. Remove it from heat and allow it to cool down.
- 2
Blend the Egusi together with the Onion and about a Cup of stock then set it aside.
- 3
Place the Palm Oil on the stove top, add the locust bean and stir-fry for a couple of seconds so that the bean will release its flavor into the Oil.
- 4
Add the sauce (see the link to the sauce above) and dissolve the Ogiri in the Sauce, then add some beef stock, Crayfish and the Prawns stir this together.
- 5
Turn the heat down to low, then add the blended Egusi and continue to stir so that the Egusi will not become lumpy (you can add stock or Water if there is a need for it). When the stew is smooth and lump free, you can now cover it up and increase the heat then allow it to cook for about 10 minutes or thereabout.
- 6
Add Salt to taste and add the Beef as well and leave to cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or till you achieve your desired consistency.
- 7
Serve with your favorite swallow, Rice, Yam...Enjoy!