Egusi Ijebu Soup is a unique and very delicious Nigerian dish. I remember as a young teenage girl plain egusi, as my siblings often call it, was one of the easiest soups to make.
Egusi ijebu is very popular among the Yorubas in the west (Ijebu people).
It is different from the regular Egusi soup that has spinach added to it. This Yoruba delicacy is known for its smooth, blended texture and rich flavour, making it a favourite among lovers of traditional Nigerian cuisine.
If you want to learn how to prepare this mouthwatering dish, follow this detailed step-by-step guide.
Ingredients Needed:
To make a pot of flavourful Egusi Ijebu Soup, you will need:
- 2 cups of ground Egusi (melon seeds)
- 500g assorted meats (beef, goat meat, shaki, ponmo)
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- Stockfish
- Dried fish
- 2 medium-sized onions
- ½ cup of palm oil
- 1 cup each of ata rodo and bawa pepper.
- 2 cups of meat stock or water
- 1 tablespoon locust beans (iru)
- Homemade seasoning (crayfish, fish, oregano, Uyayak)
- Salt to taste
Egusi Ijebu Soup – Method Of Preparation:
- Wash and season the assorted meats, dried fish, and stockfish with salt, homemade seasoning, and onions.
- Add enough water and boil until the meat is soft. Save the meat stock for later.
- Wash the egusi (melon seeds), ata rodo, Bawa, onions, and pour then in a blender, add water and blend into a fine paste.
- Add the egusi (melon seeds), ata rodo, Bawa, onions, and water into a blender and blend into a fine paste.
5. Set aside for later use.
6. Heat palm oil in a pot over medium heat.
7. Add locust beans (iru). Stir fry for about 2 minutes.
8. Add the blended egusi paste and stir to prevent burning.
9. Pour in the meat stock gradually while stirring to achieve a smooth consistency.
10. Add ground crayfish.
11. Stir well, then introduce the cooked meats and allow them to simmer in the soup for about 10 minutes.
12. Let the soup cook on low heat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
13. Adjust seasoning if needed and remove from heat.
14. Serve hot with eba, pounded yam, fufu, or any swallow of your choice.
Tips For A Perfect Egusi Ijebu Soup:
- Pick, wash, and roast the egusi before blending with the pepper into a fine paste.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less water or stock.
- You can include smoked fish or stockfish for extra flavour.
- You can serve your egusi soup with ewedu soup
Also Read: Egusi Soup And Cholesterol | How To Lower Cholesterol With Egusi
Takeaways
Egusi Ijebu Soup is a delightful meal with a distinct taste that sets it apart from other Nigerian soups.
It is rich in nutrients and minerals that promote good health (1).
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step recipe makes it easy to prepare a delicious pot of Egusi Ijebu Soup that will impress your family and guests.
Enjoy your cooking, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers!
Make Egusi Healthy! Cook It Like This To Lower Side Effect
