Why Egusi Soup Is a Nigerian Wonder
Egusi soup is more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of celebration, comfort, and Nigerian culinary pride. Made from ground melon seeds (“egusi”), this soup is thick, rich, and bursting with the savoury flavours of palm oil, spices, leafy greens, and choice cuts of beef, goat, fish, or assorted meats.
Loved across Nigeria and West Africa, Egusi soup is a staple at weddings, festive gatherings, Sunday lunches, and anytime you want to impress guests or nourish your soul.
What Makes Egusi Soup So Special?
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Unique Nutty Flavour: Ground egusi seeds give this soup its creamy, satisfying base.
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Packed With Protein: Beef, goat, fish, and dried crayfish add depth and nutrition.
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Loaded With Greens: Spinach, bitterleaf, or ugu (pumpkin leaves) add colour and goodness.
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Versatile & Customisable: You can make it with just vegetables or add as many proteins as you like.
Classic Egusi Soup Ingredients
- Ground egusi (melon seeds) (Shop egusi seeds)
- Assorted meat: beef, goat, tripe, stockfish (Shop meat & fish)
- Palm oil (Shop palm oil)
- Leafy greens: spinach, ugu, or bitterleaf
- Dried crayfish, stock cubes, onions, Scotch bonnet pepper
- Salt and African spices (Shop spices)
How to Make Egusi Soup (Easy Recipe)
- Prepare the proteins: Wash and season meat, stockfish, or fish. Boil with onions, stock cubes, and salt until tender. Set aside.
- Make the egusi paste: Mix ground egusi with a little water to form a thick paste.
- Build the soup: Heat palm oil in a pot, add onions, then spoon in the egusi paste. Stir-fry until the oil separates and the egusi begins to brown slightly.
- Add broth and protein: Pour in some of the reserved meat stock, then add the cooked proteins, crayfish, and Scotch bonnet. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Add greens: Stir in chopped leafy vegetables. Cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt or spices. Enjoy hot with pounded yam, eba, or fufu!
Egusi Soup Serving Tips Pairs perfectly with pounded yam, eba, amala, or fufu. Sprinkle with extra crayfish or garnish with sliced fresh peppers for a flavour boost. Freeze leftovers for quick, tasty meals anytime! Shop Egusi Soup Ingredients Online Ground egusi (melon seeds) Meat & fish Palm oil Swallow flours (fufu, eba, pounded yam)
👉 Order authentic ingredients at Surulere Foods for fast UK delivery!
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