Nigerian Egusi Soup

local_grocery_store Ingredients

• 1 pound beef, goat, or chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup palm oil
• 1/2 cup ground egusi (melon) seeds
• 2 habanero peppers, chopped
• 2 tablespoons crayfish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ground ogiri (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt

restaurant_menu Method

1. 1.In a large pot, brown the meat over medium heat until cooked through, then remove from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.In the same pot, sauté the onion until translucent, then add the spinach and cook until wilted.
3. 3.Add the meat back to the pot along with 2 cups of water, palm oil, ground egusi, habanero peppers, crayfish, ogiri, and salt.
4. 4.Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the soup has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
5. 5.Serve hot with your favorite side dish.

lightbulb_outline Tips

• chevron_rightIf you can't find ground egusi seeds, you can grind them yourself in a food processor or coffee grinder.
• chevron_rightFor a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water.