EGUSI SOUP

By AFOLABI E. SIMISOLA

It's no news that the scarcity and hike in the price of pepper have caused people to go for an alternative to eating egusi soup. Nigerian egusi soup is a popular dish which is eaten by a wide spectrum of Nigerians with different types of preparation and combinations with different dishes. For a college student, egusi is now the go-to, to minimize cost and have a nearby soup meal eaten with different food like swallow and rice.

 

Photo credit: allnigeriansfood

Ingredients:

1. Egusi

2. Onion

3. Palm oil

4. Seasoning cube

5. Salt

6. Grounded pepper

7. Iru (locust beans)

8. Egg/fish/meat.

Preparation

Step 1

Mix the grounded egusi and grounded pepper with water to make a thick paste

Step 2

Cook your meat or fish with seasoning cubes, onions, and salt. (This step is for the rich kids who can afford meat and fish}

Step 3

Set the cooking pot on fire and add palm oil (based on discretion), onions, and locust beans to heat, do not allow the oil to bleach 

Step 4

Add the egusi paste and allow to cook for a minute before stirring. Stir until it forms bread-like crumbs.

Step 5

Add egg/meat/fish and allow to cook. You can add more water based on preference for thickness.

Step 6

Allow to simmer on low heat. Viola, your pot of egusi soup is ready.

 

This recipe is easy, fast and does not tear your pocket. You can always eat your Egusi soup with rice, swallow, and bread (for those that do not care about maintaining steeze).