Best 3 Egusi Soup Nigerian Chicken Stew Recipes
Egusi soup, a quintessential Nigerian dish, is a flavorful and hearty stew that combines the nutty flavor of egusi seeds with the richness of chicken, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This traditional soup is a staple in many Nigerian households and is often served at special occasions and gatherings. With its vibrant colors, alluring aroma, and delicious taste, egusi soup is a beloved dish that showcases the culinary heritage of Nigeria. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to Nigerian cuisine, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the ingredients, cooking techniques, and variations of egusi soup, empowering you to create an authentic and delectable version of this classic Nigerian dish.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
EGUSI SOUP (NIGERIAN CHICKEN STEW)
Egusi soup, also called melon soup (because the Egusi seeds come from a melon of the same name! You can use sunflower or pumpkin seeds though) is a delicacy enjoyed all over West Africa, especially amongst Nigerians anywhere they live. It is arguably the most popular Nigerian soup, especially in the Southern part of that country. There is some discrepancy regarding what should be in the stew - beef, chicken or goat. The precooked deli chicken helps to speed up the process! I have modified a Sandi Richard recipe. Enjoy!
Provided by Nif_H
Categories Stew
Time 1h
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Egusi Paste: Chop seeds in blender. Add chopped onion to blender as you are cutting it. Add shrimp to blender. Blend until it becomes a smooth paste. You will likely need a little water or broth to help it blend.
- Stew: Heat oil in a large pot. Add finely chopped onion to oil. Stir until soft and translucent. Add green pepper and sitr.
- Add spinach (with moisture from package), tomato paste and spice. Add broth. Let simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove skin from roaster chickens and discard. With your hands, tear off chunks of the meat from chicken and add to the stew. Bring to a simmer again.
- Add paste, stir and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
EGUSI STEW
Egusi seeds-the large seeds of an African melon-are toasted and ground to thicken this popular Nirgerian stew.
Provided by Kwame Onwuachi
Categories Dinner Soup/Stew Stew Seed Shellfish Hot Pepper Chile Pepper Tomato
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In a large saucepan, over medium heat, sweat the onion, garlic, tomatoes, ginger, and Scotch bonnet pepper in the palm oil until vegetables are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the egusi seeds and toast in oil for 10 minutes. Add crayfish powder, Maggi, iru, and chicken stock and simmer for 30 minutes
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, over high heat, season the goat meat with salt and sear in canola oil until browned on all sides, about 7 minutes. Add the goat meat to the egusi mixture and simmer together for about an hour, or until the meat is tender. Add the pumpkin leaves during the last 20 minutes of cooking. The sauce should be thick and most of the liquid should have simmered off.
- Season to taste with salt. Swerve with fufu or pounded yam.
EGUSI SOUP
This soup is native to West Africa (Nigeria) and many of my American as well as Nigerian friends have enjoyed it. It is a great soup for those who like to try something different every once in a while. Ground Egusi seeds give this soup a unique color and flavor. If you can't find Egusi seeds, you can substitute pumpkin seeds. Any combination of crab, shrimp and smoked fish can be used in place of the shrimp. Drained, smoked oysters and chicken can be used in place of the beef.
Provided by Karena
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Seafood
Time 1h35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Place pumpkin seeds in a blender and blend for 30 to 40 seconds or until mixture is a powdery paste. Set aside.
- Wash beef and cut into bite-size cubes. Season with salt. In large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Add beef and saute for 3 to 5 minutes or until brown but not cooked through.
- Place tomatoes, onions, and pepper in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds or until smooth. Add tomato mixture to meat, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook for 40 to 50 minutes or until meat is tender.
- Add tomato sauce, water, and shrimp and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach and ground pumpkin seeds and continue to simmer 10 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 757.9 calories, Carbohydrate 16.9 g, Cholesterol 306 mg, Fat 51 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 60 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, Sodium 858.3 mg, Sugar 7 g
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the soup will taste. If possible, use organic or locally-sourced ingredients.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Chicken should be cooked through, but not overcooked. Otherwise, it will become tough and dry.
- Use a variety of vegetables: Egusi soup is typically made with a variety of vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spinach. Adding a variety of vegetables will give the soup a more complex flavor and texture.
- Use the right spices: Egusi soup is typically seasoned with a variety of spices, such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika. The spices should be added to taste.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make egusi soup. Experiment with different ingredients and spices to find the combination that you like best.
Conclusion:
Egusi soup is a delicious and nutritious Nigerian dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a relatively easy dish to make, and it can be made with a variety of ingredients. Whether you are a beginner cook or an experienced chef, I encourage you to give egusi soup a try. You won't be disappointed!
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