EGUSI SOUP (NIGERIAN CHICKEN STEW)

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Egusi Soup (Nigerian Chicken Stew) image

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

1 cup egusi seeds (or sunflower or pumpkin)
1/2 large Spanish onion, chopped
10 medium raw shrimp, deveined and peeled
1/4 cup water or 1/4 cup beef broth
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 large Spanish onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and keep liquid
2 (5 1/2 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 1/4 cups beef broth
2 whole chickens, cooked from the deli department (2 lbs each)

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.

Josh Osterman
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This egusi soup is absolutely delicious! The flavors are so well-balanced and the soup is so creamy and satisfying. I love that it's also relatively easy to make. I'll definitely be adding this recipe to my regular rotation.


Lystra Baboolal
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I made this egusi soup for a potluck and it was a huge success! Everyone loved the unique flavor and the creamy texture. I even got requests for the recipe. Thanks for sharing this amazing dish!


yvonne ombeva
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This egusi soup is the perfect comfort food. It's hearty, filling, and has a delicious, homey flavor. I especially love the addition of the spinach, which gives the soup a nice pop of color and nutrients. I'll definitely be making this again.


Mindi Johnson
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I've made this egusi soup several times now, and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The soup is rich, flavorful, and has just the right amount of spice. I love serving it with pounded yam or rice. Highly recommend this recipe!


Danny Schreier
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The egusi soup was good, but I made a few modifications to suit my taste. I added some extra habanero peppers for a spicier kick and used a mix of chicken and beef for a more flavorful broth. Overall, I enjoyed the recipe and would recommend it to ot


Jibaraj Shahi
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This egusi soup is a delicious and affordable meal. I was able to make a big pot of soup for my family for less than $20. The leftovers also reheat well, so I can enjoy it for lunch the next day. Highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a t


Chris Connite
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I love how easy this recipe is to follow. I'm not the most experienced cook, but I was able to make this egusi soup without any problems. The instructions are clear and concise, and the ingredient list is easy to find. I'll definitely be making this


Arslan Ashiq
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Tried this recipe for a Nigerian dinner party I hosted. It was a huge hit! My guests raved about the complex flavors and the rich, creamy texture of the soup. Even my picky uncle went back for seconds. Will definitely be making this again for future


Irish McCall
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I'm not usually a fan of soups, but this egusi soup changed my mind. The combination of textures and flavors was amazing! The chicken was tender, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the egusi seeds added a unique nutty flavor. I'll definitely b


Sochima Ezeoba
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This egusi soup was a delightful culinary experience! The flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and egusi seeds blended perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying stew. I especially enjoyed the hint of spiciness from the habanero peppers. Overall, it wa