Egusi Soup with Fufu

A hearty and flavorful Nigerian soup made with egusi seeds, vegetables, and spices, served with fufu.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Egusi seeds (ground)
• 1/2 cup Palm oil
• 1 Green bell pepper
• 1 medium Onion
• 1-2 (to taste) Scotch bonnet pepper
• 1 bunch Spinach (or bitter leaf)
• 2 tablespoons Ground crayfish
• 6 cups Beef broth
• to taste Salt
• 1 piece, medium Stockfish (dried cod)
• 2 cups Fufu flour (yam, plantain, or cassava)
• 4 cups Water (for fufu)
• 200g Smoked turkey or assorted meats
• 1 cube Knorr Bouillon Cubes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Stockfish: Soak the stockfish in hot water for at least 30 minutes to soften. Debone and break into smaller pieces.
2. Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat palm oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
3. Add Flavor Enhancers: Stir in smoked turkey or assorted meats, stockfish, ground crayfish, and bouillon cube. Cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Incorporate Egusi: Add ground egusi seeds and fry for about 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step is crucial for developing the nutty flavor of the egusi.
5. Add Liquid: Pour in beef broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the egusi to release its flavors and thicken the soup.
6. Vegetable Infusion: Add chopped green bell pepper and spinach (or bitter leaf). Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
7. Seasoning: Season with salt to taste. Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth if needed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
8. Prepare the Fufu: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Gradually add fufu flour, stirring continuously with a strong wooden spoon to prevent lumps. A whisk can be used initially to prevent lumps.
9. Cook Fufu: Continue stirring until the fufu becomes smooth, elastic, and forms a dough-like consistency, about 12-15 minutes. The fufu should pull away from the sides of the pot.
10. Serving: Serve the Egusi Soup hot with a generous portion of fufu on the side. To eat, pinch off a small portion of fufu, make an indentation with your thumb, and use it to scoop up the soup.

Cuisine: Nigerian

Suitability: gluten-free

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 60 mins

Serving Size: 4

Meal Type: dinner