How-To Guides‌

How to Make Traditional Egusi Soup with Bitter Leaf- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Prepare Egusi Soup with Bitter Leaf

Egusi soup, also known as melon seed soup, is a popular West African dish that features melon seeds as its main ingredient. It is a flavorful and hearty soup that is often enjoyed with rice or as a side dish. One of the most delightful variations of egusi soup is the one that incorporates bitter leaf, which adds a unique taste and health benefits to the dish. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to prepare egusi soup with bitter leaf.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

– 1 cup of egusi seeds
– 2 cups of water
– 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
– 4 tablespoons of palm oil
– 1 teaspoon of ground crayfish
– 1 tablespoon of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of dried fish (optional)
– 2 tablespoons of smoked fish (optional)
– 1 medium-sized bitter leaf, cleaned and chopped
– Salt to taste
– 2 tomatoes, blended
– 1 bell pepper, blended
– 1 teaspoon of thyme
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of pepper

Instructions

1. Soak the egusi seeds in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will make them easier to grind.
2. After soaking, grind the egusi seeds into a smooth paste using a blender or a mortar and pestle.
3. Heat the palm oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and golden brown.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
5. Pour the ground egusi paste into the pot and stir well. Cook for about 5 minutes until the paste starts to thicken.
6. Add the blended tomatoes, blended bell pepper, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
7. Add the cleaned and chopped bitter leaf to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes until the bitter leaf wilts.
8. If you are using dried fish and smoked fish, add them to the pot now. Cook for another 5 minutes.
9. Add the ground crayfish and mix well. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste.
10. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11. Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, turn off the heat and serve with rice or as a side dish.

Enjoy your delicious egusi soup with bitter leaf, and feel free to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Related Articles

Back to top button