Efo Elegusi

Funke Koleosho's Efo Elegusi

If you have not had egusi soup, then you have not truly experienced Nigerian cuisine!

Egusi soup is a popular dish enjoyed by virtually every tribe in Nigeria and as one can expect, there are variations in the ways it's prepared as we move from one locality to another.

One thing in common though, with all these variations, is the use of the oil rich, high protein melon seeds differently known as egusi, egunsi, egushi, agushi. Melon seeds are really healthy and considered to be a nutrient power house, rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids (Read more about Melon Seeds here.)

Dried and milled melon seeds is used in stews and soups as additives/condiment/thickener and if used (even in the tiniest quantity) such soup takes the name of the melon and called egusi soup (obe egusi or efo elegusi)!

Now, I know there are many ways to prepare egusi (and truly, each method produces a delicious outcome), the recipe I am sharing with you today provides a little twist to the traditional methods that I have encountered. Knowing that melon seeds are quite high in fats (though good fats they are still quite high in calories) I prefer to make my soup with more leafy vegetables. I have also used not so traditional smoked fish (haddock), just because it's what I can easily lay my hands on. Try it out!

What you need

• 200g of ground melon seeds 
• 1 large onion, cut into quarters 
• 3 large tomatoes 
• 1 small yellow scotch bonnet, remove seeds (use of scotch bonnet is optional. You an use more or less depending on your preference) 
• Assortment of previously cooked tripe, cow-foot and beef. (Season each meat type with some salt and onions, some water and cook separately until really soft and tender. Ensure meat pieces are cut into small bite-size pieces.) Vary quantity according to your preference.
• Some flaked smoked haddock or cod. (Stock-fish is traditionally used)
• 100ml palm oil (use your preferred oil if you are unable to get palm oil)
• 2 bunches fresh broad leaf spinach. Wash and pick leaves, shred coarsely. Blanch in salty water for no more than 2 minutes. Drain and set aside till needed.
• 2 cups of chicken stock 
• 1 small red onion. Finely chop 
• 1 tablespoon of locust beans paste or 1 dadawa cube (optional) 
• 2 tablespoons ground smoked crayfish

What to do

1. Coarsely blend the scotch bonnet (if using), large onion and tomatoes. Add some water to aid blending. Pour blend in a sauce pan, add 1 cup of stock and allow to boil for about 10 minutes under medium heat. Then add the pieces of assorted meat. Allow to cook through for a further 5 minutes. Add some hot water to adjust consistency. Turn heat down and simmer. Avoid the sauce drying out.
2. In the meantime, add half a cup of warm water to the ground melon seeds in a bowl and mix into a paste. Heat palm oil in a separate pot. Add the finely chopped red onion, and add the melon paste in little scoops/dollops. Allow to fry, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes. 
3. Slowly add the sauce from step 1 to the frying melon. Stir carefully and add another cup of stock. Stir well. Taste and adjust salt.
4. Then add the ground smoked crayfish and a handful of flaked smoked haddock. Stir all together and allow to cook for about 10 minutes under low heat. Lastly add the spinach. Stir well for even distribution. Taste for salt. 
5. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until spinach softens but not overcooked.
6. Serve hot with pounded yam. gari, amala or boiled rice.

Efo Elegusi served with pounded yam