Egusi Soup

4.6
(44)
41 Reviews
9 Photos

Egusi soup is native to West Africa, and many of my American and Nigerian friends enjoy this recipe when I make it. Ground egusi seeds give the soup a unique flavor. It's a delicious and hearty soup for those who like to try something different every once in a while.

Submitted by Karena
Updated on November 14, 2024
Tested by
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 5 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 20 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • ¾ cup egusi seeds or pumpkin seeds

  • 1 ½ pounds cubed beef stew meat

  • salt to taste

  • ½ cup peanut oil

  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 habanero peppers, seeded and minced

  • 2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • 18 ounces tomato sauce

  • 1 ½ cups water

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped

Directions

  1. Place seeds in a blender; blend until mixture is powdery, 30 to 40 seconds. Set aside.

    an overhead shot of blended pumpkin seeds in a glass bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Cut beef into bite-sized cubes; season with salt.

    an overhead shot of beef cubes seasoned with salt in glass bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook beef in hot oil until brown but not cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes.

    an overhead shot of beef cubes cooking in a pot

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Place tomatoes, onion, and peppers in a blender; blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Stir tomato mixture into beef; reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook until meat is tender, 40 to 50 minutes.

    an overhead shot of tomato mixture added to cooked beef in a pot

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Add shrimp, tomato sauce, water, and tomato paste; simmer for 10 minutes.

    an overhead shot of shrimp, tomato sauce, water, and tomato paste added to pot

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Stir in spinach and powdered seeds. Continue simmering for 10 more minutes.

    an overhead shot of spinach and powdered pumpkin seeds added to pot

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Cook’s Note

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.

76 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

758 Calories
51g Fat
17g Carbs
60g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 758
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 51g 65%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 306mg 102%
Sodium 858mg 37%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 5g 17%
Total Sugars 7g
Protein 60g 120%
Vitamin C 42mg 46%
Calcium 192mg 15%
Iron 12mg 65%
Potassium 1706mg 36%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.