Egusi Soup

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Description

This soup is native to West Africa (Nigeria) and many of my American as well as Nigerian friends have enjoyed it. It is a great soup for those who like to try something different every once in a while. Ground Egusi seeds give this soup a unique color and flavor. 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.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1 ½ pounds cubed beef stew meat
  • ½ cup peanut oil
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 habanero peppers, seeded and minced
  • 18 ounces tomato sauce
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped

Instructions

  1. Place pumpkin seeds in a blender; blend until mixture is powdery
  2. 30 to 40 seconds. Set aside.
  3. Cut beef into bite-sized cubes; season with salt.
  4. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook beef in hot oil until brown but not cooked through
  5. 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Place tomatoes
  7. onion
  8. and peppers in a blender; blend until smooth
  9. about 30 seconds. Stir tomato mixture into beef; reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Cook until meat is tender
  10. 40 to 50 minutes.
  11. Add shrimp
  12. tomato sauce
  13. water
  14. and tomato paste; simmer for 10 minutes.
  15. Stir in spinach and powdered pumpkin seeds. Continue simmering for 10 more minutes.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 20 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins

Servings: 6

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