Ever Cooked West African Egusi Soup Recipes? Here Are 10 Delicious Variations To Choose From

Delicious and Nutritious Egusi Soup Recipes

Have you ever cooked West African egusi soup recipes? If not, this article is for you. Egusi is a thick soup made from ground melon seeds. The word egusi translates to melon in English. When we say melon seeds, we don’t mean your typical everyday watermelon seeds.

The egusi plant grows in the tropical regions of West Africa. The plant is a subspecies of watermelon. It produces a fruit that is similar to watermelon. Its fruit is inedible and bitter. The egusi plant is predominantly grown for its seeds. The size of the egusi seeds is similar to the seeds of a small-sized pumpkin and not surprising, their flavors are similar.

Who Invented Egusi Soup Recipe?

All foods must have come from somewhere, especially in a continent as big as Africa. However, due to the intermarriages between tribes, and migration, our cultures have mixed together. This intermixing of cultures is a process that is known as assimilation.

Because of this, some African recipes’ origins remain disputable. This is because it is impossible to go back in time and interrogate our ancestors to get the answers to our questions. The only option we have is to believe the oral tales and word of mouth passed down to us by our elders.

Contrary to popular opinion, the egusi soup is not native to the Yoruba people. The egusi soup recipe originated from the Igbo people. The recipe was then adopted by other tribes who introduced their own twist.

Is Egusi Nutritious?

These seeds contain 38% protein and 50% oil. The egusi seed is used in the manufacture of a very expensive variety of vegetable oil. The seeds have niacin that helps in maintaining radiant, smooth, and healthy skin. Egusi soup can act as a great meat substitute because of its high protein content.

Most of the best egusi soup recipes are also rich in essential amino acids like arginine that is important in regulating blood flow as well as leucine, isoleucine, threonine, which are used in the biosynthesis of proteins in the body. It also contains phenylalanine that is used to make important molecules in your body.

It also contains valine, an essential amino acid that promotes muscle growth and tissue repair in the body. Other amino acids that are found in egusi are cysteine, aspartic acid, histidine, tyrosine, serine, proline, glutamic acid, alanine, glycine

Egusi soup is also rich in various minerals including;

  • Potassium: helps the nerves function and muscles to contract
  • Phosphorus and calcium: help to build strong and healthy bones.
  • Magnesium: helps nerve and muscle function. It regulates blood pressure in the body and supports the immune system.
  • Egusi seeds contain vitamin A which helps to maintain healthy teeth and bones.
  • It also has vitamin B1 and B2 which are crucial for the production of red blood cells and body growth.
  • Has vitamin C to help the body absorb iron and to maintain healthy tissues.

Other minerals that are present in variable quantities in egusi soup are sodium, vitamin E, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamin B12. However, it is important to mention that different egusi soup variants have different nutrient compositions.

How Popular is Egusi Soup?

The soup is a delicacy that is very popular in West Africa. In this part of Africa, soups are integral to life and egusi soup is a common part of their daily meals. Its nutritional value might lure you into trying it out but the taste will surely make you come back for more.

The classic West African soup is enjoyed in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Sierra leone. The preparation differs slightly in these countries. Also, variations in preparation may arise as you move from one region to another within the same country.

Prior to cooking, egusi seed goes through special preparation. The egusi seeds are first sun-dried and the shells removed. They are then roasted before being ground into a powder. In Nigeria, the soup pairs with fufu, pounded yam, wheat, semo, amala, tuwo, or starch.

Health Benefits of Egusi Soup

There is a long list of health benefits that have been linked to the consumption of egusi soup. While some of these benefits are scientifically proven, there is insufficient data to prove the efficiency of others. Below are some of the benefits of egusi soup consumption.

  1. Egusi soup helps to prevent anemia
  2. It is healthy for your bones
  3. It promotes the general health of your heart
  4. Prevents malnutrition in both children and adults
  5. It reduces inflammation
  6. This healthy soup helps in digestion and promotes gut health
  7. Great for ketosis and helps to boost your immune system
  8. Reduces blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels in the body
  9. It is recommended for stomach ulcer patients
  10. The soup has antioxidant properties
  11. Good for diabetics

Are there any reported side effects of Egusi soup?

There are no reported side effects of egusi soup. Egusi soup contains 638 calories in 52grams of soup. Therefore, egusi is a high-calorie diet and is highly recommended for weight gain. Do you want to try this mouth-watering delicacy and reap some of its health benefits? Here are 10 delicious variations of egusi soup recipes to choose from.

10 Delicious Egusi Soup Recipe Variations

#1. Egusi Pepper Soup by Aliyah’s Recipes & Tips

Egusi Pepper Soup by Aliyah's Recipes & Tips
Egusi Pepper Soup by Aliyah’s Recipes & Tips

To make this recipe you need to toast the melon(egusi) seeds then blend just as you would when you want to cook the normal egusi soup. Get Recipe Here >>

#2. Nigerian Egusi Soup by All Nigerian Foods

Nigerian Egusi Soup by All Nigerian Foods
Nigerian Egusi Soup by All Nigerian Foods

This is a comprehensive recipe for the best kind – egusi soup with lumps… the kind you only get to eat when you visit a 5-star restaurant or hotel. Get Recipe Here >>

#3. Yummy Nigerian Egusi Soup by Precious Core

Yummy Nigerian Egusi Soup by Precious Core
Yummy Nigerian Egusi Soup by Precious Core

Nigerian Egusi Soup is a finger-licking good Nigerian soup made with a white variety of pumpkin seeds. It is spicy, nutty with exotic African flavors! See the video below on how to make this delicious dish. Get Recipe Here >>

#4. Egusi Soup By Global Food Book

Egusi Soup By Global Food Book
Egusi Soup By Global Food Book

 If you are searching for an easy and rich recipe for your egusi soup, give this recipe a try. Get Recipe Here >>

#5. Egusi Soup (Vegan and Oil-free) By The Veganri

Egusi Soup (Vegan and Oil-free) By The Veganri
Egusi Soup (Vegan and Oil-free) By The Veganri

Featuring the wildly enjoyed West African egusi seeds, this high-energy, high-protein soup has crumbly tender texture intertwined with a luscious rich taste. Get Recipe Here >>

#6. Egusi Soup Recipe By Asoeibi Mall

Egusi Soup Recipe By Asoeibi Mall
Egusi Soup Recipe By Asoeibi Mall

You can cook it for a special occasion, dinner for your family, or refrigerate it as a simple go-to meal on busy weeknights. This scrumptious egusi soup recipe will have everyone back for more. Get Recipe Here >>

#7. Egusi Soup (With Lumps) By African Bites

Egusi Soup (With Lumps) By African Bites
Egusi Soup (With Lumps) By African Bites

Egusi Soup (with lumps) – a highly indulgent exotic soup popular in most West African countries made with egusi seeds added with chicken, crayfish and smoked fish or depending on one’s personal preference. A soup that is hearty and oozing with earthy flavors! Get Recipe Here >>

#8. Perfect Party Egusi Soup By Tinuolas Blog

Perfect Party Egusi Soup By Tinuolas Blog
Perfect Party Egusi Soup By Tinuolas Blog

Egusi Soup is native to the westerners in Nigeria (The Yorubas) but It’s loved and enjoyed by most Nigerians. It’s extremely enjoyable when paired with various fufu recipes: Semolina, cassava fufu, pounded yam and, eba even with white rice. Get Recipe Here >>

#9. Egusi Soup – Lumpy Yoruba Style By 9jaFoodie

Egusi Soup – Lumpy Yoruba Style By 9jaFoodie
Egusi Soup – Lumpy Yoruba Style By 9jaFoodie

 Egusi is ground up shelled melon seed. Its dry milled and combined with a little water to form a paste. The paste is then combined with seafood and cows meat to make the soup. Get Recipe Here >>

#10. Cabbage Egusi Soup By African Bites

Cabbage Egusi Soup By African Bites
Cabbage Egusi Soup By African Bites

Cabbage Egusi Soup -Quick, easy and healthier stew made with lots of cabbage  and full of  protein and healthy oil and oh so good!! Get Recipe Here >>

Conclusion

If you have made egusi soup before, then you already know that it notoriously goes bad easily. Here is a tip on how to store the soup. Store it in an airtight container. Then, put the container with the soup in the fridge or freezer. Also, you can put the freshly blended seeds in freezer bags and store them in the freezer.

Be sure to enjoy these egusi soup recipes variations and see what works best for you. We guarantee that this soup will become part of your family’s recipes once you try it. Fortunately, we always have more to offer.

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