Egusi is a type of melon seed that is commonly used as a thickener and flavor agent in West African cuisine. It is often ground into a powder and used to make soup or stew.
When searching online for “egusi” you will almost always see egusi soup pop up in the results and it’s usually referred to as being spicy. Hence, people assume egusi is a spicy seed.
In fact, it’s the pepper added to the egusi soup that gives it the spiciness not the seed itself, which we’ll discuss below.
Egusi seeds have a slightly nutty flavor, with notes of sweetness and a hint of bitterness. They are often ground into a powder and used as a thickening agent and flavor enhancer in soups and stews. When used in small amounts, egusi seeds can add depth and richness to the flavor of a dish, but if used in large quantities, they can have a slightly bitter taste.
Below we’ll discuss common uses in food dishes for egusi and also how to prepare it. Let’s start with egusi soup and we’ll begin by answering the question of what makes egusi soup spicy in the first place?
Egusi Soup Is Made Spicy With The Addition Of Peppers
Egusi soup is a very popular dish that uses egusi and because it tends to be served spicy, people assume it’s the egusi that brings the heat. In fact, depending on what recipe you follow, it’s the pepper that you add that gives the spiciness.
In West African cuisine, including Nigeria and Ghana, Egusi soup can be made spicy by using a variety of hot peppers. Some of the peppers commonly used to add spiciness to Egusi soup include:
- Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These are widely used in West African cooking to provide both heat and a fruity flavor. They are a popular choice for spicing up Egusi soup.
- Bird’s Eye Chilies: These small and fiery chilies are known for their intense heat. They are often used to give Egusi soup a significant kick.
- Cayenne Peppers: Ground cayenne pepper or fresh cayenne peppers are used to add spiciness to the soup. They provide a balanced heat level.
- Habanero Peppers: Similar to Scotch Bonnet peppers, habaneros are extremely spicy and are sometimes used in Egusi soup for those who enjoy a fiery kick.
- African Bird Pepper (Piri Piri): These tiny peppers pack a powerful punch and are used in various West African dishes to bring heat and flavor.
The choice of pepper and the quantity used can vary depending on personal preference and regional variations. Some people prefer milder versions of Egusi soup, while others enjoy it very spicy. The spiciness of the soup can be adjusted by adding more or fewer hot peppers and by removing the seeds, which contain the most heat.
It’s important to handle hot peppers with care, as they can be extremely spicy and can irritate the skin and eyes.
Food Dishes That Can Use Egusi
Egusi can be used to make a variety of dishes, including egusi soup, egusi stew, and egusi sauce. It is an important ingredient in many West African dishes and can add flavor and thickness to a wide range of soups and stews.
It isn’t difficult to find egusi soup references online. In fact when you search for “egusi” you might assume that it is strictly the name of a soup and not a seed.
But soup is just one use for egusi seed as we will see below. Here are some popular dishes that incorporate egusi seed:
- Egusi soup: This is a thick, hearty soup made with egusi seeds, meat or fish, and vegetables. It is a popular dish in many West African countries, and it is often served with a side of rice or other grains. Egusi soup isn’t spicy on its own but adding pepper to it will kick up the heat which many people expect.
- Egusi stew: This is a thick, flavorful stew made with egusi seeds, meat or fish, and vegetables. It is similar to egusi soup, but it is typically thicker and more flavorful.
- Egusi sauce: This is a thick, creamy sauce made with egusi seeds and served over a variety of dishes, such as rice, pasta, or grilled meats.
- Egusi fritters: These are small, savory fritters made with ground egusi seeds and a variety of other ingredients. They are often served as a snack or appetizer.
- Egusi balls: These are small balls of ground egusi seeds mixed with a variety of other ingredients, such as ground meat or vegetables. They are often served as a snack or appetizer.
There are many other dishes that use egusi seeds as an ingredient, and they can be used to add flavor and thickness to a wide range of soups, stews, and sauces. Egusi seeds have a unique, nutty flavor that can add depth and richness to a variety of dishes.
How To Prepare Egusi For Use In Food Dishes
To use egusi in food, you can follow these steps:
- Rinse the egusi seeds and remove any debris or foreign matter.
- Grind the egusi seeds into a fine powder using a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle.
- Add the ground egusi to a pot of soup or stew, along with your choice of protein (such as meat or fish) and vegetables.
- Stir the egusi into the soup or stew and allow it to cook for a few minutes, until it has thickened the broth.
- Taste the soup or stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Egusi has a slightly nutty flavor, so you may want to add additional spices or herbs to enhance the flavor of your dish.
- Serve the soup or stew hot, with a side of rice or other grains.
How To Use Egusi In Drinks
You can also try adding egusi to smoothies or other drinks by grinding the seeds into a powder and stirring them into the drink. However, keep in mind that egusi has a savory flavor and may not be suitable for all types of drinks.
One way to incorporate egusi into a “drink” is to make egusi soup, which is a savory soup made with egusi, vegetables, and protein such as meat or seafood.
To make egusi soup, you can follow this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup egusi seeds
- 2 tablespoons palm oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (this is what gives it the spiciness)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, and green beans)
- 1 cup diced protein (such as chicken, beef, or shrimp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a blender or food processor, grind the egusi seeds until they are a fine powder.
- Heat the palm oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add the egusi powder and stir well to coat the onions and peppers.
- Add the chicken broth or water, tomatoes, vegetables, and protein to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the protein is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Egusi vs Pumpkin Seeds
Is egusi the same as pumpkin seed? Or is more like a melon seed? Is it a gourd?
Egusi seeds come from melon and from the same family as squash and gourds. The egusi gourd bares a similarity to watermelon so it’s often mistaken for one. And in terms of the seed itself, the egusi is similar in size to pumpkin seed, so it’s often mentioned in the same breath as them, too.
In fact though, while watermelon is of course consumed as tasty summer fruit, the fruit of the egusi is bitter and thus not consumed.
Instead, egusi seeds are harvested are often dried and sold for human consumption in food dishes, as we’re seeing in this article.
Nigeria is the single largest producer of egusi seeds, accounting for about 2/3 of the world supply. Namibia, Ghana and Sierra Leone are other major producers, among others.
Nutritional Value Of Egusi Seeds
Egusi seeds are a good source of nutrients and can be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation.
Egusi seeds are rich in protein, with a 100 gram serving providing about 22 grams of protein. The seeds are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Egusi seeds are a good source of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and iron. They also contain some B vitamins, including niacin and thiamin.
It is important to note that egusi seeds are high in calories, with a 100 gram serving containing about 550 calories. As with any food, it is important to consume egusi seeds in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Final Thoughts
Here’s a table summarizing the characteristics and aspects of Egusi seeds from a culinary perspective:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Name: | Egusi seeds |
| Origin: | West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana |
| Appearance: | Small, oval-shaped seeds with a white, beige, or light brown shell and a white or greenish interior when shelled. |
| Flavor: | Mild and nutty, with a slightly sweet undertone. |
| Texture: | Soft and slightly chewy when cooked. |
| Common Uses: | – Key ingredient in West African cuisine, especially Nigerian and Ghanaian dishes. |
| – Main component of Egusi soup, a popular and hearty dish. | |
| – Used as a thickening agent and flavor enhancer in soups and stews. | |
| – Ground into a paste to make Egusi sauce for vegetable and meat dishes. | |
| – Added to porridge, puddings, and baked goods for added texture and nutrition. | |
| Nutritional Value: | – Rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like vitamin B1, B2, and folate. |
| – Good source of dietary fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. | |
| – Provides valuable energy and nourishment. | |
| Culinary Advantages: | – Adds creaminess and thickness to soups and stews. |
| – Enhances the flavor and nutritional content of dishes. | |
| – Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets as a protein source. | |
| – A versatile ingredient used in savory and sweet recipes. | |
| – Valued for its unique, nutty taste and nutritional benefits. | |
| Storage: | Egusi seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage helps maintain their freshness. |
Egusi seeds are a staple in West African cuisine, known for their contribution to the texture, flavor, and nutrition of various dishes. They are particularly prized for their versatility in both savory and sweet preparations, making them a valuable ingredient in the culinary traditions of the region.