Hearty Egusi Soup with Shrimp and Spinach
Hearty Egusi Soup is a traditional dish from West Africa, celebrated for its unique blend of flavors and nourishing ingredients. Made primarily with ground Egusi seeds, known for their nutty taste and rich texture, this soup features tender beef, fresh shrimp, and vibrant spinach. The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a deeply aromatic experience that warms the soul. If you're feeling adventurous, swap in zucchini or chopped cabbage for a different twist. Perfect for any gathering or family dinner, this soup can be customized with your choice of protein - whether it's crab, smoked fish, or chicken. Enjoy each spoonful as a comforting embrace.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pumpkin Seeds
3/4 cup (Ground to a powdery paste)
Beef Stew Meat
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into bite-sized cubes)
Peanut Oil
1/2 cup (Used for sautéing)
Large Tomatoes
2 (Chopped)
Small Onion
1 (Chopped)
Habanero Peppers
2 (Seeded and minced)
Tomato Sauce
18 ounces (Canned)
Tomato Paste
3 tablespoons (Canned)
Water
1 1/2 cups (As needed for simmering)
Fresh Shrimp
2 lbs (Peeled and deveined)
Fresh Spinach
1 lb (Washed and chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing pumpkin seeds in a blender or food processor. Blend for 30 to 40 seconds until you achieve a powdery paste. Set aside.
2
Rinse the beef stew meat under cold water and cut it into bite-sized cubes. Season generously with salt.
3
In a large pot, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes until shimmering.
4
Carefully add the seasoned beef to the pot and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked.
5
In the same blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, and habanero peppers. Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth.
6
Pour the tomato mixture over the beef, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover the pot. Allow to simmer for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully tender.
7
Once the beef is tender, add the tomato sauce, water, and shrimp to the pot. Stir well and let simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
8
Finally, incorporate the chopped spinach and the ground pumpkin seed paste into the soup. Simmer for another 10 minutes until the spinach has wilted and all flavors have melded together.
9
Serve hot and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of your Egusi Soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Egusi Soup with Shrimp and Spinach?
It is a traditional West African dish made with ground seeds, beef, shrimp, and fresh spinach, known for its nutty flavor and rich texture.
What are the primary ingredients in this Egusi soup?
The main ingredients include pumpkin seeds, beef stew meat, shrimp, spinach, peanut oil, tomatoes, onions, and habanero peppers.
How do I prepare the pumpkin seeds for the soup?
Place the pumpkin seeds in a blender or food processor and blend for 30 to 40 seconds until they form a powdery paste.
What kind of meat should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized cubes.
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Yes, you can customize the soup with chicken, crab, or smoked fish depending on your preference.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the beef?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of peanut oil, which is heated until shimmering before adding the meat.
Is Egusi soup spicy?
It has a spicy kick due to the inclusion of two habanero peppers, though you can seed and mince them to control the heat.
How do I prepare the tomato and pepper base?
Combine chopped tomatoes, onion, and habanero peppers in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth.
How long does the beef need to simmer?
The beef should simmer in the tomato mixture for 40 to 50 minutes until it is fully tender.
When should I add the shrimp to the pot?
Add the shrimp after the beef has become tender, along with the tomato sauce and water, and simmer for 10 minutes.
How do I prepare the spinach for this soup?
You should use 1 lb of fresh spinach that has been thoroughly washed and chopped.
Can I use other vegetables instead of spinach?
Yes, you can swap spinach for zucchini or chopped cabbage if you want a different texture or flavor profile.
What is the final step in cooking Egusi soup?
The final step is to incorporate the chopped spinach and the ground pumpkin seed paste, simmering for 10 minutes until the flavors meld.
How do I prep the shrimp?
The 2 lbs of fresh shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the soup.
What type of tomato products are required?
The recipe uses fresh large tomatoes, 18 ounces of canned tomato sauce, and 3 tablespoons of canned tomato paste.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of water, though you can adjust this amount as needed for simmering.
Is this soup considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy and nutritious recipe because it features protein, seeds, and fresh vegetables.
What is the texture of the ground pumpkin seeds in the soup?
Once blended into a paste and simmered, the seeds provide a unique, slightly grainy, and thick texture to the broth.
What region's cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish is a staple of West African cuisine.
How long does it take to brown the beef?
Sauté the seasoned beef for 3 to 5 minutes until it is browned on the outside.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, the instructions specify to chop them and then blend them into a smooth mixture.
What size should the onion be?
One small onion is sufficient for this recipe.
Can I use pumpkin seeds from a store?
Yes, standard shelled pumpkin seeds can be used to create the powdery paste required for the Egusi flavor.
Is the beef fully cooked during the sautéing step?
No, it should be browned but not fully cooked; the cooking is finished during the long simmering process.
What should the consistency of the seed paste be?
It should be a powdery paste achieved by blending for 30 to 40 seconds.
How many habanero peppers are used?
The recipe calls for 2 habanero peppers.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
Egusi soup is best served hot to enjoy its rich, hearty flavors.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 distinct ingredients used in this version of the soup.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include West African cuisine, hearty soup, comfort food, and nutritious soup.
Can I add crab to this soup?
Yes, the description suggests crab as an excellent seafood protein swap.