Melon Soup Recipe (Egusi Soup)

This is a post on Melon Soup Recipe (Egusi soup).

Melon soup, popularly known as Egusi soup in Nigeria and many parts of West Africa, is a flavorful and highly nutritious dish. It is prepared using ground melon seeds, leafy vegetables, and assorted proteins.

Meanwhile, this  soup is not only filling but also a perfect comfort food enjoyed with pounded yam, eba (garri), semovita, fufu, or even rice.

So, in this detailed recipe, you will learn exactly how to make melon soup from scratch, including the quantities of each ingredient, step-by-step cooking instructions, cooking tips, and nutritional benefits.

Ingredients for Melon Soup Recipe (Egusi Soup)

Below is the ingredient list with proper quantities. This recipe serves about 4–6 people.

1. 1 cup of melon seeds (egusi) – ground
2. 2 medium dry fish – cleaned and deboned
3. 2 cups ugu leaves (fluted pumpkin leaves) – washed and chopped
4. 1/2 kg of assorted meat (beef, goat meat, or a mix) – cut into pieces
5. 2 seasoning cubes (or to taste)
6. 2 tablespoons ground pepper (fresh or dried, depending on your spice preference)
7. 1 small stockfish head or pieces – soaked and cleaned
8. ½ cup palm oil(or to taste)
9. 1 tablespoon locust beans (iru or ogiri)
10. Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions on Melo Soup Recipe (Egusi Soup)

Step 1: Wash and prepare the proteins:

First, wash the stockfish and dry fish properly to remove any dirt or sand. Next, rinse your meat thoroughly, season it with salt, seasoning cubes, and a little pepper. Then, add water and cook the meat together with the stockfish until soft.

This meat stock will serve as the base for your soup.

Step 2: Blend the melon and crayfish:

Next, blend the melon seeds together with crayfish into a smooth powder.

Using crayfish along with melon gives the soup a rich depth of flavor. You can use a blender, a dry mill, or a grinding stone depending on what is available.

Step 3: Heat the palm oil and fry the melon mixture:

Now, pour palm oil into a clean pot and heat it gently. Do not bleach the oil. Once hot, add the ground melon and crayfish mixture.

Stir continuously for about 5 minutes to ensure it does not stick to the pot or burn.

This step helps the melon cook properly and prevents a raw taste in your soup.

Step 4: Add the cooked meat and stock

After frying the melon mixture, gradually add your cooked meat, stockfish, dry fish, and the stock water from the boiled meat. Stir well to combine. At this stage, your soup will begin to take shape with a thick and appetizing look.

Step 5: Add pepper, seasoning, and locust beans:

Next, add your ground pepper, seasoning cubes, and locust beans. Locust beans give the soup a deep, earthy, traditional flavor that many Nigerians love. Stir everything together and allow the soup to cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Simmer the soup:

Reduce the heat and cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for another 10–15 minutes as this allows the flavors to blend together beautifully, while the melon softens and releases its nutty flavor into the soup.

Step 7: Next, add the ugu leaves:

Add your washed and chopped ugu leaves. Stir properly and let them cook for 3–5 minutes. The bright green color of the leaves adds freshness and nutrients to the soup.

At this point, your melon soup is ready to serve.

Tips for the Perfect Melon Soup Recipe (Egusi Soup)

First of all, palm oil matters: Do not be stingy with palm oil, as it enhances both flavor and color.

In addition, If ugu is unavailable, spinach, kale, or bitterleaf can be used.

More over, for extra  protein,  Cow skin (kpomo), snails, or chicken can be added for more variety.

Lastly,  if your soup is too thick, add a little warm water or stock to loosen it.

Nutritional Benefits.

Melon soup is not only delicious but also highly nutritious and these are why it’s good for you:

Firstly, melon seeds (egusi) are rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. They also help in building body tissues.

Secondly, ugu leaves (fluted pumpkin) are a natural source of iron, vitamins A and C, and calcium.  As a result, they boost blood production and strengthen immunity.

Finally, palm oil provides healthy fats and vitamin E, but should be used in moderation.

Crayfish and locust beans: Add protein and natural flavor enhancers without artificial additives.

Serving Suggestions

Melon soup is very versatile and pairs beautifully with:

Pounded yam (the classic favorite)

Eba (garri)

Semovita or wheat swallow

Fufu (cassava swallow)

White rice (for a lighter option)

A Brief History of  Melon soup (Egusi Soup)

Egusi soup is one of the most popular soups in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. In Nigeria, it is prepared in slightly different ways depending on the region.

For example, the Yoruba style sometimes includes vegetables like bitterleaf, while the Igbo version is often cooked with locust beans for added depth of flavor.

Regardless of the variation, egusi remains a cultural delicacy that brings families together during celebrations and everyday meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Melon Soup.

1. Can I cook melon soup without palm oil?

Of course, but palm oil gives the soup its authentic flavor and color. If you are health-conscious, you can reduce the quantity instead of removing it completely.

2. What can I use instead of ugu leaves?

If you live outside Africa, spinach, kale, or collard greens are great substitutes.

3. How do I make my melon soup thicker?

Use less water in the stock and allow the melon to cook down properly. Some people also form melon paste balls and add them into the soup to make it thicker.

4. Can I refrigerate or freeze melon soup?

Yes. Melon soup stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to a month. Always warm it properly before serving.

5. Is melon soup spicy?

The spiciness depends on how much pepper you add. You can adjust it to your taste.

Conclusion

Finally, I can teel you for sure that  melon soup (egusi soup) is a wholesome, flavorful, and nutrient-rich meal that has stood the test of time in West African homes. With just a cup of melon, some vegetables, fish, meat, and a few seasonings, you can prepare a delicious soup that everyone will love.

Whether you are cooking in Nigeria or abroad, this recipe will guide you step by step. So, try it today and enjoy the rich, comforting taste of tradition in every bite.

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