How to Make Egusi Soup Without Palm Oil

Egusi soup is one of Nigeria’s most loved dishes, rich, flavorful, and perfect with any swallow. But what if you want to make it without palm oil? Maybe you’re watching your oil intake or just want a lighter version, you can still enjoy delicious egusi soup without losing its authentic taste. Here’s how to make egusi soup without palm oil while still keeping it rich, thick, and full of flavor.

Also read: Top 15 African Market Ingredients for Making Authentic Soups and Stews

Ingredients:

2 cups of ground egusi (melon seeds)

2 cups of any leafy vegetable (ugu, spinach, or bitter leaf)

1 ½ lbs of meat and fish (goat meat, beef, smoked fish, or stockfish)

2 tablespoons of ground crayfish

1 medium onion (chopped)

2 scotch bonnet peppers (blended or chopped)

2-3 cups of meat stock or water

1 tablespoon of locust beans (iru) – optional but adds depth

Seasoning cubes and salt to taste

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Also Read: Amazing Health Benefits of Bitter Leaf

Steps to Prepare Egusi Soup Without Palm Oil

1. Boil your choice of meat with onions, salt, and seasoning cubes. Let it cook until tender, then add smoked fish or stockfish. Set aside the stock because it will add extra flavor to the soup.

2. If you want a nutty taste, lightly toast the ground egusi in a dry pan for about 2 minutes. This adds depth and makes up for the missing palm oil richness.

3. In a bowl, mix the ground egusi with a little water to form a thick paste. This helps create a lumpy texture in the soup, just like the traditional method.

4. Heat a dry pan and add the chopped onions. Stir-fry until slightly soft, then add the egusi paste in spoonfuls. Let it cook slowly, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add the meat stock little by little to loosen it up.

5. Blend the scotch bonnet peppers and add them to the egusi. Stir in the crayfish and locust beans (if using). The aroma at this point will remind you of classic egusi soup!

6. Gently mix in the cooked meat, fish, and stockfish. Let everything simmer for 5–10 minutes so the flavors blend well.

7. Finally, stir in your chopped vegetables. Let them cook for about 3 minutes so they stay fresh and green. Adjust seasoning with salt and seasoning cubes as needed.

Also Read: 10 Delicious African Soups and Stews That Pair Well with Fufu

What to Serve with Egusi Soup

Enjoy your oil-free egusi soup with:

• Pounded yam

• Eba (garri)

• Fufu

• Rice (yes, egusi goes well with rice too!)

Does Egusi soup Taste Good Without Palm Oil?

Yes, it very well does! The secret is in the crayfish, locust beans, toasted egusi and meat stock- they all add depth to the flavor. You won’t even miss the oil!

Rounding Off

Who says you need palm oil to enjoy a rich, delicious egusi soup? This lighter version is just as tasty, healthier, and easy to prepare. Try it today!

Need fresh egusi, crayfish, or Nigerian spices? Visit My Sasun African Market in Texas or order online for delivery anywhere in the U.S.