Egusi Soup (Nigeria)

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup egusi seeds
  • 1-1/2 lbs, beef tenderloin
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup peanut oil
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small onion, peeled and chopped
  • 1 or 2 chilies or jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1 (8 ounce can tomato sauce)
  • 1-1/2 cups water; any combination of crab, shrimp, or smoked fish adding up to 2 lbs.
  • 1 lb. fresh spinach, cleaned and finely chopped, or 1(10 ounce pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Place egusi seeds in a blender and blend for 30 to 40 seconds or until mixture is a powdery paste. Set aside.

2. Wash beef and cut into bite size cubes. Season with salt and black pepper.

3 In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Add beef and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes or until brown but not cooked through.

4. Place tomatoes, onions, and peppers in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds or until smooth.

5. Add tomato mixture to meat, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until meat is tender.

6. Add tomato sauce, 1-1/2 cups water, crab, shrimp, and smoked fish and simmer for 10 minutes.

7. Add spinach and ground egusi seeds and continue to simmer for 10 minutes more. Serve with fufu.