27/04/2025
Ingredients:
Egusi (melon seeds) β 1 to 2 cups, ground
Palm oil β about Β½ to 1 cup
Beef, goat meat, or assorted meats β about 500g (washed and seasoned)
Stockfish and/or dried fish β soaked and cleaned
Smoked fish β deboned
Seasoning cubes β (e.g., Maggi, Knorr) β to taste
Salt β to taste
Crayfish β about 2 tablespoons, ground
Pepper β scotch bonnet (atarodo) and/or ground pepper β to taste
Onion β 1 medium, finely chopped (optional for Egusi paste)
Water or meat stock β as needed
Vegetables β like ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves), bitterleaf, or spinach β washed and roughly chopped
Optional additions β periwinkle, kpomo (cow skin), or snails
---
Preparation Steps:
1. Prepare the Meats and Stock:
Season the beef (and other meats) with salt, seasoning cubes, onions, and pepper.
Boil until tender. Add tougher meats like cow tripe (shaki) first if using.
Once done, set the meats aside but keep the meat stock β it's crucial for flavor.
2. Prepare the Egusi Paste:
In a bowl, mix the ground egusi with a small amount of water (and optionally some chopped onions).
Stir until it forms a thick, smooth paste β not too watery.
3. Fry the Egusi (Two main methods exist):
Method A (Frying Method):
Heat palm oil in a pot on medium heat.
Add the egusi paste in small lumps into the hot oil. Let it fry slightly without stirring too much at first.
Gradually fry the lumps, breaking them gently apart after a few minutes.
Stir occasionally until the egusi becomes grainy and slightly golden β this takes about 10β15 minutes.