Table of Contents
Pounded Yam and egusi soup recipes are very popular Nigerian cuisine that originated in the Kano region. The dish consists of diced yams (sometimes topped with ground peanuts) combined with eggplant, which studded with garlic, dried pepper, and other spices are pounded to a paste until it is formed into a solid block around one or two inches in size. The pounding process results in a deep black color of the pounded yam and a nutty, earthy, nutty flavor.
Egusi soup is a Nigerian traditional food, made of chicken and seafood. It is eaten with a type of bread called βJomboβ, or before. The soup is usually served with bread soaked in peanut or sesame oil. The ingredients used to make egusi soup include chicken, fish, and vegetables.
If you want to make a delicious and healthy egusi soup, you need to use the right combination of ingredients. Fortunately, the right combination of ingredients is quite simple to find. The key ingredient is egg yolk. Eggs contain a variety of minerals that are nutrient-rich, and in addition to that, they also contain a good amount of protein that your body needs in order to build muscle. You can also use tomatoes and onions to create a delicious soup.
How To Make Pounded Yam And Egusi Soup:
Pounded Yam is made from ground yam or cassava flour, egusi seeds, dried fish, palm oil, onion, garlic, and other spices. Egusi soup is a Nigerian dish that is popular in West Africa. It is made from ground melon seeds and ground beans mixed with vegetable oil, onions, tomatoes, and salt. The mixture is then boiled to a thick consistency before being served with slices of fried plantain or cassava leaves.
Ingredients
- Tuber yam
- Yam flour
- Boneless chicken (1 Pound)- Cut in bite-size pieces
- Sliced Onion (1 Medium)
- Maggi Cubes (2 pieces)
- Chile peppers (2 fresh)
- Melon seeds (2 cups)
- Frozen Spinach thawed (340 g)
- Palm oil (1/2 cup)
- Vegetable oil (1 cup)
- Dried fish
- Salt
- Dried shrimp
- Crayfish
Step By Step Instructions To Make Pounded Yam And Egusi Soup
Method 1: Using Mortar and Pestle
Step 1
Use a sharp knife to peel the yam. Get rid of any discolorations or spots.
Step 2
Pour into the water and wash off all dirt immediately after cutting into large chunks.
Step 3
Using a medium pot, cook the yams under high heat with enough water to cover them. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Step 4
Boil for approximately 20 minutes until tender. Drain yams thoroughly in a colander immediately after removing them from the heat.
Step 5
Keep your mortar and pestle clean by washing them. Pounded yam until smooth and stretchy in a mortar.
Step 6
When necessary, add water while pounding.
Step 7
In a bowl, serve the soup immediately after rolling the balls and wrapping them in plastic.
Method 2 (Using blender)
Step 1
Yams should be cut into smaller pieces and boiled for about 20 minutes until soft.
Step 2
A food processor or blender can be used to process cooked yams. Process for 20-30 seconds, then pulse to check if theyβre smooth.
Step 4
To stretch and soften, add a couple of tablespoons at a time.
Step 5
It can be shaped into any size you like.
Method 3 (Using Hand mixer)
Soften the yam by boiling it.
Step 1
Crush the yam by hand with the hand mixer until it becomes smooth, stretchy, and lump-free.
Method 4 (Using yam flour)
Step 1
Heat up water in a large saucepan under medium heat.
Step 2
Mix flour in a small amount of water until you have a thicker consistency.
Step 3
Pour batter in the boiling water then stir continuously to avoid it from being lumpy.
Step 4
Knead it with a wooden spatula as it thickens. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes. Roll into balls and serve with your favorite soup.
Steps for Making Egusi Soup
Step 1
In a medium pot, place chicken pieces. Place the dried fish in the pot after it has been rinsed.
Step 2
Add 1 onion, 2 Maggi cubes, and salt to taste.
Step 3
Bring one and a half cups of water to a boil on high heat for 25 minutes. Turn the heat down and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 4
Using a blender, puree the chile peppers and remaining onion. Place onion pepper mixture in a bowl and set aside.
Step 5
To make melon seed powder, place shrimp, crayfish, and melon seeds in a blender. Pulse until powder forms. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 6
Set the spinach aside after squeezing out the excess liquid.
Step 7
The chicken should be tender when finished cooking. Cook for 10 minutes with the blended onion pepper mixture. Remove from heat and stir in sesame seeds.
Step 8
Continue cooking for 20 more minutes and stir in the spinach, oils, and one more Maggi cube.
Step 9
For a final 5 minutes, cover and cook.
In Closing
We hope you enjoyed our article about pounded yam and egusi soup. Pounded yam is a very important part of the Yoruba culture due to how healthy it is, and how tasty it is. With this knowledge, we hope you can become more acquainted with the Yoruba culture and all of the delicious cuisines that comes along with it!
For More Amazing Recipes:
- Willie Maeβs Fried Chicken Recipe
- Hunch Punch Recipe
- Cheesecake Factory Chicken Di Panna Recipe (Copycat)
Pounded Yam And Egusi Soup Recipe
Pounded Yam and egusi soup recipes are very popular Nigerian cuisine that originated in the Kano region. The dish consists of diced yams (sometimes topped with ground peanuts) combined with eggplant, which studded with garlic, dried pepper, and other spices are pounded to a paste until it is formed into a solid block around one or two inches in size.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Nigerian
Servings 4
Calories 324 kcal
Ingredients
- Tuber yam
- Yam flour
- 1 Pound Boneless chicken Cut in bite-size pieces
- 1 Medium Sliced Onion
- 2 pieces Maggi Cubes
- 2 fresh Chile peppers
- 2 cups Melon seeds
- 340 gram Frozen Spinach thawed thawed
- 1/2 cup Palm oil
- 1 cup Vegetable oil
- Dried fish
- Salt
- Dried shrimp
- Crayfish
Instructions
Method 1: Using Mortar and Pestle
Use a sharp knife to peel the yam. Get rid of any discolorations or spots.
Pour into the water and wash off all dirt immediately after cutting into large chunks.
Using a medium pot, cook the yams under high heat with enough water to cover them. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Boil for approximately 20 minutes until tender. Drain yams thoroughly in a colander immediately after removing them from the heat.
Keep your mortar and pestle clean by washing them. Pounded yam until smooth and stretchy in a mortar.
When necessary, add water while pounding.
In a bowl, serve the soup immediately after rolling the balls and wrapping them in plastic.
(Video) THE BEST NIGERIAN EGUSI SOUP RECIPE | EGUSI SOUP RECIPE : SISI JEMIMAH
Method 2 (Using blender)
Yams should be cut into smaller pieces and boiled for about 20 minutes until soft.
A food processor or blender can be used to process cooked yams. Process for 20-30 seconds, then pulse to check if they're smooth.
To stretch and soften, add a couple of tablespoons at a time.
It can be shaped into any size you like.
Method 3 (Using Hand mixer)
Soften the yam by boiling it.
Crush the yam by hand with the hand mixer until it becomes smooth, stretchy, and lump-free.
Method 4 (Using yam flour)
Heat up water in a large saucepan under medium heat.
Mix flour in a small amount of water until you have a thicker consistency.
Pour batter in the boiling water then stir continuously to avoid it from being lumpy.
Knead it with a wooden spatula as it thickens. Allow it to cook for 10 minutes. Roll into balls and serve with your favorite soup.
Steps for Making Egusi Soup
In a medium pot, place chicken pieces. Place the dried fish in the pot after it has been rinsed.
Add 1 onion, 2 Maggi cubes, and salt to taste.
Bring one and a half cups of water to a boil on high heat for 25 minutes. Turn the heat down and simmer for 30 minutes.
Using a blender, puree the chile peppers and remaining onion. Place onion pepper mixture in a bowl and set aside.
To make melon seed powder, place shrimp, crayfish, and melon seeds in a blender. Pulse until powder forms. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Set the spinach aside after squeezing out the excess liquid.
The chicken should be tender when finished cooking. Cook for 10 minutes with the blended onion pepper mixture. Remove from heat and stir in sesame seeds.
Continue cooking for 20 more minutes and stir in the spinach, oils, and one more Maggi cube.
For a final 5 minutes, cover and cook.
Keyword Pounded Yam And Egusi Soup
FAQs
Is pounded yam and egusi soup healthy? βΊ
Pounded yam is a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron.
What is Nigerian Egusi soup made of? βΊThe soup takes its name from egusi, or agushiβthe seeds that both thicken and flavor it. Egusi soup typically features meat (such as beef, smoked poultry, goat, cow skin, and offal) and seafood (smoked dried fish or stockfish), as well as awara (Nigerian tofu), mushrooms, and greens.
How to make Nigerian egusi soup without frying? βΊ- Boil the egusi in the soup broth instead of frying it in cups of palm oil. This small change saves a few hundred calories.
- Choose leaner cuts of protein. ...
- Limit the amount of cooking oil. ...
- Lastly, generously add several cups of greens to bulk the recipe.
IyΓ‘n is consumed in Ondo State, Ijesha, Edo, Benue and Ekiti in Nigeria, among others. It can be served with egusi, soup, jute leaves soup (ewedu), stewed spinach (efo riro) or okra soup.
Does egusi raise blood sugar? βΊHealth Benefits of Egusi
In Iranian diabetic patients, egusi fruit capsules lowered HbA1C and fasting blood glucose levels after two months. Egusi seed oil also reduced blood sugar levels in mice with diabetes.
Edikang Ikong soup is recognized as one of the healthiest Nigerian soups because of its rich nutritional contents some of which include; Protein, Vitamin B1, B2 and E, Fiber, Folic acid, Carbohydrate, Calcium, Iron, Phosphor, Selenium, Potassium.
Why is egusi so good? βΊThe oil produced from these seeds is rich and flavorful. They're also 35% protein. Egusi seeds are rich in vitamin A, which is crucial for forming and maintaining healthy bones. In addition, Egusi seeds are high in vitamins B1 and B2, which are both important for growth and the production of red blood cells.
What is egusi called in English? βΊIts common names include egusi in Yoruba '''Egwusi''' in Igbo and agushi in Hausa. In English it is known as Mann's cucumeropsis and white-seed melon.
Is egusi Igbo or Yoruba food? βΊEgusi soup
Contrary to popular opinion, Egusi is not necessarily an original Yoruba soup, despite the distinctive style of cooking, since it is eaten by West Africans, from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, all the way to Ghana, where it is called 'Agushie'.
Achi is a thickener for this soup. If you do not have achi, you can use cocoyam, ofo, akparata etc. to thicken the soup.
How do you get the bitter taste out of Egusi soup? βΊ
Combine small amounts of an oil or fat such as olive oil or butter into your soup. These help cover up bitter flavors by coating the tongue, and they add a comforting and flavorful taste to your soup. If the previous use of salt or sugar has fixed your soup, you do not need to add fat.
What is the thickener for Nigerian soup? βΊIn Nigeria, particularly in the South-eastern part of Nigeria, one of the most popular traditional soup thickeners is the Cocoyam (Ede) which is a starchy root.
Is fufu just pounded yam? βΊPounded Yam is a popular African dish similar to mashed potatoes but heavier.
Which tribe eat pounded yam most in Nigeria? βΊINFORMATION NIGERIA
the Idomas in Benue state ( Pounded Yam & ijangada soup) . Benue State, Pounded yam in this State are part of daily meal not special day meal per se.
Is pounded yam a version of fufu? Yes, it is a popular fufu recipe in West African countries. It is also considered one of what they called swallow foods often served with soups and stews.
Which Nigerian food is good for diabetics? βΊOkro, edikaikong, efo riro, gbono, afang, bitter leaf soup and so on. Stews and sauces: Garden egg, shredded chicken, shrimp, fresh fish, tomato and smoked fish sauces or stews are all great choices.
Can diabetic patient eat pounded yam? βΊYes, yams are ok for diabetics. Yam ranks lower in GI, making it safe for consumption without triggering blood sugar spikes. Yam is also rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so it helps your body function better.
What are the disadvantages of egusi soup? βΊEgusi contains something called phytosterols which when consumed, compete with cholesterol for absorption in the digestive system. Also, egusi has a high level of calories and when garnished with few chunks of stock fish and two pieces of meat, it has a total of roughly 700 calories per serving.
What is the No 1 soup in the world? βΊEspecially as Northern Thai cuisine is sometimes overlooked, it's nice to see a dish like khao soi get the spotlight. According to TasteAtlas, khao soi holds the #1 spot, being the best soup in the world, with tom yum in the 12th spot, and tom kha gai following closely in the 13th.
What is the unhealthiest soup? βΊClam chowder nutrition
And Walsh agrees, βClam chowder is one of the worst soups a person can eat. It's high in fat, calories and sodium.β There is 180 calories in a cup of clam chowder. The macronutrient breakdown in a cup of clam chowder is 20 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of fat and 6 grams of protein.
What is the richest soup in Nigeria? βΊ
Ofe Owerri is one of the richest and most enjoyed soups from the south-east region of Nigeria where the Igbos originate from. Ofe Owerri is usually served with any swallow of choice (eba, semovita, fufu, pounded yam).
What country eats Egusi soup? βΊEgusi soup is arguably the most popular soup in Nigeria that is prepared and enjoyed by most tribes in Nigeria and beyond. Egusi is made of fat- and protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants (squash, melon, gourd), which after being dried and ground are used as a major ingredient in West African cuisine.
Which tribe owns egusi? βΊContrary to popular opinion, Egusi is not necessarily an original Yoruba soup, despite the distinctive style of cooking, since it is eaten by West Africans, from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, all the way to Ghana, where it is called '
Is egusi inflammatory? βΊMelon seeds (Egusi) has anti inflammatory properties that helps treat infections and injuries.
What country is egusi from? βΊEgusi is native to Western Africa and can grow in various types of climates: dry, humid, and tropical. Egusi is not only easy to grow, but egusi also helps other crops to flourish because of egusi's ability to keep away the weeds.
Does egusi increase cholesterol? βΊSignificant decreases (p < 0.05) were also observed in serum total and free cholesterol in the egusi melon oil treated group compared to the control group. The implications of these results are discussed with respect to hypercholesterolemia.
Does egusi taste good? βΊEgusi Soup is an outstandingly delicious, quick, and easy soup with ground egusi seeds, similar to pumpkin seeds. This meaty, nutty, spicy soup is protein-packed and full of tasty greens. And it's also the ultimate West African comfort food.
Is egusi Nigerian or Ghanaian? βΊIn Nigeria, egusi is common among the people of the southern and western part of Nigeria. In Ghana, egusi is also called akatoa or agushi, and is used for soup and stew, most popularly in palaver sauce.
Which tribe owns fufu in Nigeria? βΊArguably, fufu also has deep roots in Nigeria among the Igbo and Yoruba tribes. Fufu is eaten with the fingers. A morsel of it is dipped into an accompanying soup or sauce and swallowed.
What does Nigerian Egusi soup taste like? βΊWhat does Egusi Soup taste like? Egusi soup is nutty, spicy and so rich thanks to the variety of meats and fish often used. Egusi is enjoyed in various ways in West Africa.
What do you eat egusi with? βΊ
Egusi soup is often enjoyed with eba (pictured here), pounded yam or amala, and often eaten with the hands. It is believed eating with your hands makes the experience more enjoyable than using cutlery. Egusi soup is prepared with melon seeds and eaten by most tribes in Nigeria in many different ways.
Is Egusi soup fatty? βΊEgusi is comprised of half fat and can without much of a stretch lead to weight acquire whenever taken in overabundance. The essential Egusi soup with stock fish and two meat will contain generally 700calories per serving.
Does grinded egusi spoil? βΊStore whole seeds in air-tight containers to keep out moisture and weevils. I tend to store mine in the freezer to be on the safe side. Ground egusi should be used as soon as possible as the oil content means it goes rancid very quickly (it should keep well in the freezer for a month or two).
Does Egusi Soup taste fishy? βΊA: It is not flour, its ground melon seeds used to make African delicacy, Egusi Soup or Melon soup. It does not have a fishy smell or taste, it has no fish components.
What is the best swallow to eat with Egusi Soup? βΊYou can eat Egusi Soup with any swallow in existence, even with rice and yam. However, when they are together, the taste is something else. It's just too good to be true. The best part of this combo is that they are one of the easiest soups and swallows to make so you can eat it every day if you like.
Is it better to thicken soup with flour or cornstarch? βΊThe most classic and surefire way to thicken a broth-based soup is with a cornstarch slurry.
What are 2 thickening agents in making soup? βΊ- Cornstarch. Cornstarch is the most common thickening agent used in the industry. ...
- Pre-gelatinized Starches. Pre-gelatinized starches are mixed with sugar and then added to the water or juice. ...
- Arrowroot. ...
- Agar-Agar. ...
- Algin (Sodium Alginate) ...
- Gelatin. ...
- Gum Arabic or Acacia. ...
- Gum Tragacanth.
Mash beans, lentils, rice, or bread.
Rice, lentils, and beans release a lot of starch and naturally thicken soups simply from simmering, but you can also mash half the cooked rice/lentils/beans before adding to the soup for a simple way to thicken your dish.
Fufu or Akpu made in Nigeria
Akpu, properly punctuated as akpα»₯ in Igbo, is the Igbo word for cassava.
Fufu (or foofoo or foufou) is possibly one the most famous west African βswallowβ foods. It is a filling side dish β starchy, smooth, dense, and stretchy that is much beloved because it is delicious, simple, satisfying, and easy to prepare. What is this?
Which yam is best for pounded yam? βΊ
To make Pounded Yam, all you need is Puna yam and water. Peel the yam and cut it into small cubes. Rinse about once or twice till you get clear water.
Which country invented pounded yam? βΊIt is believed that pounded yam was first prepared by the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria. The Yoruba people are known for their agricultural prowess, and yams were one of the first crops they cultivated. Pounded yam quickly became a staple food in Yoruba culture.
Who brought yam to Jamaica? βΊAn online article from the National Library of Jamaica says yams were brought to Jamaica from Africa on slave ships and eventually became a staple part of the local diet. When the slaves were being transported, yams were one of the foods that sustained those who survived.
What is yam called in Nigeria? βΊYam (Puna) is very popular in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
What do igbos call pounded yam? βΊPounded yam or IyΓ‘n (Yoruba) or Ruam-Yo (Tiv) is a Nigerian swallow food native to the Yoruba, Igbo, Tiv and Ebira and the Okun ethnic groups. It is a traditional food.
What do Nigerians call pounded yam? βΊPounded yam is one among a variety of starchy foods in Nigeria fondly called "swallows". They include eba, amala, starch, fufu and many more.
Do you chew or swallow pounded yam? βΊYou can chew or swallow pounded yams without any problems or discomfort.
Are pounded yams healthy? βΊYams are not only an excellent source of fiber but also high in potassium and manganese, which are important for supporting bone health, growth, metabolism, and heart function ( 3 , 4 ). These tubers also provide decent amounts of other micronutrients, such as copper and vitamin C.
Is Egusi soup good for weight loss? βΊEgusi soup is another delicacy that you can enjoy on a keto diet. Made primarily from melon seeds in Africa, this soup is delicious and nutritious. It also contains a generous amount of meat, fish, and other healthy proteins. It is an excellent source of Vit A, B1, B2, and C.
What are the disadvantages of Egusi soup? βΊEgusi contains something called phytosterols which when consumed, compete with cholesterol for absorption in the digestive system. Also, egusi has a high level of calories and when garnished with few chunks of stock fish and two pieces of meat, it has a total of roughly 700 calories per serving.
What does Egusi soup do in the body? βΊ
Egusi seeds are rich in vitamin A, which is crucial for forming and maintaining healthy bones. In addition, Egusi seeds are high in vitamins B1 and B2, which are both important for growth and the production of red blood cells.
Does pounded yam increase blood sugar? βΊYes, yams are ok for diabetics. Yam ranks lower in GI, making it safe for consumption without triggering blood sugar spikes. Yam is also rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so it helps your body function better.
Is pounded yam good for diabetes? βΊYam looks appealing, but it isn't on your doctor's list of acceptable foods. Can you eat it? You can eat Nigerian yam if you have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, but you must watch your portion size and pair it with quality protein, fat and vegetables to avoid blood sugar spikes.
Is pounded yam good for cholesterol? βΊPoundo Yam is also used as a slimming food as it is a low-fat food and lowers the cholesterol level and promotes weight loss. In addition, it also clears the vein blockage and arterial blockage.
Is fufu healthier than rice? βΊFufu is low in cholesterol. You can enjoy this food without worrying about your cholesterol level. Also, fufu is a good alternative to rice, potatoes and pasta. Fufu's benefits go beyond its health advantages; it also provides you with an opportunity to eat nutritious foods that are rarely consumed today.
Why do I have diarrhea after eating egusi? βΊEgusi can also cause bloating and gas, so it is important to eat egusi soup in small amounts at first. If you experience any adverse effects after eating egusi soup, such as diarrhoea or vomiting, it is important to see a doctor. If you have a latex allergy, you should avoid egusi, as egusi seeds contain latex.
Is egusi soup high in carbs? βΊEgusi is made from melon seeds that grow primarily in the warm regions of Africa. It is composed of about 50% healthy fats and 30% protein, which makes it perfect for a low carb or keto diet.
Is egusi good for arthritis? βΊIt Helps To Manage Arthritis
Eating egusi can also help those with arthritis due to the fact that it contains cucurbitacin glycosides and quercetin, two anti-arthritic properties.
Egusi soup is arguably the most popular soup in Nigeria that is prepared and enjoyed by most tribes in Nigeria and beyond. Egusi is made of fat- and protein-rich seeds of certain cucurbitaceous plants (squash, melon, gourd), which after being dried and ground are used as a major ingredient in West African cuisine.