Egusi Soup – Emu ri Garri

Urhobo people use Egusi in many different dishes. The focus here is on egusi soup known widely as such but by the Urhobos as Emu ri Garri (Garri Soup)

Ingredients

• Egusi (Melon) seeds
• Palm oil
• Beef, goat or Assorted meat
• Fish: dry fish or stockfish can also be cooked with fresh fish only)
• Dry Crayfish (whole or grounded)
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Scotch bonnet pepper
• Vegetable: spinach or other vegetable leaves
• Bitter leaf
• Salt and Stock cubes to taste

Preparation

1. Blend the tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper and onions; set aside
2. Blend Egusi (melon seeds) and set aside
3. Soak the dry fish and stockfish in hot water till soft.
4. Rinse the vegetables and cut into small pieces
5. Cook the beef onions, salt and stock cubes for a reasonable time.

Cooking Directions

1. Pour the red palm oil into a dry pot and heat till hot.
2. Add blended tomato mixture and bring to boil
3. Add the egusi sauce and boils till you get the consistency you want.
4. Add the meat and fish
5. Add the bitter leaf and your choice of vegetables
6. Cook till you get the right consistency and then add salt.