Welcome to ER African Market, where we celebrate the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of Africa. Today, we are thrilled to share with you an exquisite recipe that is a true treat for your taste buds — Egusi Stew. Originating from West African countries and known for its delectable combination of ground melon seeds, aromatic spices, and leafy greens, this traditional dish is a beloved part of African cuisine. Join us as we dive into the flavors of Africa and discover how to create this mouthwatering Egusi Stew in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You Will Need
To prepare this delicious egusi stew, you'll need the following authentic African ingredients that can be found at our ER African Online Market:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 small red bell peppers, chopped
- 2 plum tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 habanero pepper, optional
- 1/2 cup dried herring (also called bonga fish or bony fish)
- 1/2 cup red palm oil
- 2 tablespoons ground-dried crayfish or ground-dried shrimp
- 1 teaspoon iru (locust beans), rinsed
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder, such as Knorr’s
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup ground egusi
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 pound of cooked meat or fish, such as stewing hen, cut into pieces (see Cook's Note)
- 1 cup finely chopped collard greens
- 1/2 cup dried uziza leaves, rinsed (see Cook's Note)
- Pounded yam, fufu or steamed white rice and sweet plantains, for serving
Let's Start the Culinary Journey
- Begin by processing garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and habanero in a blender or food processor.
- Quarter the dried fish, remove any bones and break into bite-size pieces.
- Heat palm oil in a large pot and add the bell pepper mixture, stirring to combine. Simmer until fragrant.
- Add the reserved dried fish, ground crayfish, iru, bouillon powder, and salt. Stir and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Mix the egusi with water to form a thick white paste. Add chicken broth to the stew and place dollops of egusi paste over it, without stirring.
- Cover and let the egusi cook for 10 minutes until it forms clumps. Stir the clumps into the stew.
- Add meat of choice and simmer until the stew thickens slightly.
- Stir in the collard greens and uziza leaves, then simmer until tender (about 15 minutes).
- Serve this delectable egusi stew with pounded yam, fufu, or steamed white rice and sweet plantains.
Embrace the Flavors of Africa!
Discover the rich and authentic flavors of Africa with our exquisite Egusi Stew recipe. Visit ER African Market to find all the premium African spices and ingredients you need to recreate this delightful dish in the comfort of your kitchen. Enhance your culinary journey and embrace the flavors of African culture with every savory bite.