Cabbage Egusi Soup -Quick, easy and healthier stew made with lots of cabbage and full of protein and healthy oil and oh so good!!
Cabbage Egusi Soup. Oh yes. We do make egusi soup with cabbage in Cameroon. In fact, it is a favorite of many – but sadly not a favorite of mine.
However, every time I make it, which is once a year… or sometimes when someone makes a special request for it, I do really enjoy it. Just one of those recipes.
This is the second time I am making it for a blog post, the first time I just did not get to it. So I made a second time with beef and smoked turkey- so you have two protein options to choose from. They both taste great it is just a matter of protein, make according to preference.
Ok, I think I mentioned this in an earlier post; most soups and stews are referred to as soups in Africa. Don’t ask me why, I don’t know. If you do by all means spill the beans .So don’t let the title of this mislead you.
If you have never heard of egusi seed before, let me clue you in.
Egusi is a wild member of the gourd family, with very dry skin and bitter flesh. It looks the same as watermelon seeds. They are extremely nutritious- high in protein and oil. They are often use in West Africa as thickening agent in soups, and add depth to most meals.
Here it is used in combination with cabbage and chicken to create an accompaniment to any starchy side dish. If you like more of the cabbage please feel free to add to your heart’s desire- play with it.
For those that want to try out this recipe, and don’t have egusi, guess what? You are in luck! You can use pumpkin seeds aka pepitas seeds. These seeds are readily available in most super markets. There are a quite a few people that I know that use this in place of egusi and they swear by it. I have tried it recently and is not bad at all- plus it is healthier and has less calories.
You can also totally make this without egusi – cabbage stew. So do make this you would be glad you did.
Nullacia, this one is specially made for you!
Enjoy!!!
Cabbage Egusi Soup
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 or more pound meat smoked turkey or beef, chicken or combination of both cut in small pieces
- ½ cup canola or any cooking oil
- 3 garlic cloves- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/ 2 medium onion chopped
- 2-3 medium tomatoes chopped
- ½ cup ground
- egusi
- ½ cup ground or smashed crayfish dried shrimp
- 4 cups shredded cabbage or more
Instructions
- In medium –sized saucepan boil beef or chicken seasoned with salt (garlic salt), smoked paprika, pepper, and onions until tender - make sure you have added plenty of water so you have about 3-4 cups of beef stock to use for cooking. Remove the beef and reserve the stock.
- Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Fry the beef or chicken first, then set aside if you prefer. If not proceed to the next step
- Add the onions and garlic, Sauté the onion and garlic mixture until it is translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the beef, smoked turkey, crayfish and continue with cooking
- Stir in the tomatoes with it’s juices. Add 1-2 cups of beef/ chicken stock. Bring to a boil and simmer for another 5 minutes
- Then add ground egusi and keep simmering on medium-heat approximately 12 minutes or more Add stock to desired consistency or when simmering to prevent any burns
- Finally, throw in the cabbage; let it simmer for about 2 minutes or more minutes. Adjust seasonings
- Serve warm with plantains, eba, yams or accompaniment of choice.
Nutrition Information:
Justin Viel says
Hi,
Are you able to make this in an Instant Pot?
ImmaculateBites says
Sorry Justin, I can’t say for sure without offering you exact instructions.
Eyah says
I wanted to asked if I just throw the cabbage like u said, then will that cabbage scent not remain. Otherwise how can one take care of the scent. The scent irritate me.
Thanks
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Yeah, If it does then you will have to lightly cook the cabbage before adding to the soup.
Sydney says
Hi dear, pls if allowed can I add green Peper? Cus I so love its aroma…..
ImmaculateBites says
It’s not traditional, but feel free to do so.
Miguelle Saha says
Hi can I omit the crayfish dried shrimp or i need to substitute it?
ImmaculateBites says
You can omit it. Or use Fresh shrimp if you have any on hand.
Nadine says
Hello are the cabbages supposed to be boiled beforehand thanks for the reply
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Nadine!
No, I just throw them in there. However, you can blanch/boil for 2-3 minutes if you prefer.
tottie says
Hey Immaculate, it’s Tottie again. Was gifted a bunches of cabbage from my farmer neighbors so I will be trying this. Missed you Girl
Ela says
Wow! Just stumbled into ur blog. Girl, u just gave me idea for Sunday’s lunch! Will definitely make this instead of the regular tomato stew. I hope dear hubby would like this
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Ela! Hubby would certainly enjoy this- let me know how it works out!
Ela says
We loved it!
Shana Mba says
Omg Immaculate! This stew was a hit to say the least. My Cameroonian husband was pacing in the kitchen waiting for me to finish. It’s deeeeelicious. Thanks a bunch!
ImmaculateBites says
Glad it was a hit-Shana!
Nullacia says
THANK YOU!!!!! You just made my day!!! I’m sooo excited about this and thanks for the shout out 🙂 Of course, I will post a pic on your Facebook page as soon as I try it. YOU ROCK!!!
ImmaculateBites says
Thanks for always taking the time to give feedback.
Therese says
Just finished making this. So, so tasty and easy to make! Thank you again Immaculate!!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Therese! Am glad you enjoyed this recipe too and always appreciate your feedback girl!!!
Shana Mba says
Hi. This sounds really wonderful! I am super excited about trying this. One question though…Am I boiling the meat then frying the same meat? I got confused. Thanks!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi shana! It depends on the type of meat you are using- I usually use a pretty tough cut of meat(leg shanks) , so I boil first, then fry. However, you may skip the frying part. If you are using beef sirloin you may just proceed with the frying . Let me know how it works for you.