In Cameroon, my home country, cabbage egusi soup is quite popular. Many people even call it their absolute favorite stew! With only a few ingredients, it makes the perfect accompaniment to any starchy side, IMO. It’s also pretty easy to customize. You can choose your favorite protein, add as much or as little cabbage as you like, and adjust the spices per your preferences. I love recipes like that! They’re incredibly nutritious, being high in protein and healthy oil. And in the cuisine of West Africa, they’re often used in thickening soups and stews. Enjoy depth of flavor, and egusi cabbage soup is an amazing one-pot meal with meat, egusi, and cabbage! Nullacia, this one is specially made for you!
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Cabbage Egusi Soup
Boil the Meat -Season the beef or chicken with salt (or garlic salt). Simmer in enough water to give you 3-4 cups of broth for the soup until tender. Optionally add smoked paprika, black pepper, and onion powder. Remove the meat and reserve the broth. Brown the Meat (Optional) -Heat oil in a heavy saucepan over medium. Fry the meat first, then set aside. If you decide not to brown the meat, proceed to the next step. Aromatics – Saute the onion and garlic mixture until translucent, for 2-3 minutes. Then, add the beef, smoked turkey, and crayfish and continue cooking. Soup Base – Stir in the tomatoes with their juices and 1-2 cups of beef or chicken stock—bring to a boil and simmer for another 5 minutes. Egusi – Next, add the ground egusi and keep simmering on medium heat for approximately 12 minutes. Add more broth as needed for the desired consistency or to prevent burning. (Photos 2-3) Cabbage – Finally, toss in the cabbage and simmer for a few minutes until tender. Serve – Give the soup a taste test and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot with plantains, eba, yams, fufu, or the side of your choice.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
Make this stew a day or two ahead of time and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Simply reheat it on the stove. You can also freeze this dish for up to three months.
Serving and Storage Instructions
Serve egusi cabbage stew nice and hot, with a carby side (or two.) Refrigerate leftovers for 3-5 days in an airtight container. Reheat it on the stovetop set to medium heat. If it seems too dry, add some water or broth.
What Goes With Cabbage Egusi Soup
Fufu and egusi soup are a classic pairing. But you can also serve it with fried sweet plantains and some steaming basmati rice. Some homemade garlic bread for dipping is always a good idea, too! Wash it all down with refreshing pineapple juice.😋
More Traditional African Recipes to Try
