Egusi Soup (Nigerian Chicken Stew) Recipe

Name: Egusi Soup (Nigerian Chicken Stew)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Egusi Paste; 1 cup egusi seeds (or sunflower or pumpkin); 1/2 large Spanish onion, chopped; 10 medium raw shrimp, deveined and peeled; 1/4 cup water or 1/4 cup beef broth; Stew; 1/4 cup canola oil; 1/2 large Spanish onion, finely chopped; 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped; 5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and keep liquid; 2 (5 1/2 ounce) cans tomato paste; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 1/4 cups beef broth; 2 whole chickens, cooked from the deli department (2 lbs each)

Servings: persons

Egusi Paste
1 cup egusi seeds (or sunflower or pumpkin)
1/2 large Spanish onion, chopped
10 medium raw shrimp, deveined and peeled
1/4 cup water or 1/4 cup beef broth
Stew
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 large Spanish onion, finely chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
5 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and keep liquid
2 (5 1/2 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 1/4 cups beef broth
2 whole chickens, cooked from the deli department (2 lbs each)

1
Egusi Paste: Chop seeds in blender. Add chopped onion to blender as you are cutting it. Add shrimp to blender. Blend until it becomes a smooth paste. You will likely need a little water or broth to help it blend.
2
Stew: Heat oil in a large pot. Add finely chopped onion to oil. Stir until soft and translucent. Add green pepper and sitr.
3
Add spinach (with moisture from package), tomato paste and spice. Add broth. Let simmer, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
Remove skin from roaster chickens and discard. With your hands, tear off chunks of the meat from chicken and add to the stew. Bring to a simmer again.
5
Add paste, stir and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

457

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Egusi Paste, 1 cup egusi seeds (or sunflower or pumpkin), 1/2 large Spanish onion, chopped, 10 medium raw shrimp, deveined and peeled, and more.

Yes, Egusi Soup (Nigerian Chicken Stew) falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Egusi Soup (Nigerian Chicken Stew)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions