With the weather how to prepare Egusi Soup, many of us turn to hearty soups and stews as comforting fall meals. But while you may be accustomed to your favorite chicken noodle or minestrone, if you haven’t tried egusi soup, you’re missing out on a unique and nourishing African delight!

As its name suggests, this popular Nigerian soup gets its distinctive flavor from egusi seeds. The seeds are cultivated from the egusi gourd, and according to Serious Eats, these tasty legumes provide “creaminess and a nutty richness” in dishes when ground up and cooked. Additionally, the seeds are known for their nutritional value, as they’re a source of healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals.

Serve your delicious Egusi Soup with a side of pounded yam, fufu, rice, or any preferred staple

This versatile ingredient can be used to add a range of flavors and textures to your dish, from spicy to sweet, depending on the other ingredients you cook it with. In savory preparations, egusi is a perfect complement to aromatic spices, as it enhances the flavor of other ingredients while also adding a tantalizing heat. When used in sweeter preparations, the seeds’ natural sweetness shines through, highlighting their unique texture and delivering a delicate contrast in flavor.

To make your own egusi soup, simply blend the melon seeds until they’re finely ground and then cook them with meat, fish, or locust beans (if using), until everything is soft. Once the soup is done cooking, stir in some freshly grated spinach and leave on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!