How to make FUFU and EGUSI SOUP/STEW for your viral TikTok African food challenge

egusi seeds

🥗Healthier: ground pumpkin seeds

💰Cheaper: ground sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are more affordable and provide a similar texture.

palm oil

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Coconut oil offers a healthier fat option, while vegetable oil is often less expensive.

meat

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu is a cost-effective protein source and lower in fat.

spinach

🥗Healthier: kale

💰Cheaper: collard greens

Collard greens are often less expensive and provide similar nutrients.

Wash your hands before starting.

Prepare the chicken thighs and drums by seasoning them with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, crushed black pepper, paprika, granulated onion, and a chicken bouillon cube. Drizzle with olive oil.

Place the seasoned chicken on a sheet pan and broil in the oven for 15 minutes until browned.

Clean up while the chicken is broiling to avoid dirty dishes later.

After 12 minutes, transfer the browned chicken to a pot for cooking the egusi soup.

Add the broth from broiling the chicken to the pot along with chopped onions, garlic paste, ginger paste, and smoked dried herrings.

Blend bell peppers and seeded tomatoes until chunky, then add to the pot. Rinse the blender with water and add that to the pot as well.

Cook on medium heat, stirring to combine, then cover and cook for 10 minutes undisturbed.

After 10 minutes, stir gently and check that the chicken is cooked through. Adjust salt if necessary.

Prepare the egusi by blending it with vegetable broth and water until smooth. Pour it into the pot and stir gently to combine.

Cover the pot and reduce heat to low, cooking for 15 minutes. Stir again after this time.

Cook uncovered for an additional 10 to 12 minutes to ensure the egusi is fully cooked.

Incorporate your chosen green leafy vegetable (kale) into the soup.

Optionally add red palm oil for flavor, or leave it out for a lighter version.

Measure out fufu flour according to package instructions (1 part flour to 2 parts water).

Cook the fufu while stirring constantly until a dough forms, then poke holes in it and add hot water to generate steam.

Cover and cook the fufu for 10 to 12 minutes.

Stir the fufu until smooth, stretchy, and sticky, then form into balls for serving.

Serve the egusi soup in a bowl alongside the fufu and enjoy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary