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–+ servings

Spicy Lagos Egusi Stew with Beef

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Welcome to the vibrant flavors of Lagos! This Spicy Lagos Egusi Stew is a hearty dish that combines rich, ground melon seeds with succulent beef, slow-cooked to fork-tender perfection. It's a delightful reflection of home cooking in Nigeria, offering warmth and soul in every bowl. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate, and serve it warm with your favorite side—like rice or pounded yam—for a truly authentic experience.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Africa
Cuisine: Nigerian
Calories: 680
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g beef
  • 150 g ground egusi
  • 1 (chopped) medium onion
  • 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
  • 2 tablespoons palm oil
  • 2 teaspoons crushed pepper
  • 1 liter beef stock
  • 2 cups spinach
  • to taste Salt
  • for garnish Sliced fresh pepper optional
  • for drizzling Additional palm oil optional

Equipment

  • Deep fryer or large pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Heatproof mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • Deep serving bowls

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat until it's hot but not smoking.
  2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Introduce the beef cubes to the pot, seasoning with salt and letting them brown on all sides (approximately 10 minutes).
  4. Pour in the beef stock (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground egusi, crayfish, and crushed pepper. Add a little water to form a thick paste.
  6. Once the beef is tender, gently stir in the egusi paste, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  7. Finally, add the spinach (or bitter leaf) and cook for an extra 5 minutes until wilted.
  8. Adjust seasoning and serve warm, garnished with sliced fresh pepper and a drizzle of palm oil if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 45gFat: 42gSodium: 620mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 4.5mg

Notes

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients!
If you can't find egusi, ground sunflower seeds can be a great substitute.
This stew also freezes well, so make a big batch and enjoy it later.
Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Enjoy your culinary journey into the heart of Lagos!

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