Learn how to make Egusi Soup with Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) using this authentic Nigerian recipe with achara, okazi, fish, and rich traditional flavours.
🍲 Introduction
When it comes to traditional Nigerian soups, few dishes are as deeply rooted in Igbo culinary heritage as Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu). This delicious variation of egusi soup is especially popular in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in Abia and Imo States, where it is commonly called Ofe Achara with Akpuruakpu Egusi.
Unlike the regular frying method used for making egusi soup, Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) involves shaping seasoned ground melon seeds into firm discs or balls that remain intact while cooking. These moulded pieces are chewy, flavourful, and often enjoyed like meat inside the soup.
This traditional recipe also includes ingredients such as achara (elephant grass shoots), okazi leaves, stockfish, dry fish, crayfish, palm oil, and seasoning, which combine beautifully to create an unforgettable meal.
The Guardian’s traditional recipe highlights how special this dish is in Igbo homes, where it is often served during family gatherings, celebrations, and Sunday lunches. If you’ve never tried Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) before, you’re in for a rich and satisfying culinary experience.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It introduces you to a lesser-known traditional Nigerian delicacy.
- It delivers authentic traditional Igbo flavours.
- Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) is highly nutritious.
- The moulded egusi balls add a unique texture.
- It pairs perfectly with pounded yam, fufu, eba, and semovita.
- It is rich in protein from fish, meat, and melon seeds.
- Great for special occasions and family meals.
- The soup tastes even better the next day.
🛒 Ingredients Needed
To make authentic Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu), you’ll need:
- Ground Egusi (Melon Seeds) – 300g
- This is the star ingredient.
- It forms both the soup base and moulded egusi balls.
- Rich in healthy fats and protein.
- Osu – 40g
- A traditional binding ingredient.
- Helps the moulded egusi stay firm during cooking.
- Essential for authentic Akpuruakpu egusi.
- Achara (Elephant Grass Shoots) – 1 Cup
- Gives the soup its traditional identity.
- Adds a slightly crunchy texture.
- Okazi Leaves – 1 Handful
- Adds earthy flavour.
- Enhances the soup’s traditional taste.
- Palm Oil – 5 Tablespoons
- Gives the soup its rich colour.
- Adds authentic Nigerian flavour.
- Assorted Meat – ½kg
- Beef, goat meat, cow skin, or tripe can be used.
- Stockfish – 3 Pieces
- Adds depth and umami flavour.
- Dry Fish – 1 Medium Fish
- Adds smoky richness.
- Crayfish – 4 Tablespoons
- Boosts flavour significantly.
- Ogiri – 1 Wrap
- Traditional fermented seasoning.
- Onions – 2 Medium-sized
- Adds sweetness and aroma.
- Habanero Pepper
- For heat and flavour.
- Dry Pepper – 1 Teaspoon
- Adds extra spice.
- Seasoning Cubes – 3 Cubes
- Enhances taste.
- Salt
- Adjust to taste.
- Water
- Required for cooking.
🍴 Equipment Needed
- Large cooking pot
- Mortar and pestle
- Blender, dry mill, or grinding stone
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
- Serving bowls
👩🍳 Step-By-Step Guide: How To Make Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu)
Cooking Instruction:
Step 1: Wash And Prepare Your Proteins
- Wash the stockfish thoroughly.
- Soak until softened.
- Clean the dry fish and remove bones.
- Wash your assorted meats properly.
Step 2: Cook The Meat And Stockfish
- Place the meat and stockfish in a pot.
- Add onions.
- Add seasoning cubes.
- Add salt.
- Cook until tender.
- Set aside the stock.
Step 3: Grind The Egusi And Osu
- Blend the egusi seeds.
- Add osu.
- Grind until smooth.
This step is crucial for making perfect Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu).
Step 4: Make The Moulded Egusi
- Set aside about 30% of the ground egusi.
- Place the remaining portion in a bowl.
- Add:
- Crayfish
- Dry pepper
- Ogiri
- Salt
- Gradually add stock.
- Mix until a thick dough forms.
Step 5: Shape The Egusi
- Roll into small balls or flatten into discs.
- Ensure they are firm.
This is what makes Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) unique.
Step 6: Boil The Moulded Egusi
- Boil water in a pot.
- Drop the moulded egusi inside.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove and set aside.
This helps prevent scattering during final cooking.
Step 7: Prepare The Soup Base
- Add stock to your cooking pot.
- Add dry fish.
- Add pepper.
- Add remaining crayfish.
- Allow to boil.
Step 8: Add Remaining Egusi
- Pour in the remaining ground egusi.
- Stir continuously.
- Allow it to cook properly.
Cook until the oil starts floating.
Step 9: Add Palm Oil
- Add palm oil.
- Stir properly.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
Step 10: Add Achara And Okazi
- Add prepared achara.
- Add sliced okazi leaves.
- Stir gently.
Step 11: Add Moulded Egusi
- Carefully place the moulded egusi into the soup.
- Add cooked meat.
- Return dry fish.
Cook gently for 5 minutes.
Step 12: Taste And Serve
- Adjust seasoning.
- Turn off the heat.
- Serve hot.
✅Your delicious Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) is ready.🎉
🔥 Tips For A Perfect Result
- Use quality stockfish.
- Use fresh egusi seeds for a richer flavour.
- Do not add too much water when moulding.
- Always pre-boil the moulded egusi.
- Use authentic ogiri for a deeper flavour.
- Avoid over-stirring the soup.
- Slice okazi leaves very thinly.
- Use fresh achara for best results.
- Balance your spices carefully.
- Allow the soup to simmer properly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) with:
- Pounded yam
- Eba
- Fufu
- Semovita
- Amala
- Wheat meal
Pounded Yam pairs especially well with this soup.
🌿 Variations
- Vegetarian Version
- Skip meat and fish.
- Use mushrooms.
- Seafood Version
- Add prawns.
- Add crab.
- Spicier Version
- Increase the habanero pepper.
- Modern Version
- Replace achara with asparagus if unavailable.
Moulded Egusi Soup Recipe
Egusi Soup – Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu).
Equipment
- 1 large ooking pot
- 1 Blending Machine
- Bowels
- Cooking spoons
- Grinding stone in absense of blender.
Ingredients
- 350 g Egusi (melon) seed
- 50 g Osu a white, congealed ingredient used for preparing soup when grinded.
- 2.5 cooking spoon of palm oil
- Asorted meat , cow meat together with cow tripe.
- Stockfish
- dry fish catfish preferable
- 1 ogiri okpei
- 1-3 stock cube any of your choice
- pepper habanero (ose oyibo) or any pepper around but fresh.
- handful crayfish
- dry pepper if available
- salt to taste
Instructions
PREPARATION BEFORE COOKING
- Grind the egusi and osu using a grinding stone or blend using a blender.
- Pour the ground egusi into a clean dry bowl and set aside about 20%
- Mold the egusi dough into flat discs, each as big as a coin. Then, boil some water and add the molded egusi to the pot of boiling water. Cook for ten minutes over medium heat.
- The traditional recipe for egusi soup in eastern Nigeria mandates the use of bitter leaf, which imparts a unique and delicious flavor to the dish. To prepare this delectable soup, start by carefully washing and cutting your preferred vegetables. Other soft vegetables like spinach, uziza, and pumpkin leaf can be used.
PREPARING THE SOUP
- Cook the stockfish and meat together with some stock cubes (seasoning cubes) until they become tender. Set aside some of the stock in a separate bowl. Soaking the stockfish beforehand is important as it helps to clean it thoroughly. However, soaking alone does not make it soft enough for our recipe.
- Add the deboned dry fish, habanero pepper, and the remaining crayfish and ogiri okpei blend. Bring to a boil.
- After bringing the water to a boil, remove the fish and set it aside to prevent it from breaking into pieces. This step should also be followed when using fresh fish.
- To make the egusi soup, add the ground egusi that was left out to the stock. Stir the mixture and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until you see some clear egusi oil come to the surface. Be sure to stir the soup frequently to prevent it from burning. As needed, add the water you used in boiling the molded egusi.
- After you spot clear oil at the top, add palm oil and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Please add the boiled moulded egusi (akpuruakpu egusi), bitter leaf, and the fish (fresh or dry) that we removed earlier. If you are using soft vegetables, add them to the pot two minutes before you off the heat.
- Add salt to your taste, cover and once it boils again, it is done!
- Empty the soup into a cool bowl to retain the freshness of the vegetables.
Notes
📊 Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal | 21% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 25g | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Fibre | 5g | 18% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 18% | 18% |
| Sodium | 620mg | 27% |
Source: Based on ingredient estimates from Guardian recipe and standard USDA nutritional data.
Health Benefits
- Egusi seeds contain healthy fats.
- Rich in plant protein.
- Supports heart health.
- Okazi leaves contain fibre.
- Fish provides omega-3 fatty acids.
- Achara contains beneficial nutrients.
Advice
Consume moderately if you’re monitoring oil intake.
Note: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I make Egusi Soup with Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) without achara?
👉 Yes, you can substitute achara with asparagus if unavailable.
Q2. Why is my moulded egusi falling apart?
👉 You likely added too much water or skipped osu.
Q3. Can I freeze this soup?
👉 Yes, store in airtight containers for up to one month.
Q4. Can I use ugu leaves instead of okazi?
👉 Yes, but the flavour will be slightly different.
Q5. Is ogiri compulsory?
👉 No, but it improves authenticity.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you might also like to check out the following Nigerian recipes.
How to make egusi soup (boiled method)
How to make egusi soup (fried method)
How to make bitterleaf soup
How to make okra soup (ofe okwuru)
How to make fisherman’s soup
How to make ofe Owerri soup
How to make oha soup (ofe oha)
How to make ogbono soup (ofe ogbono)
How to make seafood okra
🥘 Final Thoughts
Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) is one of Nigeria’s most treasured traditional soups. It combines history, flavour, and cultural pride in one delicious pot. From the chewy moulded egusi to the earthy taste of achara and okazi, every spoonful tells a story of Igbo heritage.
If you’re looking to explore authentic Nigerian soup recipes beyond the regular version, this dish deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Try this rich Egusi Soup With Moulded Method (Akpuruakpu) recipe today and enjoy a true taste of tradition.
- How To Make Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: Delicious Homemade Recipe🍅🧄
- 180+ Garlic Recipes: The Irresistible Flavor-Packed Guide You’ll Love🧄🌟
- Salsa Recipes: Delicious Flavorful Guide You’ll Absolutely Love🌟🍅🌶️
- Healthy Radish Recipes: A Flavor-Packed Guide You’ll Absolutely Love🌟
- Zucchini Recipes: Amazing Guide to Cooking Zucchini in 100+ Tasty Ways🥒🌟
Did you make this recipe? Please do leave a comment and rating on the blog. Tag us on Pinterest @9jakitchen and Instagram @real9jakitchen and follow.
