How to Cook Ewedu Elegusi – Abula Delight

How to Cook Ewedu Elegusi – Abula Delight

If you’re a fan of hearty, traditional Nigerian meals, then Ewedu Elegusi is a must-try dish. This delicious blend combines ewedu (jute leaves) and egusi (melon seeds) to create a rich, flavorful soup that is perfect when served with amala and gbegiri (bean soup). This combination, often called Abula, is a popular meal in Yoruba cuisine, especially in southwestern Nigeria, offering a wonderful medley of textures and flavours.

In this article, I’ll guide you through a simple recipe for making Ewedu Elegusi, an essential part of the Abula experience.

Ingredients for Ewedu Elegusi:

• Ewedu leaves (jute leaves) – fresh or frozen
• Egusi (melon seeds) – ground
• Palm oil – 2 tablespoons
• Crayfish – 1 tablespoon (optional, for added flavour)
• Seasoning cubes – 1 or 2, to taste
• Salt – to taste
• Pepper – 1 teaspoon (ground or fresh)
• Locust beans (iru or ogiri) – 1 tablespoon
• Water – as needed

Optional (for Abula):

• Amala (Yam flour)
• Gbegiri (Bean soup)

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Ewedu Elegusi

1. Prepare the Ewedu

• If you’re using fresh ewedu leaves, strip the leaves from the stems and rinse them thoroughly to remove any dirt.
• For frozen ewedu, you can thaw it out before cooking.
• In a small pot, add about 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.
• Add the ewedu leaves into the boiling water and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they soften. You can blend the leaves with a hand blender to create a smooth texture, or use a broom whisk (ijabe) for a more traditional touch.

2. Prepare the Egusi

• In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of palm oil on medium heat. Once it melts, add your ground egusi (melon seeds) and stir. Allow the egusi to fry gently for 3-5 minutes until it starts to bubble and thicken.
• Add about half a cup of water to loosen the egusi mixture and prevent it from burning.
• Stir in the crayfish (if using), seasoning cubes, locust beans (iru), and a teaspoon of pepper for heat. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until the egusi is well-cooked and the oil rises to the top.

3. Combine the Ewedu and Egusi

• Once your egusi is ready, gently stir in the cooked ewedu. Mix thoroughly to ensure the ewedu and egusi blend well, creating a rich, velvety soup.
• Taste for seasoning, adding more salt or seasoning cubes as needed. Let it simmer on low heat for another 3 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

4. Prepare Your Amala and Gbegiri

• To complete the Abula meal, you’ll want to serve your ewedu elegusi alongside amala and gbegiri.
• Amala is made by stirring yam flour (elubo) into hot water until it forms a smooth, stretchy dough. It’s the perfect accompaniment for ewedu and egusi.
• Gbegiri is a light soup made from peeled cooked beans, blended into a smooth consistency, and seasoned with a little palm oil and spices. When served alongside ewedu and amala, it makes for the perfect Abula combination.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve the ewedu elegusi alongside a generous portion of amala and gbegiri. You can also pair it with pounded yam, fufu, or eba, depending on your preference.
• Abula is often eaten with the hands for a more traditional experience, but feel free to use a spoon if preferred.

Tips for Making Perfect Ewedu Elegusi:

• Texture control: For a smooth ewedu, use a blender or traditional whisk (ijabe) to achieve the desired consistency.
• Spice level: Adjust the amount of pepper to your heat tolerance. You can use fresh scotch bonnet peppers for more spice or keep it mild with ground pepper.
• Balance of flavours: The iru (locust beans) gives the dish a deep, earthy flavour, but if you’re not used to it, you can reduce the quantity or skip it altogether.

Where to Buy Ewedu, Egusi, and Other Ingredients

For authentic ingredients to prepare your Ewedu Elegusi Abula, Ofoodi African Store is your best choice. We offer fresh and frozen ewedu leaves, high-quality egusi, and all the essential African spices and ingredients you need for this dish. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, Ofoodi makes it easy to get everything you need for your Nigerian meals.

• In-store shopping: Visit Ofoodi’s Burslem location in Stoke-on-Trent for a wide variety of African, Asian, and Caribbean groceries.
• Online shopping: You can also shop conveniently online through the Ofoodi website or by downloading the Ofoodi app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Enjoy reliable delivery straight to your door!

Why Choose Ofoodi for Your Nigerian Ingredients?

• Extensive variety: Ofoodi carries everything you need for Nigerian dishes, from ewedu and egusi to traditional yam flour and beans for gbegiri.
• Convenient shopping: With online and in-store shopping options, you can access your favourite ingredients quickly and easily.
• Affordable prices: Ofoodi offers competitive pricing, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Conclusion

Ewedu Elegusi is a delicious, hearty dish that brings the rich flavours of Nigerian cuisine to your table. By combining tender ewedu leaves with creamy egusi, you create a versatile soup perfect for pairing with amala, gbegiri, and other Nigerian staples. With a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can enjoy this dish in no time. Be sure to visit Ofoodi African Store for all your authentic African groceries and enjoy a seamless shopping experience, whether in-store or online.