What Are Egusi Seeds?
Egusi refers to the seeds of certain melon-family plants used across parts of West Africa, especially after drying and grinding.
What they do in a dish
Ground egusi adds richness, body and a gently nutty character. In soups and stews it can thicken the cooking liquid while forming soft curds or clusters, depending on the method.
Can you substitute another seed?
Pumpkin or sunflower seeds can imitate some richness but do not reproduce egusi's exact flavor or behavior. If the dish is specifically egusi soup, sourcing actual egusi is worth the effort.
Where to buy egusi
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West African groceries are usually the best first stop. Online, search for ground egusi melon seeds on Amazon.