Chicken with Egusi

Chicken with Egusi Recipe from Democratic Republic of Congo

Region / culture: Democratic Republic of Congo | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken with Egusi is a delicious and hearty West African dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful egusi seed sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Egusi seeds are a staple in West African cuisine and are commonly used in soups and stews. The seeds are rich in protein and healthy fats, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. Chicken with Egusi is a popular dish in Nigeria and other West African countries, where it is often served with fufu or rice.

Ingredients

2 – 3 tbsp palm oil, peanut oil, or other oil for frying chicken
1 chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 – 3 onions, chopped
2 or more cups of chicken broth or chicken stock, or bouillon cubes
2 tomatoes, or canned tomatoes, or tomato paste or tomato sauce
1 cup egusi seeds (or substitute), roasted and ground
several sprigs of parsley, or similar
water
cayenne pepper or red pepper, black pepper, salt

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a skillet.
Fry the chicken and onions until the chicken is well browned, but not fully cooked.
While the chicken is browning, bring chicken broth or stock to a gentle boil in a large pot.
Stir in tomatoes.
Add egusi and stir until smooth.
Allow it to cook for several minutes.
Add the chicken and onions to the broth.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
Add parsley and seasonings to taste.
Add water if needed to adjust the thickness of the soup as desired.
Serve with fufu or rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken with beef or fish for a different flavor.
Add vegetables such as spinach, okra, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast and grind the egusi seeds before adding them to the dish to enhance their nutty flavor.

- Browning the chicken and onions before adding them to the broth will add depth and richness to the dish.

- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding water as needed.

- Season the dish to taste with your favorite herbs and spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken with Egusi with fufu, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken and onions before adding them to the broth will enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute egusi seeds with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if unavailable.

- Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of bouillon cubes for a homemade touch.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the egusi sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the chicken and onions just before serving for the best flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve in a large bowl with a side of fufu or rice for a traditional presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chicken with Egusi with a side of plantains or a refreshing cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 15% of daily value per serving

Iron: 20% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Chicken with Egusi is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken with Egusi is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With a rich and hearty sauce made from roasted and ground egusi seeds, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs and spices, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy with fufu, rice, or your favorite side dish for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a cool, breezy evening in Lagos, Nigeria, and I was visiting my dear friend Adaeze. She had invited me over for dinner, promising to cook me a traditional Nigerian meal that would blow my mind. And blow my mind it did.

As I stepped into Adaeze's kitchen, the aroma of roasted peppers, onions, and garlic greeted me like an old friend. I could hear the sizzle of meat frying in a hot pan and the sound of laughter coming from the dining room. Adaeze was a talented chef, and she had a way of making even the simplest dishes taste like a gourmet feast.

I watched in awe as Adaeze effortlessly combined ground egusi seeds, palm oil, and a medley of spices to create a thick, savory sauce. She then added chunks of tender chicken and let them simmer in the sauce until they were infused with all the rich flavors. The result was a dish that was both comforting and exotic, familiar yet new.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the chicken with egusi and closed my eyes in bliss. The flavors exploded in my mouth, each bite a symphony of taste and texture. The egusi lent a nutty richness to the dish, while the chicken was succulent and tender. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the next few weeks, I pestered Adaeze for her recipe, determined to recreate the magic of that first meal in my own kitchen. She laughed and teased me, but eventually relented and agreed to teach me her secrets. We spent hours in her kitchen, chopping, stirring, and tasting until I had mastered the art of making chicken with egusi.

As I learned more about the dish, I discovered that egusi seeds are actually the seeds of a melon native to West Africa. They are ground into a fine powder and used as a thickening agent in soups and stews. Egusi seeds are packed with nutrients and are a staple in Nigerian cuisine, prized for their unique flavor and versatility.

I also learned that chicken with egusi is a dish that is often served at special occasions and celebrations in Nigeria. It is a labor of love, requiring time and patience to prepare, but the end result is always worth the effort. The dish is meant to be shared with family and friends, a symbol of hospitality and generosity.

As I made chicken with egusi for the first time in my own kitchen, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The familiar aromas of roasted peppers and onions filled the air, transporting me back to that memorable evening in Adaeze's kitchen. I added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating some of my favorite spices and herbs to make it truly my own.

When I served the dish to my family, they were amazed at how delicious it was. They marveled at the rich flavors and tender chicken, savoring each bite with delight. I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had successfully recreated a traditional Nigerian dish in my own home.

Since that day, chicken with egusi has become a staple in my household. It is a dish that brings us together, reminding us of the joys of good food and good company. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the love and tradition of Nigerian cuisine far and wide.

As I look back on that fateful evening in Lagos, I am grateful for the gift of friendship and the joy of cooking. Adaeze's recipe for chicken with egusi has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am truly thankful.