How to make egwusi moulding method

Egwusi! A popular Nigerian melon seed soup made from ground melon seeds. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make Egwusi using the moulding method:

*Ingredients*

1. *Melon seeds*: 2 cups, ground

2. *Vegetable oil*: 1/2 cup

3. *Onions*: 2, chopped

4. *Garlic*: 3 cloves, minced

5. *Ginger*: 1-inch piece, grated

6. *Meat or fish*: 1 pound, cut into small pieces (optional)

7. *Stockfish*: 1/2 cup, shredded (optional)

8. *Salt*: To taste

9. *Black pepper*: To taste

10. *Water*: 2 cups

*Moulding Method*

1. *Mix the ground melon seeds with water*: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of ground melon seeds with 2 cups of water. Stir well to form a smooth paste.

2. *Add salt and black pepper*: Add salt and black pepper to taste, and mix well.

3. *Knead the mixture*: Knead the mixture for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and pliable.

4. *Mould the mixture into small balls*: Use your hands to mould the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 balls.

5. *Heat the oil in a pan*: Heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.

6. *Fry the moulded melon seed balls*: When the oil is hot, add the moulded melon seed balls to the pan and fry until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side.

7. *Remove the fried melon seed balls*: Remove the fried melon seed balls from the oil and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

*Preparing the Egwusi Soup*

1. *Heat oil in a pot*: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. *Add onions, garlic, and ginger*: Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.

3. *Add meat or fish (optional)*: If using, add the cut-up meat or fish to the pot and cook until it is browned.

4. *Add stockfish (optional)*: If using, add the shredded stockfish to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes.

5. *Add the fried melon seed balls*: Add the fried melon seed balls to the pot and stir well.

6. *Add water*: Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring to a boil.

7. *Reduce heat and simmer*: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, or until the melon seed balls have dissolved and the soup has thickened.

*Serve*

1. *Serve hot*: Serve the Egwusi soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Enjoy your delicious Egwusi soup made using the moulding method!