This soup is native to Nigeria and many of my British as well as Nigerian friends have enjoyed it. It is a great soup for those who like to try something different every once in a while. Ground egusi seeds give this soup a unique colour and flavour. If you can't find egusi seeds, you can substitute pumpkin seeds. Any combination of crab, prawns and smoked fish can be used in place of the prawns.
This recipe is not authentic as it leaves out the most essential ingredient -palm oil which gives the soup it's unique colour and flavour. Peanut oil or any other oil just does not cut it nor does substituting pumpkin seeds for melon seeds. In all this recipe would be like cooking beef bourginoun with coca cola substituted for the red wine! - 15 Jul 2017
I'm happy to see a dish from my country on here. Though its not one of my favourite soups, it does taste nice. - 04 Mar 2009
this is my favourite soup ever, as i am nigerian...you need to try this! absolutely delicious! - 21 Jul 2008