Entree: Cameroon – National Cuisine – Egusi Pudding (savory steamed melon-seed custard)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 1 hr

Additional 10 min

Total 1 hr 25 min

Ingredients

- 2 cups (220 g) ground egusi (ground melon seeds)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) red palm oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped, about 5 oz (150 g)
- 1 tbsp (15 g) tomato paste
- 1 scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, seeded and minced, about 10 g (adjust to heat preference)
- 4 large eggs, approx. 7 oz (200 g) total, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm chicken stock or water
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked fish, boneless and flaked (or cooked shredded chicken)
- 4 oz (115 g) chopped leafy greens (spinach, bitterleaf, or collard greens)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) ground crayfish or dried shrimp (optional)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 g) bouillon powder or cube, optional
- Banana leaves or aluminum foil for lining steaming vessel (no measurement required)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine the ground egusi with tomato paste, chopped onion, and minced pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
2. Stir in the palm oil until the egusi mixture is evenly coated and takes on a reddish color.
3. Add the flaked smoked fish (or shredded chicken), ground crayfish if using, and chopped greens. Mix thoroughly.
4. In a separate bowl whisk the beaten eggs with warm stock, salt, pepper, and bouillon if using.
5. Pour the egg-stock mixture into the egusi mix and fold until you have a thick, moist batter that holds together; add a little more stock if too dry.
6. Line a loaf pan or small heatproof pudding molds with banana leaves or foil. Press the egusi batter firmly into the pan(s), smoothing the top.
7. Cover the pan tightly with foil (or lid) and place in a steamer or a large pot set over simmering water. Steam gently for 45–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the pudding is set.
8. Remove from the steamer and let rest 10 minutes before unmolding. Slice and serve warm with spicy tomato stew, vegetables, or fufu.