Gbegiri soup is a popular Nigerian soup made from black-eyed peas or brown beans. It is a thick and creamy soup with a slightly nutty flavor. Gbegiri soup is often eaten with pounded yam, eba, or amala. It is also a good source of protein and fiber.
Ingredients
- 2 cups black-eyed peas or brown beans
- 1/2 cup palm oil
- 1/4 cup crayfish powder
- 1-2 tablespoons ground dried pepper (atagungun)
- 1 bouillon cube
- Salt to taste
 Instructions
- Soak the black-eyed peas or brown beans in water overnight.
- Drain the beans and rinse them under cold water.
- Place the beans in a pot and add enough water to cover them by about 2 inches.
- Bring the beans to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours, or until they are tender.
- While the beans are cooking, heat the palm oil in a separate pot over medium heat.
- Add the crayfish powder and ground dried pepper to the palm oil and cook for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Once the beans are tender, mash them with a potato masher or blender until they are smooth and creamy.
- Add the mashed beans to the pot with the crayfish powder and ground dried pepper.
- Add the bouillon cube and salt to taste.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
- Serve hot with pounded yam, eba, or amala.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can use smoked crayfish powder.
- To make the soup thicker, you can add a bit of cornstarch or flour.
- If you don’t have ataagungun, you can use another type of chili pepper, such as cayenne pepper or habanero pepper.
- Gbegiri soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Egusi Gbegiri Soup: To make egusi gbegiri soup, add 1/2 cup of ground egusi seeds to the pot with the crayfish powder and ground dried pepper. Cook the egusi seeds for about 2 minutes, or until they are fragrant, before adding the mashed beans.
- Meat Gbegiri Soup: To make meat gbegiri soup, add 1/2 pound of beef, chicken, or fish to the pot with the beans. Cook the meat until it is browned, then add the crayfish powder, ground dried pepper, and mashed beans.
- Vegetable Gbegiri Soup: To make vegetable gbegiri soup, add your favorite vegetables to the pot with the beans. Some good options include tomatoes, onions, peppers, and carrots.
FAQs
Q: What is gbegiri soup made of?
A: Gbegiri soup is made from black-eyed peas or brown beans, palm oil, crayfish powder, ground dried pepper, and salt.
Q: How do you make gbegiri soup thicker?
A: To make gbegiri soup thicker, you can add a bit of cornstarch or flour. You can also mash the beans more thoroughly.
Q: What can I serve with gbegiri soup?
A: Gbegiri soup is often served with pounded yam, eba, or amala. It can also be served with rice or bread.
Q: Can I freeze gbegiri soup?
A: Yes, you can freeze gbegiri soup for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw completely before reheating it.
Q: What are the benefits of eating gbegiri soup?
A: Gbegiri soup is a good source of protein and fiber. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Conclusion
Gbegiri soup is a delicious and nutritious soup that is easy to make. It is a great option for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!
