Miyan Taushe Recipe: How to Make Nigerian Pumpkin Soup

Miyan Taushe is a delicious and nutritious Northern Nigerian soup made from pumpkin, groundnuts, and a mix of aromatic spices. Popular among the Hausa and Fulani people, this rich, creamy dish is often enjoyed with tuwo shinkafa (mashed rice) or other swallow foods.

If you’re a fan of Nigerian soups like Egusi or Ogbono, you’ll love Miyan Taushe for its unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, infused with local spices that bring warmth to every bite. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to prepare it step by step!

Ingredients for Miyan Taushe

To make this hearty Nigerian pumpkin soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

2 cups pumpkin (mashed or diced)
1/2 cup groundnut paste (peanut butter)
1/2 kg beef (or goat meat)
1/2 cup smoked fish (optional)
1/2 cup ground crayfish
1-2 cups spinach or ugu leaves (fluted pumpkin leaves)
2 tablespoons palm oil
1/2 cup locust beans (dawadawa)
1 onion (chopped)
2 fresh tomatoes (blended)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 red bell pepper (blended)
1 scotch bonnet pepper (blended)
2 cups meat stock (or water)
2 seasoning cubes
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Miyan Taushe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by peeling and dicing the pumpkin into small chunks. You can either blend it or mash it with a fork after boiling. Also, clean your meat and fish, chop the onions, and blend the tomatoes, peppers, and red bell pepper together.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

In a large pot, add your washed beef or goat meat, seasoning cubes, salt, and half of the chopped onions. Pour in about a cup of water and let it cook until the meat is tender. Once done, remove the meat and set aside. Keep the meat stock for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Pumpkin

In the same pot, add the diced pumpkin and cook until soft. Mash or blend into a smooth consistency. This will help thicken the soup.

Step 4: Prepare the Soup Base

Heat the palm oil in a separate pot over medium heat. Add the remaining onions and sauté until translucent. Then, add the blended tomato-pepper mixture and cook for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and the oil starts to separate.

Step 5: Add the Groundnut Paste

Stir in the groundnut paste (or peanut butter) and mix well to combine with the tomato base. Allow it to cook for another 5 minutes to remove any raw peanut taste.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now, pour the mashed pumpkin into the pot and mix well. Add the cooked meat, smoked fish, crayfish, and locust beans. Stir and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Add Spices and Seasoning

Sprinkle in the ginger, garlic, cumin, and coriander. Add the reserved meat stock to achieve your desired consistency. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes so the flavors can blend perfectly.

Step 8: Add Vegetables

Finally, add the chopped ugu leaves or spinach. Stir and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.

Serving Miyan Taushe

Miyan Taushe is best served hot with tuwo shinkafa (rice swallow), tuwo masara (corn swallow), or pounded yam. You can also enjoy it with fufu or even plain white rice for a less traditional twist.

Health Benefits of Miyan Taushe

Not only is Miyan Taushe delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:

Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, great for skin and immunity.
Groundnuts provide healthy fats and protein for energy.
Locust beans (Dawadawa) support digestion and gut health.
Spinach or Ugu leaves add iron and essential minerals to boost overall health.

Tips for Making the Perfect Miyan Taushe

Use fresh pumpkin for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can use canned pumpkin puree.
For a richer taste, roast the groundnuts slightly before blending them into a paste.
Control the spice level by adjusting the number of scotch bonnet peppers.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of coconut milk or ground sesame seeds.
Substitute proteins by using chicken or dried fish instead of beef.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Miyan Taushe Without Groundnuts?

Yes! If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a nut-free version, you can skip the groundnut paste and replace it with a little melon seed paste (egusi) for thickness.

How Long Does Miyan Taushe Last?

Stored in an airtight container, Miyan Taushe can last up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply reheat on low heat before serving.

Can I Use Pumpkin Leaves Instead of Ugu or Spinach?

Absolutely! Pumpkin leaves are commonly used in traditional recipes and provide an earthy, slightly sweet taste to the soup.

Miyan Taushe Recipe