Sierra Leonean Egusi Soup

Ingredients

 * 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds
 * 1 1/2 pounds cubed beef stew meat
 * 1/2 cup peanut oil
 * 2 large tomatoes, chopped
 * 1 small o¬nion, chopped
 * 2 chilli peppers, seeded and minced
 * 18 ounces tomato sauce
 * 3 tablespoons tomato paste
 * 1 1/2 cups water
 * 2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled
 * 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped

Directions

 * 1) Place pumpkin seeds in a blender and blend for 30 to 40 seconds or until mixture is a powdery paste. Set aside.
 * 2) Cut beef into bite-size cubes. Season to taste
 * 3) In a large pan, heat oil over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Add beef and saute for 3 to 5 minutes or until brown.
 * 4) Place tomatoes, onions, and pepper in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds or until smooth.
 * 5) Add tomato mixture to meat, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover.
 * 6) Cook for 40 to 50 minutes or until meat is tender.
 * 7) Add tomato sauce, water, and shrimp and simmer for 10 minutes.
 * 8) Add spinach and ground pumpkin seeds and continue to simmer 10 minutes more.