Okossi

Okossi is a term primarily associated with food culture and cuisine in West Africa, specifically in parts of Togo and Benin. It refers to small, dried cakes or balls made from ground melon seeds (often egusi melon seeds). These seeds are ground into a paste, seasoned with spices, formed into small shapes, and then traditionally sun-dried. Okossi can be eaten as a snack, used as a flavoring ingredient in soups and stews, or crumbled and sprinkled over other dishes. The flavor is generally nutty and savory. The preparation and specific spices used can vary from region to region and household to household.