Description
Nigerian Pepper Soup is a flavorful, spicy, and aromatic dish made with your choice of protein, such as chicken, goat meat, or fish. It features a rich blend of spices and fresh herbs, perfect for any occasion or as a remedy for colds.
Ingredients
1 kg of your choice of protein (chicken, goat meat, or fish)
6 cups water
2 tablespoons ground crayfish
1–2 tablespoons ground pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2–3 teaspoons ground ginger
1–2 teaspoons seasoning cubes (e.g., Maggi or Knorr)
Salt to taste
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3–4 tablespoons sliced fresh herbs (e.g., basil or scent leaves)
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of palm oil for added richness
Instructions
- Clean and cut your chosen protein (chicken, goat meat, or fish) into pieces and set aside.
- In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.
- Carefully add your protein to the boiling water and allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on your choice of meat. If using fish, be gentle to prevent it from breaking apart.
- Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, thyme, ground ginger, seasoning cubes, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine and continue cooking for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the ground pepper and crayfish, adjusting the amount of pepper to suit your desired spice level. Let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before taking it off the heat, stir in the fresh herbs (such as basil or scent leaves) for added aroma and flavor.
- If using palm oil, add it to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking for a rich, velvety finish.
- Remove from heat and serve hot. Nigerian Pepper Soup is best enjoyed immediately while it’s warm.
Notes
Choose from chicken, goat meat, or fish for the protein base. You can mix meats for variety.
Adjust the heat by varying the amount of ground pepper. For milder heat, use less pepper or substitute with sweet paprika.
Fresh herbs like basil or scent leaves add aroma, but you can substitute with parsley, mint, or cilantro if needed.
For a heartier soup, add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or yam, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
