Fish Pepper Soup
This iconic dish is a light yet intensely flavorful broth, celebrated across West Africa (particularly Nigeria) for its medicinal qualities and "soul-warming" heat. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, aromatic, and savory, traditionally served at social gatherings or as a comforting remedy for the common cold.
Equipment
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Blender or mortar and pestle
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Soup ladle
Ingredients
- 2½ pound white firm fish cut in desired pieces
- 2 tbsp Pepper Soup Spice Mix
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 tbsp Crayfish (Ground)
- 1 Scent Leaves/Basil
- 2 cubes Seasoning Cubes
- Salt To taste
- 1 large onion diced
- 6 cups Water
- 3 Habanero/Scotch Bonnet peppers
- 2 tbsp Crayfish
Instructions
Fish Preparation
- Place your 2 lbs (900g) of fish steaks in a bowl. Wash thoroughly with lemon or lime juice and salt to remove any "sliminess" (especially important for catfish). Rinse with cold water and set aside.2½ pound white firm fish cut in desired pieces
The Aromatic Base
- In a blender, combine the onions and habanero peppers with a splash of water. Blend until smooth. In your large stockpot, add the 6 cups of water and bring to a simmer. Stir in the blended pepper/onion mix and the 2 tbsp of Pepper Soup Spice.1 medium Onion , 6 cups Water, 3 Habanero/Scotch Bonnet peppers, 2 tbsp Pepper Soup Spice Mix
Building the Broth
- Add the 2 tbsp of ground crayfish, 2 seasoning cubes, and a pinch of salt. Let the broth boil for about 10 minutes to allow the spices to fully infuse and the raw onion taste to disappear.2 tbsp Crayfish (Ground), 2 cubes Seasoning Cubes , Salt To taste, 1 large onion diced
Poaching the Fish
- Carefully drop the fish steaks into the boiling broth. Ensure the water covers the fish. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Do not stir vigorously, as the fish is delicate and will break; instead, gently shake the pot to distribute the heat. Cook for 7–10 minutes.2 tbsp Crayfish
Finishing Touches
- Add the ½ cup of shredded Scent Leaves (or Basil). Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes. The leaves provide a distinct floral aroma that completes the dish. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.1 Scent Leaves/Basil
- Get Recipe Directions Here >> Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally paired with boiled yams, plantains, or agidi (corn gel).
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcal
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