Discover the authentic taste of Nigerian Pepper Soup, a spicy broth made with tender meat or fish, infused with a rich blend of local spices. This traditional dish is known for its bold flavors and is often used as a natural remedy for colds. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day or adding a spicy kick to your meal. Try this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy the flavors of Nigeria in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb (450g) of meat (goat, chicken, or fish)

- 2 tablespoons of ground crayfish (optional)

- 1 tablespoon of Nigerian pepper soup spice mix

- 2-3 fresh Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust for spice level)

- 1 medium onion, chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

- 2 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)

- 1 teaspoon of ground uziza seeds (optional)

- Fresh basil or scent leaves, chopped (for garnish)

- Salt to taste

- 6 cups of water

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat/Fish: If using meat, cut it into bite-sized pieces. If using fish, clean and cut into chunks. Set aside.

Blend Spices: In a blender or food processor, blend the Scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, and onions until smooth. 

Cook the Meat/Fish: In a large pot, add the meat (or fish), blended spice mixture, and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Add Seasoning: Once the mixture starts boiling, add the ground crayfish, pepper soup spice mix, seasoning cubes, and ground uziza seeds. Stir well and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes for meat or 15 minutes for fish, or until tender.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and seasoning if needed.

Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh basil or scent leaves. Serve hot, and enjoy your Nigerian Pepper Soup with boiled yam, plantains, or rice.

Note: Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or fewer Scotch bonnet peppers.

Nutritional Values

Meat (1 lb or 450g, goat, chicken, or fish)

Goat Meat:

    - Protein: 20 grams

    - Fat: 2.8 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

    - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in iron, vitamin B12, potassium

Benefits:

    - Lean source of protein with lower fat content compared to beef.

    - Provides essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.

    - Good for heart health due to lower fat content.

Chicken:

    - Protein: 31 grams

    - Fat: 3.6 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

    - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus

Benefits:

    - Excellent source of lean protein, aiding in muscle maintenance and weight management.

    - Contains niacin and vitamin B6, which support metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Fish:

    - Protein: 20 grams

    - Fat: 9 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

    - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, selenium

Benefits:

    - High in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health and brain function.

    - Provides vitamin D, which supports bone health and immune function.

Ground Crayfish (2 tablespoons, optional)

   - Calories: 94 kcal per 2 tablespoons

   - Protein: 4 grams

   - Fat: 8 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 3 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium

Benefits:

   - Rich in protein and healthy fats, supporting energy and muscle growth.

   - Contains antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect cells from damage.

   - Provides magnesium and potassium, important for muscle function and heart health.

Nigerian Pepper Soup Spice Mix (1 tablespoon)

   - Varies depending on the mix, generally low in calories but rich in spices with varying amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Benefits:

   - Adds a unique and aromatic flavor to soups.

   - Spices in the mix can aid digestion and improve appetite.

Fresh Scotch Bonnet Peppers (2-3, adjust for spice level)

   - Calories: 40 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

   - Fat: 0.4 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants

Benefits:

   - Boosts metabolism due to capsaicin.

   - Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health and skin repair.

   - Contains antioxidants that help protect against cellular damage.

Medium Onion (chopped)

   - Calories: 40 kcal per 100 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

   - Fat: 0.1 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 9 grams

   - Fiber: 1.7 grams

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, supporting immune function and overall health.

   - Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

Garlic Cloves (2, minced)

   - Calories: 4 kcal per clove

   - Protein: 0.2 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

Benefits:

   - Supports immune function and may help reduce blood pressure.

   - Contains allicin, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger (1-inch piece, grated)

   - Calories: 5 kcal per teaspoon

   - Protein: 0.1 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Vitamins & Minerals: Contains vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium

Benefits:

   - Aids digestion and may help reduce nausea.

   - Contains gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Seasoning Cubes (2, Maggi or Knorr)

   - Calories: Varies by brand, typically ~10-20 kcal per cube

   - Sodium: High sodium content (can be around 200-400 mg per cube)

   - Other Nutrients: Minimal nutritional value

Benefits:

   - Adds flavor to dishes without extra calories.

   - Provides convenience for seasoning.

Ground Uziza Seeds (1 teaspoon, optional)

   - Calories: 10 kcal per teaspoon

   - Protein: 0.5 grams

   - Fat: 0.5 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

Benefits:

   - Adds a unique, spicy flavor to dishes.

   - May have digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Fresh Basil or Scent Leaves (chopped, for garnish)

Basil:

    - Calories: 23 kcal per 100 grams

    - Protein: 3 grams

    - Fat: 0.6 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 2.7 grams

    - Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium

Benefits:

    - Contains antioxidants that support overall health.

    - May have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Scent Leaves:

   - Nutritional Values: Varies, generally low in calories and high in fiber.

Benefits:

    - Adds a distinctive flavor to dishes.

    - May have digestive benefits and contribute to overall wellness.

Salt (to taste)

   - Calories: 0 kcal

   - Sodium: High sodium content (about 2,300 mg per teaspoon)

Benefits:

   - Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

   - Enhances the flavor of food.

Water (6 cups)

  - Nutritional Values: 0 kcal

Benefits:

   - Essential for cooking and hydrating the body.

   - Helps to blend and cook ingredients evenly.