Nigerian pepper soup is a spicy soup traditionally made in West Africa. It has various meats or fish, vegetables, and strong spices. Today, we’ll learn a favourite version: Nigerian goat meat pepper soup with white yam!...CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
This recipe adds a twist by including yam chunks directly in the soup for a complete, hearty meal. You can also boil the yam separately and serve it on the side.
Pepper soup is known for its powerful kick—it’s very spicy. But it’s also incredibly flavorful, and it uses healthy spices and herbs. These spices are perfect for cold weather. Some even have natural cold- and flu-fighting properties.
Unlike thicker soups like okra or egusi, pepper soup is meant to be enjoyed on its own. You can also eat it with simple sides, like boiled white yam.
If you’ve never tried Nigerian pepper soup, get ready for an unforgettable experience! This goat meat and yam combo is packed with flavour and will transport you straight to Nigeria with every delicious bite.
What is Nigerian pepper soup spice made of?
This recipe uses a special spice mix that gives Nigerian pepper soup its authentic flavour. The mix includes African calabash nutmeg (Ehuru in Igbo), grains of Selim (Uda in Igbo), and alligator pepper. You can find this spice mix already made at most African stores or online. It’s usually gluten-free and sodium-free, but always check the label to be sure.
The spice mix is very spicy, so be careful when adding it to your soup. Start with a small amount, like a tablespoon, and taste as you go. You can always add more later if you need it.
Ultimately, you control how spicy your pepper soup is. On top of the spice mix, this recipe also uses scotch bonnet peppers, which are another source of heat in the soup.
Ingredients for goat meat yam pepper soup
For this Nigerian pepper soup, you’ll need:
Protein: Goat meat (or your preferred protein)
Vegetables: African Yam (Nigerian yam tuber, recommended for freshness and available at African stores)
Spices and flavourings:
Natural, sodium-free Nigerian pepper soup spice mix
Fresh scotch bonnet peppers (be careful, they’re spicy!)
Red bell peppers
Chopped onions
Knorr Bouillon Chicken seasoning
Dry crawfish (optional, for a seafood flavour)
Utazi leaves (use sparingly; they’re bitter)
Basil leaves (optional; adds freshness)
Fresh ginger (optional, recommended)
Extra virgin olive oil (optional, for sautéing vegetables)
Salt: To taste
How to prepare Nigerian goat meat pepper soup
To begin, gather the essential ingredients, including the ultimate Nigerian pepper soup spice, which is crucial for an authentic flavour. You’ll also need vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and fresh bonnet peppers.
When selecting bonnet peppers, keep in mind that they are very hot and spicy. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can substitute them with other spicy peppers, like jalapenos.
These ingredients will add depth and heat to your pepper soup, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
1. Gather your ingredients
Before you start cooking, you must ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For this recipe, you’ll need goat meat, bell peppers, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, dry crawfish, salt, Knorr Bouillon Chicken seasoning, African yam tuber, fresh ginger, Nigerian spice (pepper soup spice), olive oil (optional), and basil leaves.
2. Wash, cut, and blend the vegetables
Start by washing the bell peppers and onions thoroughly. Then, cut them into chunks and add them to a blender. Similarly, wash the scotch bonnet peppers and remove the seeds if desired for a milder flavour.
Add them to the blender along with the dry crawfish. Blend everything with some water until you achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Wash and clean the goat meat
Properly wash and clean the goat meat under cold, running water. You must ensure that the meat is free from any impurities. If the meat is frozen, thaw it completely before washing. Once washed, pat it dry with paper towels and place it in a clean pot.
4. Starting with the meat, cook your Nigerian goat meat pepper soup
Pour the blended vegetable mixture over the goat meat in the pot. Season the meat with salt and Knorr Bouillon Chicken seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Cover the pot and let the meat cook on medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
Allow it to cook for about 30 minutes until the meat is partially tender.
5. Prepare the yam
While the meat is cooking, wash, peel, and cut the African yam tuber into sizeable chunks. Keep the yam pieces in cold water to prevent them from turning brown.
If you have sensitive skin, you should wear gloves while handling and cutting the yam to avoid discomfort or itching.
6. Add pepper soup spice and water
After the meat has cooked for 30 minutes, grate fresh ginger into the pot for added flavour. Then, add water and the Nigerian spice (pepper soup spice) to the pot. If desired, you can also add a tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil for richness.
Stir everything well to ensure that the flavours are evenly distributed. Cover the pot and let it simmer for another 35–45 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
7. Add the yam to finish up cooking
Once the meat is tender and infused with the flavours of the spices, drain the water from the yam chunks and add them to the pot. Stir gently to combine the yam with the soup. Cover the pot and let the yam cook for about 10–20 minutes until it becomes tender.
Finally, add sliced or chopped basil leaves to the soup for a fresh burst of flavour. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious and authentic Nigerian goat meat pepper soup that’s bursting with flavour and perfect for any occasion.
Some important tips to keep in mind when making this pepper soup
The cooking time for your pepper soup may vary depending on the size of the meat chunks you cut. Larger pieces will take longer to cook than smaller ones.
Pepper soup spice is known for its heat, so add it according to your taste preference. You can adjust the amount to make your soup more or less spicy.
If you’re planning to meal-prep your pepper soup, you may want to skip adding yam directly to the soup. Instead, boil the African yam tuber separately. Once cooked, you can add the boiled yam and pepper soup to separate freezer-friendly containers before freezing for easy storage.
Ensure you use a high-quality, all-natural Nigerian pepper soup spice for the best flavour. Look for options that are gluten-free and sodium-free, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
How to serve Nigerian goat meat pepper soup
Combining goat meat pepper soup with African yam tubers creates a delicious pairing that many consider heavenly.
Yam pepper soup is especially beloved and can elevate your next pepper soup experience.
In Nigerian culture, pepper soup is commonly served as an appetiser in restaurants and homes. It’s a favourite among enthusiasts like myself, and while it’s often enjoyed during colder weather, it’s actually a year-round delight.
Pepper soup can be served on its own or paired with other dishes like Nigerian Agidi (corn flour jelly), offering versatility in serving options to suit different preferences.
For the best flavour and experience, it’s recommended to enjoy pepper soup while it’s still warm or slightly hot. Reheating it before serving ensures you get the full richness of the spices and ingredients..CONTINUE READING>>
