How to Make Nigerian Pepper Soup
Pepper soup is a light but intensely spiced broth. The flavour comes from a specific spice blend, fresh pepper and aromatic leaves.
Choose your protein
Goat meat is traditional and needs about 45 minutes. Chicken takes 25–30 minutes; catfish only 10–15 minutes, added near the end so it doesn't break apart.
The spice blend
Pepper soup spice usually combines calabash nutmeg, alligator pepper and grains of selim (uda). Ready-made blends from African grocers are reliable.
Controlling heat
Scotch bonnet gives the signature heat. Start with one, taste, and add more if you like.
Finishing
Add scent leaves (or basil as a substitute) in the last couple of minutes so their aroma stays fresh.
Common mistakes
- Adding fish too early.
- Boiling the leaves too long.
- Over-salting before the broth reduces.
