Learn how to make pepper soup without having a chef or cooking professional standing behind you for assistance. Welcome to Chefsbase. On this page, you will learn how to make pepper soup by yourself.

Of all our recipes that I remember most fondly for their combination of spice and comfort (and most certainly not the same without Maggi cubes), Nigerian pepper soup most definitely tops the list.

Choose either chicken or goat for this—you guessed it—peppery stuff. This soup also makes a perfect remedy when you’re feeling sick or under the weather.

Making pepper soup is not difficult but the process has to be studied over time to ensure perfection and mastery.

How to Make Pepper Soup

Carefully toast the whole spices—aniseed pepper, coriander, cumin, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns—in a pan over low to medium heat, for a minute or so. Remove from the heat when the fragrance starts emanating.

Allow the spices to cool, then put them in a spice grinder with the rest of the spices and blend until fine. Store in an airtight container and use as needed.

To make the pepper soup, put the chopped meat in a large pot and cover it with about two cups of water. Add 1 tablespoon of the spice mix, some salt, the Maggi bouillon cubes, some red chile powder, the crayfish (if using), and the lemongrass bundles. Stir and allow to simmer over low heat until the liquid gets to boil.

When the liquid is boiled, add the remaining 8½ cups of water and the rest of the pepper soup spice mix. Allow to cook over medium-low heat.

Adjust the salt and pepper to taste and simmer until the meat is soft but not falling off the bone. Serve with boiled plantains and yams and some palm oil, if you wish.

List of Ingredients for Pepper Soup

if you want to make pepper soup, here are the ingredients you need to make use of:

1. Assorted meats (such as goat meat, beef, chicken, or fish)

2. Pepper soup spice mix (a blend of spices including calabash nutmeg, clove, and sometimes, cinnamon)

3. Fresh or dried fish (such as catfish or tilapia)

4. Pepper (habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers are commonly used for heat)

5. Onions

6. Garlic

7. Ginger

8. Celery

9. Uziza leaves (Nigerian aromatic leaves)

10. Utazi leaves (bitter leaves)

11. Scent leaves (Nigerian basil)

12. Seasoning cubes or powder (such as Maggi or Knorr)

13. Salt

14. Crayfish (dried shrimp)

15. Stockfish (dried cod)

16. Periwinkle (optional, for seafood variation)

17. Yams or plantains (optional, for thickness and flavour)

18. Palm oil (for richness and colour)

19. Lemon or lime juice (for a tangy flavour)

20. Water or broth (to cook the soup)

These ingredients can be adjusted based on individual choice and regional variations. In addition to that, some variations of pepper soup might include additional spices or vegetables depending on the recipe or the cook’s preference.