Craving a heartwarming, flavorful soup that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Chicken Pepper Soup recipe brings the vibrant tastes of Nigeria right to your kitchen. Perfect as a quick dinner idea or a comforting healthy meal, this delicious dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this authentic recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg Chicken (cut into serving pieces)
- 1 large Onion (chopped)
- 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (or more, to taste, finely chopped – remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tbsp ground Ginger
- 1 tbsp ground Cayenne Pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp ground Black Pepper
- 1 tsp ground Thyme
- 1 tsp ground Curry Powder
- 2-3 Seasoning Cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass (bruised)
- 4 cups Water (or more, as needed)
- 2-3 Scent Leaves (also known as African basil, roughly chopped)
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (carrots, green beans, and other vegetables of your choice are great additions) – optional
- Uziza seeds (optional, adds a unique flavour)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly and place them in a large pot. Add 2 cups of water, 1 chopped onion, 1 seasoning cube, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through. This step helps to remove impurities and create a flavorful broth.
Step 2: Adding Aromatics and Spices
Add the remaining water, lemongrass, scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, cayenne pepper, black pepper, thyme, curry powder, and the second seasoning cube. Stir well to combine all the spices evenly, ensuring the flavours meld beautifully.
Step 3: Simmering to Perfection
Increase the heat to a medium boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes. During this time, the flavors will deepen and the chicken will become tender. If using vegetables, add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
Step 4: Final Touches
Stir in the chopped scent leaves during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Avoid overcooking the scent leaves, as this can make them bitter. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning one last time. If you are using Uziza seeds, add them in the last 5 minutes as well for a unique and delicious aromatic flavour.
Step 5: Serving
Serve your delicious Chicken Pepper Soup hot, garnished with extra scent leaves if desired. It’s best enjoyed with a side of fufu, pounded yam, eba, or even rice.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pepper Soup:
- For a richer broth, you can brown the chicken pieces in a pan before adding them to the pot.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of scotch bonnet peppers according to your preference for heat. Start with less and add more if needed.
- If your chicken is not fully cooked, continue simmering until it's tender.
- For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the cooked chicken before returning it to the pot.
Variations:
- Beef Pepper Soup: Substitute beef for the chicken. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Pepper Soup: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and eggplant.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion size, but generally, Chicken Pepper Soup is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
This Chicken Pepper Soup recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a taste of Nigeria. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly unforgettable meal. Enjoy!