Sizzling Meat Pepper Soup Recipe: A Spicy Bowl of Comfort

Spicy aromas of meat pepper soup waft through kitchens, promising comfort and bold flavor.

Nigerian cooks have perfected this hearty dish for generations.

Warming spices dance across tender meat chunks, creating a symphony of taste.

Peppers bring intensity that awakens every sense with their vibrant heat.

Regional variations add depth and character to this classic recipe.

Rich broth captures traditional culinary techniques passed down through passionate home cooks.

Variations To Try With Meat Pepper Soup

• Seafood Pepper Soup: Replace meat cubes with mixed seafood like shrimp, fish chunks, and crab meat for a marine-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Pepper Soup: Substitute meat with firm tofu cubes or mixed vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Goat Meat Pepper Soup: Use goat meat instead of standard beef or chicken for a richer, more intense flavor profile with traditional West African undertones.
• Lamb Pepper Soup: Select tender lamb cubes to create a robust, hearty soup with deeper meat complexity and enhanced spicy characteristics.

Perfect Pairings For Meat Pepper Soup

• Spice Up with Red Wine: Pair this fiery Nigerian pepper soup with a bold, full-bodied red wine like Syrah or Zinfandel to complement the soup's intense heat and rich meat flavors.
• Cooling Companion Beverage: Serve a chilled Nigerian palm wine or a crisp, light beer to balance the soup's spiciness and provide a refreshing contrast to the bold pepper profile.
• Traditional Side Kick: Accompany the soup with steamed white rice or soft, warm fufu to help absorb the spicy broth and create a satisfying, hearty meal experience.
• Herbal Heat Neutralizer: Add a side of fresh cucumber salad or yogurt-based dip to cool down the palate and provide a smooth, creamy counterpoint to the soup's intense spiciness.

Storage Tips For Meat Pepper Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour soup into a pot. Add a splash of water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs About Meat Pepper Soup

• What is Meat Pepper Soup typically used for in African cuisine?

This soup is a traditional West African dish often consumed to boost immunity, warm the body, and provide comfort during cold weather or when feeling unwell.

• How spicy is Meat Pepper Soup?

The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of scotch bonnet peppers and cayenne pepper, but traditionally it’s quite hot and has a robust, warming flavor profile.

• What type of meat works best for this soup?

Beef, goat meat, or lamb are most commonly used, with beef being the most popular choice for its tender texture and rich flavor when slow-cooked.

Why Meat Pepper Soup Warms You Inside

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this pepper soup that brings intense, bold tastes to your dining table, perfect for those craving a zesty culinary adventure.
• Quick and Hearty Comfort: Prepare a satisfying meal in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a warming, protein-packed dish that fills you up.
• Customize Your Heat: Adjust the pepper levels to suit your spice tolerance, allowing everyone from mild-flavor lovers to heat seekers to enjoy this versatile soup.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Packed with protein from meat and enhanced by nutrient-rich peppers and dried fish, this recipe delivers a wholesome meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients For Meat Pepper Soup

• Meat Cubes: Tender pieces of meat that form the hearty base of the soup.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Scotch Bonnet Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add depth, sweetness, and intense spicy flavor to the soup.

• Ground Crayfish, Dried Fish, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Traditional African seasonings that provide rich, complex, and authentic taste to the pepper soup.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps to sauté ingredients and create a smooth cooking base.
• Water: The liquid medium that helps cook and blend all the ingredients together.

How To Cook Meat Pepper Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Grab a large pot and drizzle vegetable oil across its bottom. Set the heat to medium, allowing the oil to shimmer and spread evenly.

Step 2: Soften the Onions

Toss chopped onions into the heated pot. Stir and swirl them around until they turn translucent and release their sweet, aromatic fragrance.

Step 3: Sear the Meat

Drop meat cubes into the pot, spreading them out. Let each piece develop a rich, golden-brown exterior by turning them carefully to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

• Bell peppers
• Scotch bonnet peppers
• Ground crayfish
• Dried fish
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Pour water into the pot, covering the meat and seasonings. Bring the liquid to a robust, bubbling boil.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup quietly bubble and cook, allowing the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld together. This process will take about 45 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming, aromatic soup into bowls. Enjoy the rich, spicy warmth of this traditional West African dish while it’s hot.

Pro Tips For Meat Pepper Soup

• Opt for tender cuts like beef or goat meat to ensure a softer texture in the soup.
• Remove seeds from scotch bonnet peppers to control spice levels and prevent overwhelming heat.
• Break dried fish into smaller pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the soup.
• Enhance depth by adding extra ground crayfish or a splash of palm oil for authentic West African taste.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the soup's rich, robust flavors.

Meat Pepper Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Nigerian meat pepper soup warms hearts with bold, fiery flavors that dance across your palate. Rich, aromatic broth packed with tender meat and zesty peppers promises a culinary journey through West African comfort cuisine you’ll savor until the last delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) meat, cut into cubes

Peppers:

• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 3 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
• 1 tablespoon dried fish
• 1 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Oil:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a substantial cooking vessel over medium temperature, creating a sizzling foundation for the soup.
2. Introduce diced onions and gently caramelize until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Incorporate meat cubes into the pot, carefully searing and rotating to achieve a rich, golden-brown exterior on all surfaces.
4. Pour in water and layer the flavor profile with vibrant bell peppers, fiery scotch bonnet peppers, aromatic ground crayfish, dried fish, zesty cayenne pepper, and a precise pinch of salt.
5. Elevate the liquid to a rolling boil, allowing the ingredients to merge and develop complex flavors.
6. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot and allowing the soup to harmonize for approximately 45 minutes until the meat becomes exceptionally tender and succulent.
7. Transfer the steaming soup to serving bowls, ensuring each portion captures the robust and spicy essence of this traditional Nigerian-inspired dish.

Notes

• Choose fatty cuts like beef chuck or goat meat for richer, more tender soup that falls apart easily.
• Control spice levels by removing scotch bonnet pepper seeds or using milder peppers like jalapeño for sensitive palates.
• Enhance protein variety by mixing different meats like beef, goat, and lamb for complex flavor profiles.
• Reduce cooking time by using a pressure cooker, which tenderizes meat faster and locks in deep, robust flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Nigerian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg