Green Pepper Soup Recipe

Green Pepper Soup is one of those dishes that can transport you straight into the heart of West African comfort food, with its fragrant, spicy warmth and satisfying depth of flavor. Originally from Nigeria, this dish is commonly made to celebrate special occasions, heal the body, or simply warm the soul on a cold day. It’s hearty, it’s spicy, and it brings a sense of community when shared with family and friends. Whether you’re feeling under the weather and need a comforting bowl or you’re looking to impress with an authentic Nigerian dish, green pepper soup is an excellent choice.

The unique combination of fresh green peppers, spices, and aromatic herbs creates a broth that is both tangy and savory. This dish is versatile enough to pair with a variety of meats, like goat, fish, or chicken, but the star of the show will always be the bold green pepper flavor. This recipe brings together all those traditional elements in a way that’s easy to follow, ensuring that even if you’re new to Nigerian cuisine, you can create an authentic and delicious meal right in your own kitchen.

Green Pepper Soup Recipe

Ready to dive into the world of Nigerian flavors? This green pepper soup recipe is straightforward, yet packed with delicious complexity. It’s a warm, spicy, and aromatic broth that you can enjoy at any time, whether for a hearty meal or as a special treat.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 large green bell peppers (fresh, not ripe)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp of ground crayfish (optional but adds authentic flavor)
• 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2-3 scotch bonnet peppers (or to taste for that signature heat)
• 4 cups of beef, goat, chicken, or fish stock (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 lb of your choice of protein (chicken, goat meat, or fish, like tilapia or catfish)
• 1 tbsp ground pepper soup spice mix (if available, or substitute with allspice, cloves, and a bit of pepper)
• 2 tbsp of vegetable or palm oil for sautéing
• 1 tsp of seasoning cubes (or salt, to taste)
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (optional but recommended)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves (or scent leaves if available, a traditional herb used in Nigerian green pepper soup)
• 1-2 tbsp of smoked fish or shrimp (optional, for added umami flavor)

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

   • Start by washing and chopping the vegetables. Dice the green bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the scotch bonnet peppers, removing seeds if you prefer a milder soup.
   • If using meat or fish, ensure they are cleaned and cut into appropriate pieces. If using fish, make sure it’s deboned, especially for delicate varieties like tilapia.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the minced scotch bonnet peppers (use gloves when handling them, unless you’re a seasoned pro!). Stir them in and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This allows the pepper’s heat to infuse the oil.

3. Simmer The Base

   • Add the green bell peppers to the pot, followed by the stock (beef, chicken, or fish). Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Add The Protein And Seasoning

   • Once your broth has simmered, add your protein choice-chicken, goat, or fish. Season with your seasoning cubes or salt. Add the ground crayfish and pepper soup spices, adjusting the spice level according to your preference.

5. Herb Infusion

   • Stir in the thyme and basil (or scent leaves if you’re using them). These herbs are crucial to bringing out the herbal notes of the soup, balancing the spice, and giving the broth a signature Nigerian aroma.

6. Simmer And Final Adjustments

   • Allow the soup to simmer for another 20-30 minutes. If you’re using fish, cook it for a shorter time to avoid it breaking apart. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning-more salt, spices, or even a splash of lime juice to balance out the flavors.

7. Serve

   • Once the soup is rich and flavorful, it’s time to serve. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy with a side of pounded yam, rice, or even boiled plantains for the complete experience.

Ingredient Insights

When it comes to green pepper soup, the ingredients are integral to its authentic taste. Each element brings something essential to the dish.

• Green Bell Peppers: The key ingredient for the soup’s signature color and mild, slightly tangy flavor. Unlike the sweeter red bell pepper, green peppers provide a sharper, slightly herbaceous flavor, ideal for the bold, spicy broth.
• Scotch Bonnet Peppers: These little fiery gems pack a punch. While you can adjust the quantity for heat, they provide more than just spiciness-they give the soup a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate.
• Crayfish: This dried, ground crustacean ingredient is a staple in West African cooking. It adds an earthy umami depth to the soup, balancing the heat of the peppers with its savory richness.
• Scent Leaves/Basil: These leaves impart a distinctive fragrance and fresh herbal notes that brighten the soup and balance out its deeper flavors.
• Seasoning Cubes: Known as “Maggi” in Nigeria, these cubes are packed with MSG and other seasonings that help enhance the overall flavor profile, making your soup more complex and savory.

Expert Tips

• Control the Spice: If you’re not a fan of extremely spicy food, consider removing the seeds from the scotch bonnet peppers. You can also start with just one pepper and gradually add more for desired heat.
• Bone-in Meat for Richness: If you’re using chicken or goat meat, leave the bones in. The bones help release collagen, creating a richer, more flavorful broth.
• Blending the Peppers: If you prefer a smoother soup, feel free to blend the green peppers and other vegetables before adding them to the pot. This will give you a more velvety texture.
• Smoked Fish for Depth: Adding smoked fish or shrimp will give the soup a unique smokiness that enhances its richness. If you’re using smoked fish, make sure to remove any bones before serving.
• Cook Slowly: The key to developing deep, rich flavors in green pepper soup is allowing it to simmer slowly. This helps all the ingredients meld together and results in a flavorful broth.

Recipe Variations

Green pepper soup is incredibly versatile. Depending on your protein choice or personal preferences, you can adapt the dish in many ways:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and use vegetable stock instead of animal-based broth. You can substitute with hearty vegetables like yam, potatoes, or mushrooms.
• Fish Variation: Use any firm white fish, like tilapia, catfish, or even mackerel. Fish cooks quickly, so you’ll want to add it towards the end to avoid overcooking.
• Goat Meat Green Pepper Soup: Goat meat adds a gamey richness that pairs perfectly with the sharpness of green peppers. Let it cook slowly to tenderize the meat and infuse the soup with its unique flavor.
• Add More Vegetables: For a more filling meal, consider adding vegetables like carrots, spinach, or even sweet potatoes. This makes the soup even heartier and more nutritious.

Final Words

Green pepper soup is one of those dishes that’s not only deeply comforting but also filled with layers of flavor that’ll surprise your taste buds. It’s a soup that feels like a warm hug, balancing heat with savory goodness, and a dish that speaks of tradition, culture, and a love of food. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability-it can be made with a variety of meats or even vegetables, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes.