African Pepper Soup Recipe

African Pepper Soup is made with chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, paprika, bay leaf, Maggi or bouillon granules, green onions, parsley or basil, Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, and optionally, Njansa. This hearty traditional recipe creates a warming dinner that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

African Pepper Soup Ingredients

• 3-3 1/2 pounds (1.3-1.5 kg) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4-5 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped ginger
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon Maggi or bouillon granules
• 2 green onions, chopped (whites and green parts)
• 3-5 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• 1-3 Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup Njansa (optional)

African Pepper Soup Instructions

1. Place the sliced onion, chopped garlic, chopped ginger, paprika, and green onions in a blender or food processor. Pulse until everything forms a smooth puree.
2. In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces with the spice puree, bay leaf, Maggi or bouillon granules, and 7-8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is tender, approximately 45-60 minutes. Add more water if necessary to maintain the desired soup consistency.
4. Discard the bay leaf. Adjust the seasoning with salt and white pepper to taste.
5. Add the chopped parsley or basil and the Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the flavors are well blended.
6. Serve the soup warm.

Recipe Tips

• Flavor Enhancement: Toast the paprika and chopped ginger in a dry pan for a minute before adding to the blender. This enhances their flavors and gives the soup a richer taste.
• Texture Improvement: For a thicker consistency, add some peeled and diced yam or potatoes to the soup. They will break down as the soup cooks, adding body to the broth.
• Ease of Cooking: Prepare the spice puree in advance and freeze it in portions. This saves time on busy days and ensures you always have the spice mix ready.

How To Store African Pepper Soup

Refrigerate: Cool the African Pepper Soup completely. Then, either cover the pot with a lid or transfer the soup to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the soup. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover African Pepper Soup

On the Stovetop: Pour the leftover African Pepper Soup into a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until it is hot all the way through.

In The Microwave: Place a portion of the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

In The Slow Cooker: Transfer the soup to a slow cooker and set it to the “low” setting. Reheat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the soup is hot.

What To Serve African Pepper Soup

African Pepper Soup pairs well with rice, boiled yams, plantains, and bread. It also can be served alongside steamed vegetables, fufu, couscous, and mashed potatoes for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, African Pepper Soup can be made with various types of meat such as goat, beef, or fish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require more or less time to become tender.

How spicy is African Pepper Soup?

The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers are quite hot, so you can use fewer peppers or remove the seeds to reduce the heat. If you prefer a milder soup, you can also add the peppers whole and remove them before serving.

What is Njansa and is it necessary?

Njansa, also known as African nutmeg, is an optional ingredient that adds a unique, nutty flavor to the soup. While it enhances the taste, the soup will still be delicious without it if you can’t find Njansa.

Try more recipes:

• Asian Corn Soup Recipe
• French Onion Soup Recipe Gordon Ramsay
• Pioneer Woman Chicken And Dumplings Recipe