FISH PEPPER SOUP
Pepper soup is a spicy dish made from a distinct blend of ground seeds, spices and fresh herbs. A generous spoonful might make your nostrils tingle, and even make you break a sweat, as you might during the humidity of noontime Lagos. Pepper soup can be made with any type of meat or seafood, and even obscure cuts and scraps can be elevated by the bold broth. This version uses a whole fish, taking the bones to make the stock, then poaching the fillets in the flavorful liquid. Ground pepper soup spices can be found easily at markets all over Nigeria; here in the United States, you can find them at African grocers or online. For the adventurous, I've included a recipe using whole spices that you can toast and grind into a blend of your own. Serve the dish alongside steamed white rice, steamed plantains or Agege bread, if desired.
Provided by Yewande Komolafe
Categories dinner, seafood, soups and stews, main course
Time 1h30m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Place the fish carcasses in a stock pot and cover with about 4 quarts of water. Add the onions, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, bay leaf, dried and smoked chiles, and selim seed pods. Bring up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the fish bones have broken down and the vegetables are softened, at least 1 hour. Add the habanero, thyme, parsley and cilantro during the last 10 minutes of cooking. (You can make the fish stock 1 day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.)
- While the stock is simmering, prepare the pepper soup spices: Heat a small skillet over medium, and add the grains and seeds. Toast, moving frequently, until the seeds begin to crackle and become fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer the mixture to a spice grinder and pulse to a smooth powder. (Store away from heat or direct sunlight in an airtight jar until ready to use.)
- Cut the fish fillets into 2-inch cubes and season with salt. Strain out all the solids from the stock and return the stock to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons pepper soup spice and reserve any extra for the garnish. Season with salt and bring up to a boil over high. Reduce the heat to low and bring the broth to a simmer.
- Gently add the fish cubes and simmer on low until just cooked through, about 4 minutes.
- Divide the soup among bowls. Top with fresh mint, scent leaf, cilantro and a sprinkle of pepper soup spice.
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dusty feeman
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and the soup turned out great! It's a delicious and easy-to-make soup that I will definitely be making again.
Fortune cristelle
[email protected]This soup is delicious! I love the combination of fish, pepper, and tomatoes. It's a great way to warm up on a cold day.
dwayne black
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of fish soup, but this recipe is a winner. The broth is flavorful and the fish is cooked perfectly.
Ghayoor Shah
[email protected]This soup is a great way to get your kids to eat fish. My kids love the spicy kick from the peppers.
Patsy Marie
[email protected]I love the addition of tomatoes and bell peppers to this soup. They add a nice sweetness and acidity that balances out the fishiness.
Jaip net
[email protected]This soup is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It's quick and easy to make, and it's always a hit with my family.
Kadiatu Turay
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of fish, but this soup is delicious! The flavors are well-balanced and the soup is very creamy.
Ibrahim Hassan Bello
[email protected]This soup is a great way to use up leftover fish. It's also a very affordable meal to make.
Rashad Islam
[email protected]I made this soup for a party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it! I will definitely be making it again.
Subartow Sarkar
[email protected]This soup is amazing! The flavors are incredible and it's so easy to make. I highly recommend this recipe.
Elijah Mekonen
[email protected]I love this soup! It's so flavorful and comforting. I always make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for later.
Muhaimin Al Shakil
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and the soup turned out perfectly. It's a delicious and easy-to-make soup that I will definitely be making again.
Jubaet Hoshen
[email protected]This soup is a must-try for any fish lover. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the fish is cooked to perfection. I highly recommend this recipe.
SUSAN GAMER
[email protected]I tried this recipe and it turned out great! The soup was flavorful and the fish was tender. I would definitely recommend this recipe to others.
Khadim Hussain
[email protected]This soup is delicious! I made it for my family and they all loved it. It's a great way to use up leftover fish.
Hbib Abd
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of fish soup, but this recipe changed my mind. The broth is so flavorful and the fish is cooked perfectly.
Anthony Muhanguzi
[email protected]Wow, this soup is fantastic! I love the spicy kick from the peppers. It's the perfect comfort food for a cold day.
Md Topail
[email protected]I've made this soup several times now and it's always a hit. It's so easy to make and the flavors are amazing.
Tenetri
[email protected]This soup is a taste sensation! The combination of fish, pepper, and tomatoes creates a complex and flavorful broth. I added some extra vegetables, like carrots and celery, for even more flavor.