So, your girl tested positive for COVID earlier today. Truth is, I kind of knew before going for the test because the symptoms were much worse than the symptoms I would have with the regular flu.
It all started a few days ago when my little one’s daycare called me to say I needed to pick him up because he was sneezing and coughing uncontrollably. I dashed down there and was surprised to see the severity of his runny nose. Took him home and gave him some OTC flu medication.
By nighttime, I started sneezing as well and that was it, it just got worse over the next couple of days.
As a Nigerian who grew up in Nigeria, we have our natural ways of attending to the symptoms brought on by the severe flu. While some people turn to herbal concoctions and fluids, my mother would turn to pepper soup.
Explore other savoury recipes such as Authentic Efo Riro Recipe (Nigerian Spinach Stew)
How to Make Nigerian Fish Pepper Soup
This soup as the name implies is a spicy soup loaded with spices and herbs that give it the medicinal reputation it has had and continues to have.
You can make it with any choice of meats, though cow meat, goat meat, fish, or chicken are more popular options.
We believe taking it when experiencing feverish conditions or flu symptoms can bring about immense relief.
Having a face towel near might be useful as you will likely break out in a good sweat after sipping on a bowl of this delicious, yet therapeutic soup.
Nigerian Fish Pepper Soup Ingredients
Some of what you’ll need:
Take time to also learn from this article on How to Make South African Bobotie (Meat Loaf)
Ground Pepper Soup Spices: These can be found in local African stores. It is a ground combination of peppercorns, alligator pepper, nutmeg, and so on. I usually would prefer buying them whole and grinding them, but just buying the ones already ground cuts down on your stress and time.
Scotch bonnets: The quantity to be used here will be determined by your spice tolerance. If you don’t like spicy food, you can skip it altogether and perhaps opt for some chili powder instead, however, that takes away from the essence of the soup. Some people also add blended red bell peppers for some colour.
Garlic & Ginger: These can be used according to your liking.
Protein: I used tilapia fish for this recipe but hey, feel free to play with your choice of meats. If opting for cow or goat meat, I would advise cutting them into bite sizes, that just makes it easier to consume.
Greens: This is used just as a garnish. I used fresh basil, but you can use any vegetable within reach – fresh spinach, parsley, coriander, etc.
Switch your taste with this recipe on How to Make Sumptuous Ogbono Soup (Wild Mango Seed Stew)
NIGERIAN FISH PEPPER SOUP RECIPE
Nigerian Fish Peppersoup
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup of Ground Pepper soup Spice
- 3 Tilapia Fishes
- 5 scotch bonnets
- Fresh ginger
- Fresh garlic
- 1 white onion
- Fresh basil
- Fish seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Scale and clean out the tilapias. Cut each tilapia in 2 pieces, rinse away any blood and pat dry.
- Sprinkle some salt and black pepper on the fish and set aside.
- Using your blender and 4 cups of water, blend together 4 of the 5 scotch bonnets, garlic, ginger and onion.
- In a pot, pour in the blended mix and bring to a boil, let cook for 15-20 mins.
- When the mix has started to reduce, go in with the ground peppersoup spice and boil for another 5-10 mins.
- Add in some of the fish seasoning and salt to taste.
- Add in your fish pieces. Let cook for 15- 20 mins on medium heat making sure to turn the fish halfway through.
- Chop up the last scotch bonnet and the basil and garnish the soup for some added flavour and spice. Turn off heat and let sit for 5-10 mins before serving.
One of the best things that have ever seen on the internet today. Thank you Iddy for this