{"id":"pepper_soup_da625ee460","slug":"african-pepper-soup","title":"African Pepper Soup","description":"A fiery, aromatic, and deeply comforting West African broth made with a unique blend of spices and tender meat. Often enjoyed as a light yet revitalizing meal.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":45,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":20},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"1 kg Goat meat or Chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces","name":"Goat Meat","quantity":1,"unit":"kg","usQuantity":2.2,"usUnit":"lb","form":"cut into bite-sized pieces","notes":"can substitute with chicken or beef","group":"Main","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"2 Liters Water","name":"Water","quantity":2,"unit":"l","usQuantity":"8 1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"","notes":"","group":"Liquid","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"2 tbsp Pepper soup spice mix","name":"Pepper soup spice mix","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"ground","notes":"contains ehu, uda, and uziza","group":"Seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"1 medium Onion, finely chopped","name":"Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"chopped","notes":"medium size","group":"Aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"3 Garlic cloves, minced","name":"Garlic","quantity":3,"unit":"clove","usQuantity":3,"usUnit":"clove","form":"minced","notes":"","group":"Aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 thumb-sized piece Ginger, grated","name":"Ginger","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"grated","notes":"thumb-sized","group":"Aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"2 Scotch Bonnet peppers, chopped","name":"Scotch bonnet pepper","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"chopped","notes":"adjust for heat preference","group":"Seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"2 Bouillon cubes","name":"Bouillon Cubes","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"crumbled","notes":"beef or chicken flavor","group":"Seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"1 handful Scent leaves or Basil, chopped","name":"Basil","quantity":1,"unit":"bunch","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"bunch","form":"chopped","notes":"Ideally African scent leaves (Efirin/Nchanwu)","group":"Herbs","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-10","original":"Salt to taste","name":"Salt","quantity":1,"unit":"pinch","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"pinch","form":"","notes":"to taste","group":"Seasoning","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Place the cleaned meat pieces in a large pot. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, grated ginger, bouillon cubes, and a little salt.","group":"Preparation","title":"Place the cleaned meat pieces","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Add a small amount of water (about 1 cup) to the pot, cover, and steam the meat on medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it releases its own juices and begins to soften.","group":"Cooking","title":"Add a small amount of water","timerMinutes":15,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Pour in the remaining 2 liters (approx 8 1/2 cups) of water. Add the pepper soup spice mix and the chopped scotch bonnet peppers.","group":"Cooking","title":"Pour in the remaining 2 liters of water","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the meat is completely tender. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.","group":"Cooking","title":"Bring the soup to a boil","timerMinutes":30,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Stir in the chopped scent leaves or basil. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the aroma to infuse the broth. Turn off the heat and serve hot.","group":"Finishing","title":"Stir in the chopped scent leaves or basil","timerMinutes":3,"sourceTitle":"Finishing"}],"notes":"You can use goat meat, chicken, or even fish for this recipe. If using fish, add it at the very end as it cooks quickly. Scent leaves provide the most authentic flavor, but basil is a great alternative.","cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","West African"]},"course":["soup"],"cookingMethod":["boil","simmer"],"equipment":["large pot","knife","grater"],"diet":["high_protein","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb"],"allergens":[],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":2,"unit":"l","note":"approximate broth volume"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The broth flavors deepen over time. Prepare the full soup and store."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container once cooled.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat on the stovetop until boiling."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fpepper_soup_da625ee460%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=49c825e9-4db5-48f7-9e5b-c2a81636556f","imageAlt":"African Pepper Soup — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["pepper soup","spicy","african","broth","high protein","comfort food"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"African Pepper Soup","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T22:58:52.997Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T22:58:52.997Z","related":[{"id":"ewedu_soup_e41eeb24af","slug":"ewedu-soup","title":"Ewedu Soup","description":"A traditional Nigerian green soup made from jute leaves, known for its viscous (drawy) texture. It is a staple of Yoruba cuisine, typically served with Amala and a side of stew.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","Yoruba"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fewedu_soup_e41eeb24af%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=80033ba6-a624-4cb7-93f4-6b2e30d37501","imageAlt":"Ewedu Soup — recipe cover","tags":["healthy","slimy","traditional","west african","low calorie"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_7e08e81b95","slug":"vermicelli-soup-shorbat-shariya","title":"Vermicelli Soup (Shorbat Shariya)","description":"A light and comforting African-style soup featuring toasted vermicelli noodles simmered in a fragrant savory broth. Simple, quick, and perfect as a starter.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["North African"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_7e08e81b95%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=5635d06b-0fee-4e14-886a-986f260262e0","imageAlt":"Vermicelli Soup (Shorbat Shariya) — recipe cover","tags":["soup","vermicelli","african","easy","quick","comfort food","light meal"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5},{"id":"okra_soup_e9a88b39d8","slug":"authentic-african-okra-soup-ila-alasepo","title":"Authentic African Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo)","description":"A rich, nutritious, and hearty West African specialty featuring fresh okra, assorted meats, and vibrant palm oil, known for its unique 'draw' texture and deep savory flavor.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":40,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":30},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","West African"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["gluten_free","dairy_free","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fokra_soup_e9a88b39d8%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=82c26950-d626-4459-bdc0-dc266e623311","imageAlt":"Authentic African Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo) — recipe cover","tags":["okra","african soup","ila alasepo","palm oil","spicy","high protein","one pot"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":10,"stepCount":5}]}