Liberian Pepper Soup
A hearty and spicy soup known for its rich blend of peppers, herbs, and often includes a protein like fish or meat. It's considered a comforting and invigorating dish, perfect for any occasion.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef chuck steak or chicken pieces(cut into cubes)
- 1 lb Fish (e.g., tilapia, croaker)(cut into steaks or pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped or blended)
- 3-5 Habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers(adjust to taste, blended or finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced or blended)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(peeled and grated or blended)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2-3 Knorr or Maggi cubes
- 1 small Bitterball (optional)(a small bitter eggplant, can be omitted)
- 8-10 cups Water
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using meat, place it in a pot with about 4 cups of water, Knorr/Maggi cubes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20-25 minutes until partially tender.
- 2
While the meat is cooking, blend or finely chop the onions, habanero peppers, garlic, and ginger. If using bitterball, prepare it as well.
💡 Tip: For a smoother soup, blend all aromatics. - 3
Add the blended pepper and onion mixture, tomato paste, and bitterball (if using) to the pot with the meat. Stir well.
- 4
Add the fish to the pot. Add more water to cover all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the fish and meat are fully cooked and tender.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional Knorr/Maggi cubes if needed. The soup should be spicy and flavorful.
💡 Tip: The soup is ready when the meat and fish are tender and the flavors have melded. - 6
Serve hot, traditionally with fufu, but also delicious with rice.
💡 Tip: Some variations include adding okra or other greens towards the end of cooking.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Adjust the amount of habanero peppers to control the spiciness.
- ✓Using a variety of meats and fish can add depth of flavor.
- ✓The soup is often considered a remedy for colds and flu due to its warming spices.
🔄 Variations
- Add okra or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Use different types of meat like goat or oxtail.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots.