Description
Meat Pepper Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish popular in many African countries. Made with tender beef, goat meat, or any other preferred meat, this spicy, aromatic soup is infused with the bold flavors of pepper, herbs, and spices. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a revitalizing dish, Meat Pepper Soup is both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) beef (or goat meat), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ground pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cups water or beef broth
- 2 seasoning cubes (or 1 tablespoon bouillon powder)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional)
- 2–3 scotch bonnet peppers (or to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon ground uziza (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons pounded or ground pepper soup spices (optional, for authentic taste)
Instructions
- Cook the meat: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Add the beef (or goat meat) pieces and sear them on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
- Add water and seasoning: Pour in the water or beef broth, ensuring the meat is well-covered. Add seasoning cubes, thyme, curry powder, salt, and ground pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 45-60 minutes until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Add the peppers and crayfish: Blend or crush the scotch bonnet peppers and add them to the pot, along with the crayfish and any additional spices (such as uziza or pepper soup spices). Stir and allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Final adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve: Serve the Meat Pepper Soup hot, accompanied by rice, pounded yam, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of scotch bonnet peppers or remove the seeds.
- For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of beef and goat meat.
- Pepper soup spices (which can be found in African markets) add authentic depth to the flavor and should be added according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: African
Keywords: Meat Pepper Soup, African Pepper Soup, Nigerian Soup, Beef Pepper Soup, Spicy Soup, Comfort Food, Hearty Soup