Paleo Nigerian Pepper Soup
Warm up your palate with the bold and nourishing flavors of Paleo Nigerian Pepper Soup, a comforting and spicy dish that’s both healthy and authentic. This traditional soup, made paleo-friendly, features tender chicken simmered in a fragrant broth infused with habanero peppers, uziza seeds, star anise, and fresh herbs like basil and mint. The addition of crayfish powder and ginger enhances its depth, creating a flavorful, nutrient-packed meal. Perfect for those following a paleo lifestyle, this soup is naturally grain-free, dairy-free, and full of vibrant aromatics. Whether you're looking for a satisfying meal on a cold day or a zesty appetizer to impress guests, this pepper soup is a must-try that delivers heat, spice, and comfort in every bowl.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
- 2 habanero peppers (or scotch bonnet, sliced)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground uziza seeds (Piper guineense)
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon crayfish powder
- 2 star anise
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Begin by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.
In a large pot, add the chicken pieces, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is submerged.
Heat the pot over medium-high heat. Add the grated ginger, sliced habanero peppers, crushed red chili flakes, and ground uziza seeds.
Stir in the ground cayenne pepper, crayfish powder, star anise, bay leaves, sea salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Add the chopped basil leaves and mint leaves to the pot. Stir to combine and allow to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to infuse the soup with fresh herb flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices to your preference.
Remove the star anise and bay leaves before serving.
Ladle the pepper soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2615 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 129.7 g | 166% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.9 g | 174% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 813 mg | 271% | |
| Sodium | 6553 mg | 285% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.2 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 28.7 g | 102% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.6 g | ||
| Protein | 292.2 g | 584% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.9 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 1424 mg | 110% | |
| Iron | 47.6 mg | 264% | |
| Potassium | 5966 mg | 127% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
