'Tis the season of "soupification". With the weather getting cooler and cozier in this part of the world, we humans are finding ways to make out of the most of the state of the atmosphere. To me, this season means lots of baking, lots of tea-drinking and lots of soup-enjoying. Let me introduce you to my new bestie: Chicken Pepper Soup a la... never mind!
She is spicy, savoury and to die for. Yes, to die for.
And she comes together in no time. I can't believe I just gave a soup human status. You probably will do too when you use my epic combination of ingredients to make this pepper soup.
Start off with some good chicken. Whole chicken will be great. I had chicken drumsticks at home so I used them. I decided to cut them because I thought they were too big. Also, cutting the chicken reduces cooking time and guarantees me that the chicken will cook properly right to the bone.
Putting the right amount of liquid into your pepper soup could be a bit of a challenge. I have discovered though that putting water to be at the same level with the chicken works so well. It results in an intense chicken flavour in the soup that is to die for. To die for! Add in some freshly blended garlic, ginger, onion, rosemary, white pepper, Njangsa (a nutty Cameroonian spice- totally optional if you can't find it) and this thing right here.
It is called "pebe" in Cameroon. It is also called Ehuru or African nutmeg and the aroma is divine. You only need one in this recipe. It has a hard shell which you need to peel off to reveal the spice.
In addition to the above-mentioned spices, you will need pepper (of course!). But here is the thing, I like to throw in my peppers without blending them so the meal is kid-friendly. Feel free to blend yours. Top all of the spices and pepper with some salt and seasoning cubes.
Now cover the pot and place on the medium-high heat for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Oh baby! Now this is what I love to do. You don't have to do it but I strongly recommend you do same because it is like the icing on the cake. Also, the added nutrients from the veggies are everything. Chop some carrots and green beans.
Put into the pot when every other thing is cooked.
I love leaving the veggies in for only about a minute or two so they remain fresh and crisp. And that my friends, is how you make some phenomenal chicken pepper soup. See full recipe below.
Recipe
Chicken Pepper Soup
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken
- 8 Njangsa seeds
- 1 medium sized onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ inch ginger
- 1 pebe (Ehuru/African nutmeg)
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
- 3 seasoning cubes (Maggi)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 habanero peppers
- 1 cup chopped carrots/green beans (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse chicken, cut into desired slices and place in pot.
- Add water to the level of the chicken.
- Blend together the Njangsa, Ehuru, onion, white pepper, rosemary, garlic, ginger, and hot pepper and pour into the pot. Add in salt and Maggi and let it cook until chicken is done.
- Add in chopped carrots and green beans if using. Turn off the heat after 2 minutes.
- Enjoy warm as it is or with a side of choice. I love it with boiled ripe plantains!
Notes
Nutrition
If you make this recipe, please send me a photo on Facebook (Precious Core) or Instagram (@preciouscore).
brenda says
Wow, is appetising to the eyes and mouth.. I have done this before but didn't add all the ingredients you put up there but the looks are the same thing and it was yummmmmmy.... I love the way the characters are on this blog now.
Brendascouch.com
Precious says
Awww thanks Bren. I love it too!
S2C says
Yummy! This looks so appetizing.
Precious says
Thanks dear.
Bola says
Yummy looking delicacy, and Precious will not share with somebody. Too bad!
Precious says
Bola, I'm sowie. Lol
Zita Bernice Tiena Djana says
Great post, 'tis the soupy season for sure in these parts. Made some fish peppersoup tonight. 'Twas too good we licked the whole bowl before I could think of pictures. Would definitely try this chicken soup.
Precious says
Hahaha sometimes when the food is too good, we devour and then regret about not taking pictures later. Thanks for making a swing by, sis!
rosie says
My sister you don finish me for here with this your delicious eru soup ,that reminds me in those ays in kumba when i use to cook this eru soup and eat it with water fufu hmmmmm gi am salivating ooooo am inlove with this eru soup will make sure i ganish mine today but i like puting bonger fish in mine oo
Precious says
Hahaha, no be so Rosie? You commented on the wrong post lol but thanks all the same, dear. Bonga fish plus eru is a match made in heaven!
Amaka says
Where is your house again, please? Lol. Mr. N and the girls are really having the treat of a lifetime mehn!
amakamedia.com
Precious says
Hahaha Amaka, the address is coming.
Berry Dakara says
I had awesome chicken pepper soup this weekend - made by a Ghanaian. How about my husband said it's not real pepper soup :p
As long as there's chicken, pepper, broth - I'm happy.
Berry Dakara Blog
Precious says
Hahaha people who cook a lot could be highly critical of food so I totally understand your husband.
Arrey Echi says
The pepper soup is to die for. I have heard people talk about the added flavour and benefit of this 'pebe' in some dishes though I have used it only in njangsa fish. Will be trying it too.
http://www.joy2endure.com
Precious says
Sis, pebe makes a lot of meals taste so much better. Please try it soon.
Carina says
Yummy!
I better prepare mine. I'm sure you enjoyed yourself.
http://www.ckjacob.com
Lina says
Pls where can one get the African nutmeg in the states?
Thanks in advance.
Precious says
Hi Lina, you can get it from African stores or Asian stores. It is mostly labeled, "Ehuru". Hope this helps.