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How to Cook Nigerian Pepper Soup (Goat Meat, Chicken or Catfish)
Pepper soup is Nigeria’s favourite comfort soup — hot, spicy and full of aroma. It’s eaten on rainy days, at bars, after childbirth and when someone has a cold. This recipe works with goat meat, chicken or catfish and serves about 4.
A handful of scent leaves (efirin/nchanwu) or uziza leaves
Optional: chopped yam or plantain to make it filling
👩🍳 Method
Season the meatPut the meat in a pot with onion, seasoning, salt and a little water. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes to let it absorb the flavour.
Add water and spicesAdd enough water to cover, the pepper soup spice and blended or chopped peppers. Goat meat needs 45–60 minutes; chicken 30–40; catfish only 10–15 (add it later and stir gently so it doesn’t break).
Add yam or plantain (optional)Add 15–20 minutes before the end so they cook soft but not mushy.
Finish with leavesAdd the scent or uziza leaves in the last 2 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
💡
Catfish tip
For catfish, pour hot water over the cut fish to remove slime before cooking, and don’t stir much — swirl the pot instead.
✅
Serve with
Serve hot on its own, with white rice, boiled yam, agidi/eko, or with a cold drink at a get-together.
💬
Join the conversation
Goat meat, chicken or catfish pepper soup — which is your favourite? · Which spot in your city makes the best pepper soup?
Usually a mix of calabash nutmeg (ehuru), alligator pepper, uziza seeds, and other local spices. Ready-made mixes are sold in markets.
Which leaf is best for pepper soup?
Scent leaf (efirin/nchanwu) is common; uziza leaves give a peppery taste.
How long does goat meat take?
About 45–60 minutes, depending on how tough the meat is.
Is pepper soup good for a cold?
Many people find the warm, spicy broth soothing, but see a doctor if you have a high fever or feel very unwell.
Written by the askJBoss team from public information and our own research; last updated November 2026. Prices, dates and rules change — always confirm with the official source. Spotted something that has changed? Tell us in the comments.
