Catfish Pepper Soup
A soothing and aromatic soup made with tender pieces of catfish, infused with a blend of spices and fresh ingredients, perfect for gatherings or comforting meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4-8 pieces catfish steak (cut from a whole catfish) Fresh catfish for best results
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper Adjust based on spice preference
- 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil Optional for richness
- 2 tablespoons Nigerian pepper soup mix Homemade or store-bought
- to taste seasoning powder Personal preference
- to taste salt Personal preference
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 1 fresh tomato (sliced, optional) Garnish
- ½ cup chopped basil or scent leaves Efinrin in Nigeria, dried basil as substitute
- 1 semi-ripe plantain
- 2-3 potatoes or yam (peeled and cut into chunks) Substitute with some other root vegetable if necessary
- Juice of 2 whole limes or lemons (about ⅓ cup) For cleaning catfish
- 1 liter water For the soup base
Instructions
Preparation
- Clean the catfish by washing it with lime or lemon juice to eliminate sliminess. Sprinkle some salt on the fish and set aside.
- Chop the vegetables as needed and gather all ingredients.
Cooking the Soup
- In a pot, add about 1 liter of water and place on medium heat.
- Add the pepper soup mix, cayenne pepper, chopped garlic, ginger, onions, and seasoning powder to the water. Optionally add vegetable oil.
- Bring the mixture to a boil for about five minutes.
- Add potato or yam chunks and cook until they are about 70% done.
- Add the catfish pieces into the broth, cooking for about five minutes to infuse flavors.
- Check and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Stir in sliced tomatoes and chopped basil or scent leaves, cooking for an additional five minutes.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving includes catfish, potatoes, and any other ingredients.
- Serve hot or warm, optionally garnished with fresh basil or scent leaves.
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Notes
Ensure to clean the catfish properly to remove sliminess. Adjust spice levels based on your personal preferences. Timing is crucial for adding ingredients to maintain texture.