Snail pepper soup is a delightful and spicy Nigerian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make delicious snail pepper soup at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg snails (cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons pepper soup spice mix (available at African grocery stores or make your own with a blend of spices like calabash nutmeg, uziza seeds, and alligator pepper)
- 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (to taste), chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 seasoning cubes or 1 tablespoon bouillon powder
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups water
- Scent leaves (nchuanwu) or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon or lime juice (for cleaning the snails)
Instructions:
- Clean the Snails:
- Wash the snails thoroughly using lemon or lime juice to remove any slime. Rinse and repeat the process until the snails are clean. Set aside.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Chop the onions, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers.
- Cook the Snails:
- In a large pot, add the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions, garlic, ginger, seasoning cubes or bouillon powder, and salt to the boiling water. Stir well.
- Add the cleaned snails to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the snails are tender.
- Add Pepper Soup Spice Mix:
- Add the pepper soup spice mix and chopped scotch bonnet peppers to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the soup is ready, garnish with chopped scent leaves or basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy your snail pepper soup as a flavorful and spicy meal.
Tips:
- Pepper Level: Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet peppers to your heat preference.
- Pepper Soup Spice: If you prefer a homemade spice mix, blend equal parts of calabash nutmeg, uziza seeds, and alligator pepper.
- Cleaning Snails: Ensure the snails are thoroughly cleaned to remove all slime for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade snail pepper soup! It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.
Would you like more recipes or tips on cooking Nigerian dishes?
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