Paleo Nigerian Pepper Soup

Experience a hearty, flavorful journey with this Paleo Nigerian Pepper Soup, a traditional West African delicacy brimming with bold spices and earthy richness, reimagined for a paleo-friendly diet. Tender chicken simmers in a fragrant broth infused with exotic ingredients like ground uziza seeds, crayfish powder, and star anise, while fresh basil and mint add a vibrant herbal twist. Habanero peppers and chili flakes bring a fiery kick, perfectly balanced by the soothing warmth of ginger and garlic. This low-carb, gluten-free soup is a nourishing, one-pot wonder that’s perfect for cozy nights and pairs beautifully with a side of plantains or cauliflower rice. Ready in under an hour, it’s a deeply aromatic, nutrient-packed dish that celebrates authentic Nigerian flavors while keeping it diet-conscious.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Begin by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a large pot, add the chicken pieces, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is submerged.

Step 3

Heat the pot over medium-high heat. Add the grated ginger, sliced habanero peppers, crushed red chili flakes, and ground uziza seeds.

Step 4

Stir in the ground cayenne pepper, crayfish powder, star anise, bay leaves, sea salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or spices to your preference.

Step 8

Remove the star anise and bay leaves before serving.

Step 9

Ladle the pepper soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2931.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2615.2

Total Fat 129.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 813.3mg	0%
Sodium 6553.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 74.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.7g	0%
Total Sugars 23.6g
Protein 292.2g	0%

Vitamin D 117.9IU	0%
Calcium 1424.1mg	0%
Iron 47.6mg	0%
Potassium 5966.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.3%

Protein: 44.4%

Carbs: 11.3%