How to Prepare Fresh Fish Pepper Soup

This fish peppersoup recipe is simple and always makes a hearty evening meal.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 3 people


Ingredients:

• A handful of pepper soup seasonings and pods
• 5 dried scent leaves (efirin) or bush basil
• A handful of freshly chopped basil
• 2-3 tablespoons pepper soup mix depending on brand and chilli content
• 1 tablespoon groundnut paste or peanut butter (this gives soup some texture)
• 1 large ripe tomato, finely chop
• 1 medium fresh bream
• 1-2 serving spoons vegetable oil
• 3 seasoning cubes
• 1 litre water

Direction:
1. Wash fish in water with a squeeze of lemon. Cut into chunks. Drain and rub with some salt then set aside.

2. In a large pot, fry the chopped tomatoes in oil for about 2 minutes, then add 1 litre of water and bring to the boil. Add the pepper soup mix, pepper soup pods, scent leaves and seasoning cubes. Stir and leave to boil (under moderate heat) for 10 minutes to allow spices to infuse. Turn off heat, allow to stand for 5 minutes and sieve off the sediments (the spices).

3. Return to the stove and continue to cook under low heat. Add the groundnut paste and stir in. Add fish, cover and simmer for 5 minutes adding some hot water to adjust consistency. Add salt to taste. Add a handful of chopped basil. Stir and simmer for 2-5 minutes or until fish is cooked. Serve hot.