Introduction📢
Nigerian Fisherman Soup is one of the most delightful traditional soups you will ever taste, celebrated for its rich seafood flavours and comforting, nourishing qualities. Bursting with fresh fish, prawns, periwinkles, and sometimes crabs, this delicacy is a true representation of Nigeria’s coastal heritage. Nigerian Fisherman Soup is not only hearty but also versatile, pairing beautifully with swallow foods like fufu, pounded yam, or eba. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Nigerian Fisherman Soup from scratch, including the ingredients, preparation steps, tips, and nutritional insights.
Table of Contents
What is Nigerian Fisherman Soup?🥘
Nigerian Fisherman Soup is a traditional dish originating from the Niger Delta and coastal regions. It is famous for its use of fresh seafood like fish, crabs, and shellfish, simmered in a rich broth infused with vegetables and spices. Unlike heavier soups such as Egusi or Ogbono, Nigerian Fisherman Soup is light yet deeply satisfying, making it a comfort dish for both festive occasions and everyday meals.
Ingredients for Nigerian Fisherman Soup🥗
To prepare this rich delicacy, you’ll need fresh seafood and locally sourced spices.
Core Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized fresh fish (catfish, tilapia, or croaker) 🐟
- 10 large prawns or shrimps 🦐
- 1 cup periwinkle (in shell or shelled)
- 1 small crab (optional) 🦀
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons palm oil
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper or fresh scotch bonnet 🌶️
- 2 seasoning cubes
- 1 teaspoon ground uziza seeds
- A handful of uziza leaves or spinach
- Salt to taste
Equipment Needed🍳
- Large cooking pot
- Chopping board and knife
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Bowl of warm water (for washing seafood)
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Nigerian Fisherman Soup👩🏽🍳
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
- Wash the fish gently with warm salted water to remove slime (especially if using catfish).
- If using whole fish, make shallow cuts on both sides to help it absorb the flavour of the soup.
- Clean prawns, periwinkles, and crab thoroughly.
Step 2: Create the Flavour Base
- In a large pot, add about 2-3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Add the ground pepper, soup spice mix, bouillon cubes, and a little salt.
- You can also add ground crayfish at this stage if you like a deeper flavour.
- If using lemongrass or scent leaves, add them to the pot now to infuse the broth.
Step 3: Add Palm Oil and Crayfish
-
Stir in palm oil and ground crayfish for that rich, smoky seafood taste.
Step 4: Cook the Seafood
- Once the broth is at a gentle boil, carefully add the fish pieces to the pot.
- Allow the fish to cook for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid stirring too much to prevent breaking the fish apart.
- Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt or more spices if needed.
Step 5: Finish with Uziza Leaves
- Sprinkle in uziza seeds and fresh uziza leaves (or spinach).
- Add them a few minutes before you finish cooking. This will help retain their colour and nutritional value.
- Simmer for 5 more minutes.
👉 Your Nigerian Fisherman Soup is ready to be enjoyed with fufu, pounded yam, or rice! 🍚
A bowl of Fisherman’s soup. Serve with any swallow.
Tips for Making Perfect Nigerian Fisherman Soup💡
- For a richer soup, you can add a bit of palm oil, although traditional fisherman’s soup is usually oil-free.
- Adjust the chilli heat based on your preference by adding more or reducing the amount of ground pepper.
- The soup can also be made with other seafood, like shrimp or crabs, for added flavour.
- Always use fresh seafood for an authentic taste.
- Cook on low heat to avoid breaking delicate fish pieces.
- Add uziza seeds moderately — they are very aromatic.
- Periwinkle enhances authenticity but can be skipped if unavailable.
- Best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Enjoy your delightful Nigerian Fisherman Soup – it’s warm, spicy, and sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Nigeria Fisherman
Ingredients
- 2 kg Fish preferably Catfish or Croaker
- 1 Cup Chopped Jumbo Shrimps
- 5 pcs Large Snails
- 1 cup Periwinkle Isam
- 1 cup Prawns
- 4 pcs Crabs Optional
- 1 tbsp Crayfish
- 1/2-3/4 cup Palm oil
- 1 Chili Pepper
- 1 Red Onion Medium
- 3 Seasoning cubes/powder
- Salt to taste
- Sliced Okra Optional
- Ngolo
- Stock fish Cooked (Optional)
- 1 tbsp Ground Uziza seed
- 1/2 cup Pounded Yam
- Small bunch Uziza leaves shredded
Instructions
- Firstly, wash the fresh catfish and then cut it into pieces. Next, clean the snails, prawns, and ngolo and keep them aside.
- Boil and Pound the yam
- Place the fish, snail, dried fish, and stockfish in a medium-sized pot. Season with salt and 1 seasoning cube.
- Add onion, scotch bonnet, Cameroon pepper, a little more scotch bonnet, ground uziza seed, and 2 cups of water.
- To prepare, cover the pot and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it cook on low for 5 minutes.
- Take out the fish and keep it aside
- Increase the heat, add Ngolo, crayfish, 2 seasoning cubes, and some water. Cook the snail until done.
- To prepare the dish, start by boiling the ingredients. Once boiled, add Palm oil and lumps of pounded yam.
- Cook until the soup thickens and has a uniform colour. Remove any remaining lumps of pounded yam. These are delicious to eat.
- Gently add the fish, prawn, periwinkle, and okra. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add shredded Uziza leaves to the pot and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Once done, remove the pot from heat.
Notes
Whelks – (Ngolo).
What is Ngolo?
Whelks, known as ‘Ngolo’ in South-South Nigeria, are marine snails. They are edible molluscs, also referred to as gastropods. In the United States, they are commonly called scungilli.
Health Benefits of Fisherman Soup🧑🏽⚕️
Nigeria Fisherman Soup, also known as Pepper Soup, is not only delicious but also offers a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the notable benefits:
- Rich in Protein
The primary ingredient, fish, is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall bodily functions.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish, especially varieties like catfish and mackerel, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids↗. These healthy fats are known to support heart health↗, reduce inflammation, and improve brain function.
- Spices and Herbs Promote Digestion
The spices used in Fisherman Soup, such as pepper soup spice mix, ground crayfish, and fresh herbs, can aid in digestion. They stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and may help relieve symptoms of indigestion.
- Boosts the Immune System
The ingredients, particularly the spices and peppers, have immune-boosting properties. They contain antioxidants that can help fight off infections and support overall health.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The spices used in the soup may have anti-inflammatory effects. Ingredients like alligator pepper and uziza seeds are traditionally believed to help reduce inflammation and may alleviate pain associated with various conditions.
- Supports Hydration
Being a soup-based dish, it helps maintain hydration levels. The liquid content is beneficial, especially in warm climates or during illness when maintaining hydration is important.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The addition of vegetables such as spinach or basil not only enhances the flavour but also boosts the nutritional value. These veggies provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Can Be Customised for Health Needs
The recipe is versatile, allowing for modifications based on dietary requirements. For example, you can reduce the amount of pepper for those sensitive to spiciness or include more vegetables for added nutrients.
- Low in Calories (When Prepared Without Oil)
Traditional Fisherman Soup is typically oil-free, making it a lower-calorie option compared to cream-based soups or certain heavy stews, which is beneficial for weight management.
Incorporating Nigerian Fisherman Soup into your diet can provide numerous health benefits while offering a warming and flavorful experience. Enjoy it as a nutritious meal that can support your overall well-being!
Potential Health Risk🧑🏽⚕️
While Nigerian Fisherman Soup (Pepper Soup) is a flavorful and popular dish, there are some potential health risks↗ associated with its ingredients and preparation. Here are a few considerations:
- Fish Quality:
Consuming fish that is not fresh or is contaminated could lead to foodborne illnesses or exposure to harmful substances like heavy metals (mercury, lead) that can accumulate in fish. It is important to source fish from reputable suppliers.
- Spices and Allergies:
Some individuals may have allergies to certain spices used in Pepper Soup, such as Scotch bonnet or specific herbs. It’s crucial to be mindful of any allergies when preparing the dish.
- High Sodium Content:
Bouillon cubes and added salt can contribute to high sodium levels in the soup, which may pose risks for individuals with hypertension or those advised to limit sodium intake.
- Spicy Ingredients:
The use of hot peppers can be problematic for individuals with gastrointestinal issues, such as acid reflux or ulcers. For some, excessive spice may cause discomfort or exacerbate existing health conditions.
- Crayfish & Shellfish Allergies:
Those with shellfish allergies should avoid these ingredients entirely to prevent allergic reactions if opting to include ground crayfish or other seafood.
- Food Safety Practices:
Improper handling of fish and seafood can lead to cross-contamination. Food safety protocols must be followed, including cleaning surfaces and utensils thoroughly and cooking fish to the appropriate temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)❓
Q1: Can I make Nigerian Fisherman Soup without periwinkles?
👉 Yes, you can replace them with more prawns or crab.
Q2: What is the best swallow for Nigerian Fisherman Soup?
👉 It pairs beautifully with pounded yam, eba, or fufu.
Q3: Can I freeze Fisherman Soup?
👉 Yes, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before serving.
Q4: Is Fisherman Soup spicy?
👉 Traditionally, yes. But you can adjust the pepper level to your taste.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you might also like to check out the following Nigerian recipes.
How to make egusi soup (boiled method)
How to make bitterleaf soup (ofe onubu).
How to make okra soup (ofe okwuru)
How to make Ofe Owerri (Owerri soup)
How to make seafood okra soup
How to make oha soup (ofe oha)
How to make ogbono soup (ofe ogbono)
- 9 Proven Health Benefits of Milk You Need to Know🌟
- Authentic Abacha Recipe (African Salad): A Traditional Igbo Delight with Ngu (Potash)🌿
- Authentic Okpa Recipe (Bambara Nut Pudding): A Nutritious Nigerian Delight🌟
- Adalu Recipe (Beans and Corn Porridge): A Comforting Nigerian Delight 🌽✨
- Boli Recipe (Roasted Plantain): A Complete Guide to Nigeria’s Beloved Street Food
Did you make this recipe? Please do leave a comment and rating on the blog. Tag us your picture on Instagram @real9jakitchen
