Isi Ewu (Nigerian Goat Head Pepper Soup)

Step 1

Rinse the goat meat thoroughly under cold running water, rubbing each piece gently to remove impurities. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2

Cut 2 of the onions crosswise into thin rings, separating the layers, and set aside on a small plate for later.

Step 3

Roughly chop the remaining 1 onion into large chunks (about 1-inch pieces) and place in a blender.

Step 4

Peel the ginger by scraping with the edge of a spoon, then chop it coarsely into roughly 1/2-inch chunks and add to the blender.

Step 5

Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the blender with the onion and ginger.

Step 6

Add the scotch bonnet peppers whole to the blender (do not remove seeds unless you prefer milder heat).

Step 7

Pour in 1/2 cup of water and blend on high speed for 60–90 seconds until the mixture becomes a smooth, pourable paste with no visible chunks.

Step 8

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers and moves freely when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.

Step 9

Carefully pour the blended paste into the hot oil and stir continuously with a wooden spoon for 3–4 minutes until the mixture darkens slightly and smells deeply fragrant, so the raw onion and pepper flavors cook out.

Step 10

Add the goat meat pieces to the pot, stir to coat evenly with the paste, and cook without stirring for 2 minutes until the meat begins to brown on the bottom.

Step 11

Pour in 6 cups of water and scrape the bottom of the pot with the spoon to loosen any stuck-on browned bits, so the soup is deeply flavored.

Step 12

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 13

Add the 2 stock cubes and stir until completely dissolved, about 30 seconds.

Step 14

If using calabash or uda seeds, add them now and stir to distribute evenly throughout the pot.

Step 15

Partially cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the goat meat is very tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 16

Taste the soup and stir in salt and black pepper to your preference — it should taste bold and intensely savory.

Step 17

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, ensuring each bowl gets generous pieces of tender goat meat and plenty of broth.

Step 18

Scatter a handful of the reserved raw onion rings on top of each bowl, so they soften slightly in the heat while adding a fresh bite.