Creating your own Nigerian Pepper Soup is a delightful process; follow these simple steps to prepare it perfectly:

1. Prepare the Protein: If using meat, ensure it’s cleaned, chopped, and ready to cook. For fish, you can cut it into pieces if it’s large.
2. Boil the Meat: In a large pot, add the meat and chopped onions. Pour in enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil over medium heat. Allow to simmer until tender.
3. Add Spices: Once the meat is cooked, add the ground ginger, ground garlic, ground crayfish, and ground pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Season: Add the seasoning cubes and salt to taste. If using palm oil, now is the time to pour it in.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more water to achieve your desired consistency. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Add Herbs: Finally, stir in fresh basil or scent leaf just before turning off the heat to preserve their fragrant qualities.
7. Taste and Adjust: Do a quick taste test and adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving. The soup should be spicy and aromatic.
8. Serve Hot: Remove from heat and prepare to serve while hot.

Follow these steps to achieve a flavorful and comforting bowl of Nigerian Pepper Soup that your friends and family will adore.