Pepper soup, a spicy hot broth-based soup, is a comfort food that features in many cultures across West Africa and into Cameroon. In this version, Italy meets Nigeria with a flavorful girasoli blessed with the fragrant spicy broth of traditional pepper soup. This dish is comforting, warming and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients.
Girasoli in Pepper Soup Broth
Girasoli in Pepper Soup Broth: A Fusion of Comfort and Heat
Category
Main
Cuisine
Italian
Servings
2
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
This recipe takes that comforting broth of Nigerian pepper soup and pairs it with delicate girasoli (or ravioli), creating a unique fusion of Italian pasta with African spice.
Ingredients
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8 oz (227g) girasoli or ravioli (this recipe uses roasted vegetable girasoli)
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8 medium shiitake mushrooms (or mushrooms of choice)
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½ medium yellow onion
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2–3 stems spring onions (scallions)
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1½ cups salt-free vegetable stock (or water)
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1–2 fresh habanero peppers (optional, for heat)
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1 tbsp avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
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2 tsp Indeegenus pepper soup spice mix
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Salt, to taste
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Small bunch of basil leaves
Directions
Cook the pasta:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the girasoli (or ravioli) according to the package instructions, removing them 2 minutes before the recommended cooking time. Fresh girasoli typically takes 4 minutes to cook.
Prep the ingredients:
Cut the habanero peppers and onion in half (save the other half for another use).
Slice the shiitake mushrooms.
Cut the spring onions on a bias (using both the white and green parts).
Roughly chop the basil leaves.
Blend half the onion with the vegetable broth (or water) until smooth.
Make the broth:
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
Sauté the shiitake mushrooms for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
Pour in the blended onion and broth mixture.
Bring to a gentle boil, then add the habanero peppers, pepper soup spice mix, and salt. Simmer for 4–5 minutes to develop the flavors.
Combine:
Transfer the partially cooked girasoli from the boiling water into the simmering pepper soup broth.
Stir in the basil leaves and spring onions.
Let everything cook together for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the broth.
Serve:
Adjust seasoning if needed and enjoy immediately, letting each bite bring you a balance of spice, umami, and freshness.
Recipe Note
For extra depth: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier broth.
Protein boost: Toss in some grilled tofu or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
Mild version: Omit the habanero or use just half for a milder heat level.
