Plantain Pepper Soup (Turning planti)
Plantain pepper soup also called “turning planti” is a popular dish in various West African cuisines, especially in Nigeria and Ghana. The dish is usually served at special events, celebrations, and gatherings. It’s also commonly given to new mothers after childbirth because it’s thought to help them regain strength. Plantain pepper soup can be enjoyed by diabetic patients and people who are also non-diabetic in health status. It’s a delight dish personally for me to enjoy whenever I visit my hometown or attend a special ceremony.
Our super and delicious plantain pepper soup is known for its spicy, aromatic, and savory flavor. The combination of spices, peppers, and plantains makes it a hearty and extremely satisfying dish. The plantains absorb the flavors, adding a touch of sweetness and a starchy texture that balances the heat.
In Nigeria, plantain pepper soup is often believed to have medicinal properties. It’s thought to help with digestion and is sometimes used as a remedy for colds and flu due to its spicy and warming qualities. Plantain pepper soup can be enjoyed by diabetic patients and people who are non-diabetic in health status. Serving plantain pepper soup is a sign of hospitality and respect. It’s often made for guests to show welcome and warmth.
Plantain pepper soup is often enjoyed with side dishes like boiled yam, rice, or fufu, depending on regional preferences and personal taste. The soup’s spicy and savory flavor pairs well with these starchy sides.
Ingredients for Plantain Pepper Soup (Turning Planti)
- 5 unripe plantains
- ½ cup palm oil
- 1lb / 500g chicken
- ½ cup crayfish
- 1 seasoning cube
- ½ tsp crushed ginger
- ½ tsp crushed garlic
- 1 habanero pepper
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Salt to taste
- 3-4 handfuls spinach or fluted pumpkin
Recipe time: 45 minutes
Serving: 5 Persons
Plantain Pepper Soup Recipe (Easy 4 steps)
Step 1
Peel and cut the plantains in 5-7 places
Step 2
Transfer the plantain to a cooking pot, Add water to cover completely. Add the chicken, bouillon cube, ginger, garlic, pepper, and half a teaspoon of salt.
Add palm oil.
Step 3
Set on heat and bring to a boil, add the chopped onions, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.
Step 4
Taste for salt, stir, add the vegetables,
Stir again, and allow 2-3 minutes before turning off the heat.
Serve warm.
Overall Nutritional Profile
These facts below highlight the depth and diversity of plantain pepper soup, reflecting its nutritional value and health benefits.
Balanced Meal: Plantain pepper soup with chicken provides a well-rounded meal with carbohydrates from plantains, protein from chicken, and various vitamins and minerals from both the ingredients and spices. it provides a nutrient-dense meal that is good for digestion and overall health.
Hydration: The broth( stock or bouillon) from the soup contributes to hydration, which is important for maintaining bodily functions and overall health.
Comfort and Healing: The warm and spicy nature of the soup enhances circulation, provides comfort, and may aid in recovery or relief from fatigue or illnesses.
Weight Management: The combination of protein from chicken and fiber from plantains can help increase satiety and support weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
In summary, plantain pepper soup with chicken offers a diverse range of nutritional contents, which include high-level protein, essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. This combination aids overall health, supports in digestion, boosts the immune system, and provides a comforting and nourishing dish.
Choosing Between Ripe and Unripe plantains
The truth is choosing either ripe or unripe plantains for cooking the plantain pepper soup solely depends on two factors;
Personal Preference: The choice between ripe and unripe plantains often comes down to personal preference and the desired texture and flavor of the soup. Some people prefer the firmness and neutral flavor of unripe plantains, while others enjoy the sweetness and creamy texture of ripe plantains.
Recipe Variation: In some recipes, a combination of both ripe and unripe plantains is used to balance the flavors and textures in the soup. This can provide a more complex taste experience and a variety of textures.
In short, you can use both ripe and unripe plantains in plantain pepper soup, and each brings something different. Unripe plantains are firmer and have a milder taste, while ripe plantains are sweeter and make the soup creamier. It’s up to you which one to use based on what you like and how you want the soup to turn out.
Regional Differences
While the dish is enjoyed across West Africa, the recipe and ingredients can vary significantly by region. For example, the Yoruba, Igbo and even Rivers people in Nigeria might prepare it differently than the Akan people in Ghana, each with their own preferred flavors and methods. The plantain pepper soup is a meal that is highly suitable for every ethnic tribe and is also enjoyed across our Nigerian borders.
Plantain Pepper Soup
Ingredients
- 5 unripe plantains
- ½ cup palm oil
- 1 lb / 500g chicken
- ½ cup crayfish
- 1 seasoning cube
- ½ tsp crushed ginger
- ½ tsp crushed garlic
- 1 habanero pepper
- ½ cup chopped onion
- Salt to taste
- 3-4 handfuls spinach or fluted pumpkin
Instructions
- Remove the back of the plantain then cut in 6 places.
- Transfer the plantain to a cooking pot, add the chicken, seasoning cube, ginger, garlic, pepper, and half a teaspoon of salt. Add water to cover completely.
- Add half cup of palm oil, 125ml.
- Set on heat and bring to a boil, add the chopped onions, cover, and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.
- Taste for salt, stir, add the vegetables,
- Stir again, and allow 2-3 minutes before turning off the heat.
- Serve warm.
