How To Make Jamaican Pepper Pot Soup with Seafood?

Pepper Pot Soup with Seafood is a hearty and flavorful soup that combines a variety of ingredients, including callaloo, okra, and a mix of seafood. Here’s a basic recipe for making Pepper Pot Soup with Seafood:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, crab, fish fillets, etc.), cleaned and peeled
• 1 cup callaloo leaves, chopped (substitute spinach if callaloo is not available)
• 1 cup okra, sliced
• 1 cup dasheen or taro leaves, chopped (optional)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 6 cups seafood or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, dried or fresh
• 1 teaspoon allspice berries
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
• Cooked rice or bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare Seafood:
   • Clean and peel the seafood. If using fish fillets, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Marinate Seafood:
   • In a bowl, combine the seafood with minced garlic, chopped thyme, lime or lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 15-30 minutes.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and Scotch bonnet pepper until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add Tomatoes:
   • Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they break down and form a thick base.
5. Add Coconut Milk:
   • Pour in the coconut milk and stir well to combine.
6. Add Seafood and Broth:
   • Add the marinated seafood to the pot and pour in the seafood or vegetable broth. Stir gently to combine.
7. Add Callaloo, Okra, and Dasheen Leaves:
   • Add the chopped callaloo leaves, sliced okra, and dasheen leaves (if using) to the pot. Stir and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through.
8. Season with Allspice:
   • Crush the allspice berries and add them to the soup. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
10. Serve:
    • Serve the Pepper Pot Soup with Seafood hot, accompanied by cooked rice or bread.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Pepper Pot Soup with a medley of flavorful seafood and vegetables! Adjust the ingredients and spice levels to suit your taste preferences.