Nigerian spicy catfish pepper soup (Pepper soup)

1. Cut the catfish fillets into 5 cm pieces, pour boiling water over them and drain carefully (this removes the slimy layer).

2. Blend the onion, ginger, garlic and chilli with a little water until smooth.

3. Bring the water to the boil in a pan, add the blended paste, the pepper soup spice, the thyme and the salt and cook for 10 minutes.

4. Add the fish and simmer on very low heat without stirring (so the fish doesn't break up) for 12-15 minutes.

5. Gently shake the pan and taste; add more salt if needed.

6. Serve hot in deep bowls, sprinkled with fresh coriander.

Tip: Pepper soup is Nigeria's healing soup: it is made for colds, cold rainy days and celebrations, and it is very hot. If you can't find pepper soup spice, a mix of 1 tsp grated nutmeg and 1 tsp ground black pepper is a good substitute; habanero works instead of scotch bonnet. It is also made with chicken or goat.