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West African Peanut Soup Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

A hearty and flavorful West African Peanut Soup combining sweet potatoes, peanut butter, and spices to create a comforting bowl perfect for any season. Enhanced with optional spinach and chicken, this soup offers a rich, creamy texture with a mild kick of heat, served traditionally over white rice.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped (optional)
  • 3 oz tomato paste
  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
  • 6 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
  • 8 oz shredded chicken (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions and Ginger: Heat the canola oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and fresh ginger, if using, and cook for 5-10 minutes until the onions become very soft and translucent without browning them.
  2. Add Tomato Paste and Sweet Potatoes: Stir in the tomato paste, coating the onions thoroughly. Then add the chopped sweet potatoes. Season the mixture with salt and optional cayenne pepper and stir well to combine all ingredients.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the vegetable broth or water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  4. Incorporate Peanut Butter and Optional Ingredients: Stir the peanut butter into the soup until fully blended, creating a creamy consistency. Add the baby spinach and shredded chicken at this stage if desired, stirring gently to combine and warm through.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup over cooked white rice and garnish with crushed peanuts, if you like, for added texture and nutty flavor.

Notes

  • For a spicier soup, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes.
  • Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version and omit the chicken.
  • The soup can be made ahead and reheated; the flavors deepen over time.
  • Serve with a side of warm bread or over rice to make it more filling.
  • Adjust peanut butter quantity according to desired creaminess and taste.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/west-african-peanut-soup-recipe/