Description
A rich, nutty, and slightly spicy West African-inspired peanut soup made with peanut butter, tomatoes, aromatic spices, and greens. This hearty and comforting soup can be made vegetarian or with shredded chicken for added protein, and is perfect served with rice or bread for a fulfilling meal.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
Vegetables and Spice
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1–2 fresh chilies, chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
Liquids and Seasonings
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional, for non-vegetarian)
- 2 cups chopped spinach or kale
Garnish
- Chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the sauté base: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent to build the flavor foundation.
- Cook the vegetables: Add diced red bell pepper and chopped fresh chilies to the pot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened, allowing the chilies to infuse some heat if used.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors together and soften the tomatoes.
- Incorporate peanut butter and broth: Whisk the peanut butter together with 1 cup of the broth until smooth to prevent lumps, then add this mixture back to the pot along with the remaining 3 cups of broth.
- Season the soup: Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well and bring the soup to a gentle simmer to allow the spices to infuse the broth.
- Add chicken and greens: If using, stir in the cooked shredded chicken and chopped spinach or kale. Simmer the soup for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and wilt the greens.
- Final seasoning and serving: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for extra texture and freshness.
Notes
- Traditionally served with rice, fufu, or flatbread for dipping, making for a complete meal.
- Use chunky peanut butter if you prefer added texture in the soup.
- For a vegan version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of fresh chilies and cayenne pepper according to taste.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for longer preservation without loss of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: West African Inspired
