Soups & Stews > International Soups & Stews > African Soups & Stews > West African Peanut Soup Recipe

West African Peanut Soup (Groundnut Soup)

Experience the rich and flavorful West African Peanut Soup, a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe brings together the creamy goodness of peanuts with a blend of spices and vegetables, creating a truly unforgettable taste.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 8 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 lb Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 cup Peanut Butter (smooth or chunky)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes
  • 1 medium Onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger (grated)
  • 1/2 - 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper (minced, seeds removed for less heat)
  • 5 oz Spinach or Kale (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Palm Oil or Vegetable Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice

Preparation

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and mince the Scotch bonnet pepper (remove seeds for less heat). Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Wash and chop the spinach or kale.

Sauté the Aromatics

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat palm oil or vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and minced Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Brown the Chicken

3. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds flavor to the soup.

Add the Liquids and Tomatoes

4. Add the Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Incorporate the Peanut Butter

5. Incorporate the Peanut Butter: In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a cup of the hot broth from the pot until smooth. This prevents the peanut butter from clumping in the soup. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the pot and stir well to combine. Simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add Greens and Season

6. Add Greens and Season: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Cook until the greens are wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and ground coriander to taste. Stir in lime juice.

Serve

7. Serve: Ladle the West African Peanut Soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with chopped peanuts or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: Approximately 80-120 kcal
Protein: 5-8g
Fat: 5-8g
Carbohydrates: 5-8g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Consider using natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt for a healthier version. Be mindful of peanut allergies when serving.

← West African Peanut Soup (Groundnut Soup) →

FAQ

  • Can I use different types of protein in this soup?

    Yes, you can substitute chicken with beef, lamb, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?

    Control the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper you use. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor or omit it entirely for no heat.
  • Can I freeze this soup?

    Yes, West African Peanut Soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.