African Peanut Soup is a heartwarming and richly flavored dish that beautifully combines the earthy taste of peanuts with vibrant spices and fresh vegetables. A staple in many West African countries, this soup is not only comforting but also nourishing and completely vegan, making it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a plant-based meal without compromising on flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring new culinary horizons, this African Peanut Soup recipe offers a delightful balance of creamy texture, subtle heat, and robust aroma that will leave you coming back for more.
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to warm up on chilly days or impress your guests with an exotic and wholesome dish.
Dive into this delicious vegan African Peanut Soup and savor the bold flavors of West Africa right from your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
African Peanut Soup is a uniquely comforting dish that caters to many dietary preferences, especially vegan and gluten-free diets. The creamy peanut butter base provides a rich and satisfying mouthfeel without any dairy.
The combination of sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and spices creates a delightful harmony of flavors that is both hearty and vibrant.
This soup is also incredibly versatile. It can be made in under an hour and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
It’s packed with protein from peanuts and fiber from fresh vegetables, supporting a balanced and nutritious diet.
Additionally, this recipe introduces you to the beautiful culinary traditions of Africa, allowing you to explore new spices and ingredients in a familiar format. Whether served as a light lunch or a filling dinner, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth texture)
- Ladle
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and soft.
- Stir in the sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes (with juices), smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to coat the vegetables with spices.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove from heat and, if desired, use an immersion blender to puree the soup slightly for a creamier texture, leaving some chunks for body. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return to the pot.
- Stir in the peanut butter and chopped kale or spinach. Return the pot to low heat and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens have wilted and the peanut butter is fully incorporated.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice to brighten the flavors.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, if using. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
For a thicker soup, use less vegetable broth or add a small amount of cooked chickpeas or red lentils for extra protein and texture.
If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a fresh chili pepper when sautéing the vegetables.
Try substituting peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor.
You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or butternut squash to customize your soup and add more variety. If you want a chunkier texture, reserve some cooked sweet potato cubes to stir in after blending.
For a creamy, smooth finish, blend the soup thoroughly. If you like it more rustic and hearty, just stir the peanut butter in and serve as is.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 bowl) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 10 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Carbohydrates | 30 g |
Fiber | 7 g |
Sugar | 8 g |
Sodium | 550 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This African Peanut Soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or a side of fluffy rice to soak up every bit of its delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
To boost the protein content further, consider adding cooked chickpeas or black beans as a topping. Garnishing with extra crushed peanuts and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley adds a lovely crunch and freshness.
For a traditional touch, serve with fufu or plantain chips on the side, which are popular accompaniments in West African cuisine.
Conclusion
This vegan African Peanut Soup recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings a taste of West Africa to your table. It’s a perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, plant-based soup that is both nutritious and easy to prepare.
With its rich peanut base, vibrant spices, and wholesome vegetables, this soup is a delightful way to explore new flavors while nourishing your body.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its creamy texture and bold taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or spice levels to make it your own.
If you enjoyed this, you might also want to check out other delicious recipes like the Breakfast Wellington Recipe, the savory Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe, or the hearty Bread And Gravy Recipe.
Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful journey with this delicious African Peanut Soup!
đź“– Recipe Card: African Peanut Soup Recipe Vegan
Description: A rich and creamy vegan African peanut soup made with tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and spices. This hearty soup is perfect for a comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until softened.
- Stir in cumin and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
- Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and sweet potatoes; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Whisk peanut butter into the soup until smooth.
- Add chickpeas and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 30 g
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