Cameroonian Peanut Soup

Cameroonian Peanut Soup Recipe - Authentic African Cuisine

Region / culture: Cameroon | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cameroonian Peanut Soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in Cameroon and other parts of West Africa. This soup is made with a rich and creamy peanut butter base, combined with a variety of vegetables and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Cameroonian Peanut Soup has been a staple in Cameroonian cuisine for generations. Peanuts are a common ingredient in West African cooking, and this soup is a perfect example of how they can be used to create a delicious and nutritious dish. The combination of peanuts, vegetables, and spices in this soup is a reflection of the diverse culinary traditions of the region.

Ingredients

3 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
2 medium onions, minced (red, white, or yellow only)
1 small sweet green pepper, minced
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 tsp salt (any kind)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
1 chile pepper, minced
1 carrot, chopped fine or one sweet potato or yam, boiled and mashed
2 tomatoes, chopped or canned tomatoes
1 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients except the peanut butter.
Simmer over medium heat until all the ingredients are tender.
Reduce the heat, add the peanut butter, and simmer for a few more minutes. Stir frequently.
The soup should have a thick and smooth consistency.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use different vegetables such as sweet potatoes or okra.
Add coconut milk for a creamier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use natural unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

- For a smoother consistency, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender before serving.

- Serve the soup hot with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cameroonian Peanut Soup hot with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup over medium heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir frequently to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute almond butter or cashew butter for peanut butter if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Cameroonian Peanut Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Cameroonian Peanut Soup with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of coconut milk for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Cameroonian Peanut Soup with a side of rice, couscous, or crusty bread for a complete meal. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and satisfying dinner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cameroonian Peanut Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cameroonian Peanut Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cameroonian Peanut Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cameroonian Peanut Soup contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cameroonian Peanut Soup contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cameroonian Peanut Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts.

Summary

Cameroonian Peanut Soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Cameroonian Peanut Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. This hearty soup is perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold night, and is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was many years ago, during my travels through Africa, that I stumbled upon a small village in Cameroon. The people there were kind and welcoming, and they invited me into their homes to share a meal. That's where I first tasted Cameroonian Peanut Soup.

The aroma of the soup filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I watched as the villagers cooked over an open fire, stirring a large pot filled with a rich, creamy broth. The scent of peanuts, onions, and spices wafted through the air, creating a tantalizing mix of flavors that I had never experienced before.

I asked the villagers for the recipe, hoping to recreate the delicious soup in my own kitchen. They were happy to share their culinary secrets with me, explaining each step of the process in intricate detail. From roasting the peanuts to grinding them into a smooth paste, to simmering the broth with vegetables and spices, the recipe was a labor of love that required time and patience.

I returned home with the recipe in hand, eager to try my hand at making Cameroonian Peanut Soup. The first attempt was a disaster – the flavors were off, the consistency was too thin, and it lacked the depth and complexity of the soup I had tasted in Cameroon. But I was determined to get it right, so I tried again and again, making adjustments and fine-tuning the recipe until it was perfect.

As I cooked, the memories of my time in Cameroon flooded back to me. I remembered the smiling faces of the villagers, the rhythmic beat of the drums, and the vibrant colors of the market stalls. I felt a deep connection to the people and the culture, and I wanted to honor that connection by cooking the soup with care and respect.

Each time I made Cameroonian Peanut Soup, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. The soup was rich and flavorful, with a creamy texture that was both comforting and satisfying. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about the unique flavors and exotic spices.

Over the years, I continued to make Cameroonian Peanut Soup, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I added more vegetables, experimented with different spices, and even tried substituting almond butter for peanut butter. Each variation was a delicious success, but the original recipe remained my favorite.

Today, Cameroonian Peanut Soup is a staple in my kitchen, a dish that brings me back to that small village in Africa every time I make it. It's a reminder of the power of food to connect us to new cultures and experiences, and of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones.

I feel grateful to have stumbled upon this recipe all those years ago, and I will always cherish the memories of my time in Cameroon. The flavors of the soup are a reminder of the kindness and generosity of the people I met there, and of the beauty and richness of their culture. And every time I take a spoonful of that creamy, nutty broth, I am transported back to that moment when I first tasted Cameroonian Peanut Soup – a moment that will always hold a special place in my heart.