Creamy Peanut Soup

Creamy Peanut Soup Recipe from Democratic Republic of Congo

Region / culture: Democratic Republic of Congo | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creamy Peanut Soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. This soup is packed with flavor and is sure to warm you up from the inside out. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and carrots creates a rich and satisfying soup that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

History

Creamy Peanut Soup is a traditional African dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Peanuts are a staple ingredient in many African cuisines, and this soup is a great way to showcase their rich and nutty flavor. The addition of sweet potatoes and carrots adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the soup, making it a truly comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 cups chopped onion
1 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 tsp cayenne or other ground chilies
1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
1 cup chopped carrots
2 cups chopped sweet potatoes
4 cups vegetable stock or water
2 cups tomato juice
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tbsp sugar
Finely chopped scallions (green onions)
Finely chopped roasted peanuts

How to prepare

Sauté the onion in oil until it becomes translucent. Stir in cayenne and ginger. Add carrots and sauté for a couple more minutes. Mix in potatoes and stock, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Puree the vegetables with tomato juice in a blender or food processor. Return the puree to the pot. Stir in the peanut butter until it becomes smooth. Check the sweetness and add sugar if necessary. Reheat gently, using a heat diffuser if needed to prevent scorching. Add more water, stock, or tomato juice to make a thinner soup if desired. Serve topped with plenty of chopped scallions and chopped roasted peanuts.

Variations

Add a can of coconut milk for a creamier and richer soup.
Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce for a savory umami flavor.
Add a pinch of curry powder or cumin for a hint of spice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the onions until they are translucent to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Puree the vegetables and tomato juice until smooth for a creamy and velvety texture.

- Adjust the sweetness of the soup by adding sugar to taste.

- Top the soup with chopped scallions and roasted peanuts for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Peanut Soup can be served as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. It can also be served as a starter or appetizer before a larger meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing

- Boiling

- Pureeing

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.

- Use butternut squash or pumpkin instead of sweet potatoes for a seasonal twist.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy Peanut Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Creamy Peanut Soup in individual bowls topped with a swirl of coconut milk, chopped scallions, and roasted peanuts for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Creamy Peanut Soup pairs well with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or a side of steamed rice. It also pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Creamy Peanut Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

28g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 180%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Peanuts

Summary

Creamy Peanut Soup is a nutritious and delicious soup that is high in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and iron. However, it is important to note that this soup contains peanuts, so it may not be suitable for those with peanut allergies.

Summary

Creamy Peanut Soup is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger. Whether served as a main dish or a starter, Creamy Peanut Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and my friend Martha had invited me over for lunch. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, the delicious aroma of peanut soup filled the air.

Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a steaming bowl of creamy peanut soup. She had learned the recipe from her mother, who had picked it up during a trip to West Africa many years ago. The soup was rich and velvety, with a hint of spice that lingered on my taste buds long after the last spoonful.

I couldn't get enough of it. I asked Martha for the recipe, and she gladly shared it with me. She explained that the key to making the perfect creamy peanut soup was to roast the peanuts until they were golden brown, then grind them into a smooth paste before adding them to the broth.

I was determined to master this recipe, and so began my culinary journey into the world of creamy peanut soup. I started by gathering all the ingredients - fresh ginger, garlic, onions, chicken broth, and of course, plenty of roasted peanuts.

I carefully followed Martha's instructions, sautéing the aromatics until they were fragrant and translucent, then adding the ground peanut paste to thicken the soup. I let it simmer on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

As the soup bubbled away, I couldn't help but think back to my own childhood. My grandmother was an amazing cook, and she had taught me everything I knew about cooking. She had a knack for creating delicious meals out of seemingly simple ingredients, and her love for food was infectious.

I remembered how she used to tell me stories about her own culinary adventures, from the time she learned to make a perfect roast chicken from a French chef to the day she discovered the secret to making the flakiest pie crust.

My grandmother's passion for cooking had inspired me to experiment in the kitchen, and her recipes had become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I had learned to make her famous apple pie, her comforting chicken and dumplings, and her decadent chocolate cake.

But there was something special about this creamy peanut soup recipe. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that mastering it would be a culinary triumph.

Finally, after hours of simmering and stirring, the soup was ready. I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a drizzle of chili oil. I took a tentative sip, and my taste buds exploded with flavor.

It was perfect - creamy and velvety, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. I couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious. I knew that my grandmother would be proud.

From that day on, creamy peanut soup became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for dinner parties, family gatherings, and lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

I shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the culinary tradition that had been handed down to me. And as I watched them savor each spoonful, I knew that this recipe would live on for generations to come.

In the end, it wasn't just a soup. It was a taste of my past, a tribute to my grandmother, and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together. And for that, I will always be grateful.