Groundnut Soup I

Groundnut Soup I Recipe - Traditional Nigerian Dish

Region / culture: Nigeria | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Groundnut soup, also known as peanut soup, is a popular West African dish that is rich, hearty, and full of flavor. This traditional soup is made with a base of roasted groundnuts (peanuts) and a variety of meats and fish, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

History

Groundnut soup has been a staple in West African cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Nigeria and Ghana, where groundnuts are a common ingredient in many dishes. The soup is often served at special occasions and celebrations, as well as for everyday meals.

Ingredients

500 g / 1 lb assorted parts of meat (washed)
1 medium smoked fish (washed)
225 g / 8 oz stockfish
225 g / 8 oz bushmeat (washed)
500 g / 8 oz roasted groundnuts
1 pt (473 ml) stock or water
100 g / 4 oz ground crayfish
25 g / 1 oz iru (locust bean)
2 medium fresh tomatoes
100 g / 4 oz ground pepper
1 onion
3 large pepper (tatase)
salt to taste

How to prepare

Place the washed meats in a large pot. Add a small amount of water or stock. Season with salt and ground pepper. Boil for 30 minutes or until tender.
Add the smoked fish and stockfish. Cook for another 10 minutes.
Add the remaining stock.
Bring to a boil and add the freshly ground tomatoes, onions, pepper, iru, and groundnut.
Cook for 20 minutes until the soup thickens.
Sprinkle in ground crayfish and stir.
Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Check the seasoning and serve hot with boiled rice.

Variations

Add vegetables such as spinach, okra, or pumpkin to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.
Use different types of meats and fish, such as chicken, beef, or shrimp, to create a unique and personalized version of groundnut soup.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as curry powder, thyme, or ginger, to customize the flavor of the soup to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the groundnut soup, roast the groundnuts before grinding them into a paste.

- Use a variety of meats and fish for a more complex and flavorful soup.

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

- Stir the soup frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Serve the soup hot with a side of boiled rice or fufu for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve groundnut soup hot with a side of boiled rice, fufu, or pounded yam for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or sliced peppers for added flavor and color.

Cooking Techniques

Roast the groundnuts before grinding them into a paste to enhance their flavor.

- Boil the meats and fish until tender before adding the groundnut paste to the soup.

- Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute almond or cashew butter for the groundnuts if you have a peanut allergy.

- Use chicken or tofu instead of beef or bushmeat for a lighter version of the soup.

- Replace the stockfish with dried shrimp or smoked turkey for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Groundnut soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve groundnut soup in a large bowl or individual bowls, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or sliced peppers. Pair with a side of rice or fufu for a complete and visually appealing meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Groundnut soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as boiled rice, fufu, pounded yam, or plantains. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added nutrition and color.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover groundnut soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of groundnut soup typically contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. This soup is a filling and satisfying meal that can help to keep you energized throughout the day.

Carbohydrates

Groundnut soup is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. The main sources of carbohydrates in this soup are the groundnuts, which are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Fats

Groundnut soup is high in fats due to the use of groundnuts and meats. While groundnuts are a good source of healthy fats, it is important to consume them in moderation. The fats in this soup provide essential nutrients and help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

Groundnut soup is a protein-rich dish, thanks to the addition of meats and fish. Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, as well as for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.

Vitamins and minerals

Groundnut soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for supporting the immune system, promoting healthy vision, and maintaining proper electrolyte balance in the body.

Alergens

Groundnut soup contains peanuts, which are a common allergen. If you have a peanut allergy, it is important to avoid this dish or use a substitute for the groundnuts, such as almond or cashew butter.

Summary

Overall, groundnut soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of rice or fufu.

Summary

Groundnut soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is popular in West African cuisine. Made with roasted groundnuts, meats, and fish, this hearty soup is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Serve hot with a side of rice or fufu for a satisfying and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I discovered the recipe for Groundnut Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Ghana. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare this traditional dish.

As we gathered the ingredients - groundnuts, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and peppers - my grandmother began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that Groundnut Soup was a staple in Ghanaian cuisine, often served at special occasions and family gatherings. It was a dish that brought people together, she said, and reminded them of their shared heritage and culture.

As we cooked, my grandmother taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail. She showed me how to roast the groundnuts until they were golden brown, then grind them into a smooth paste. She demonstrated how to sauté the onions and garlic until they were fragrant, then add the tomatoes and peppers to create a rich, flavorful base for the soup.

I watched in awe as my grandmother worked her magic in the kitchen, adding just the right amount of spices and seasonings to bring out the complex flavors of the dish. She told me that cooking was an art form, a way of expressing creativity and love for those we shared our meals with.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, my grandmother sat me down at the table and served me a steaming bowl. I took my first spoonful and was immediately transported back to my childhood, to the flavors and smells of my homeland.

From that day on, I was hooked. I made it my mission to learn everything I could about Ghanaian cuisine, to master the art of cooking like my grandmother. I sought out recipes from friends and neighbors, from cookbooks and online sources, always striving to perfect my skills in the kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Groundnut Soup for countless family gatherings and special occasions. Each time I prepare it, I think of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me about patience, love, and tradition. I am grateful for the gift of cooking that she passed down to me, and I am proud to carry on the legacy of this delicious dish.

So the next time you find yourself craving a taste of Ghana, I urge you to try making Groundnut Soup. It may take time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. And who knows, you may just discover a love for cooking that will last a lifetime.