Ivoirian Peanut Soup

Ivoirian Peanut Soup Recipe - Authentic Taste from Ivory Coast

Region / culture: Ivory Coast | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ivoirian Peanut Soup is a delicious and hearty soup that is popular in Ivory Coast, West Africa. This soup is made with a rich and creamy peanut butter base, mixed with a variety of vegetables and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

History

Peanut soup is a traditional dish in many West African countries, including Ivory Coast. Peanuts are a staple ingredient in the region and are often used in savory dishes to add flavor and texture. The combination of peanuts with vegetables and spices in a soup form has been enjoyed for generations in Ivory Coast and has become a beloved comfort food for many.

Ingredients

2 cups chopped onions
1 tbsp peanut oil or vegetable oil
0.5 tsp cayenne
1 tsp grated peeled fresh gingerroot
1 cup chopped carrots
2 cups chopped sweet potatoes (up to 1 cup white potatoes can be substituted)
4 cups vegetable stock or water
2 cups tomato juice
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tbsp sugar (optional)
1 cup chopped scallions or chives

How to prepare

Saute the onions in oil until they become translucent.
Stir in the Cayenne and ginger.
Add the carrots and saute for a couple more minutes.
Mix in the potatoes and stock.
Bring the soup to a boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
In a blender or food processor, puree the vegetables with the cooking liquid and the tomato juice.
Return the puree to the soup pot. Stir in the peanut butter until it becomes smooth.
Taste the soup. Its sweetness will depend on the sweetness of the carrots and sweet potatoes. If it is not naturally sweet, add a little sugar to enhance the other flavors.
Reheat the soup gently, using a heat diffuser if needed to prevent scorching.
Add more water, stock, or tomato juice for a thinner soup.
Serve topped with plenty of chopped scallions or chives.

Variations

Add diced chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Garnish with chopped peanuts or cilantro for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

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

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.

- Pureeing the vegetables with the cooking liquid and tomato juice creates a smooth and creamy texture for the soup.

- Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Ivoirian Peanut Soup can be served with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete and filling meal. Garnish with chopped chives or scallions for added flavor and freshness.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a heat diffuser when reheating the soup to prevent scorching.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or cashew butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Substitute vegetable broth for water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Ivoirian 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

Serve Ivoirian Peanut Soup in a bowl garnished with a swirl of peanut butter and a sprinkle of chopped chives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ivoirian Peanut Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Ivoirian Peanut Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding more water or broth as needed to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 32g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 120%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 10%

Alergens

Peanuts

Summary

Ivoirian Peanut Soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish.

Summary

Ivoirian Peanut Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. With its rich and creamy peanut butter base, mixed with a variety of vegetables and spices, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Ivoirian Peanut Soup. It was on a warm summer day, many years ago, when I was visiting my dear friend Aminata in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Aminata was an incredible cook, and she had been telling me about this famous peanut soup that her grandmother used to make. She promised to teach me how to make it, and I was thrilled at the thought of learning a new recipe from her.

We spent the morning shopping for fresh ingredients at the bustling market, picking out the ripest tomatoes, the creamiest peanut butter, and the most fragrant spices. Aminata explained to me that the key to a delicious peanut soup was in the quality of the ingredients, so we made sure to choose only the best.

Back at Aminata's kitchen, we started our cooking adventure. Aminata showed me how to chop the vegetables, peel the peanuts, and blend them into a smooth paste. The rich aroma of roasting peanuts filled the air, and I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation.

As we simmered the soup on the stove, Aminata shared with me the story behind this traditional Ivoirian dish. She told me that peanut soup was a staple in many West African countries, and each region had its own unique variation. In Côte d'Ivoire, the soup was often served with rice or fufu, a starchy dough made from cassava or plantains.

I listened intently as Aminata shared her family's recipe, passed down through generations. She told me about the importance of slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop into a rich and savory broth. I could see the passion in her eyes as she spoke about her grandmother, who had taught her how to make this soup when she was just a young girl.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first spoonful of the peanut soup. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the nuttiness of the peanuts, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the warmth of the spices. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had found a new favorite dish.

After my trip to Côte d'Ivoire, I couldn't wait to recreate the Ivoirian Peanut Soup in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following Aminata's instructions to the letter. As the soup simmered on the stove, I closed my eyes and let the memories of my time in Abidjan wash over me.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into a bowl and took a tentative sip. The familiar flavors of peanuts and tomatoes danced on my tongue, transporting me back to Aminata's kitchen in Côte d'Ivoire. I knew then that this recipe would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the wonderful times spent with dear friends in far-off places.

And so, whenever I make Ivoirian Peanut Soup, I think of Aminata and the beautiful country of Côte d'Ivoire. I am grateful for the memories, the flavors, and the friendships that have enriched my life through the joy of cooking. And I hope that this recipe will continue to bring warmth and comfort to my loved ones for years to come.