Liberian Peanut Soup
Liberian Peanut Soup Recipe - Authentic West African Dish
Introduction
Liberian Peanut Soup is a traditional West African dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This hearty soup is made with a base of peanuts, meat, onions, and tomatoes, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
History
Peanut soup is a popular dish in many West African countries, including Liberia. Peanuts are a staple ingredient in African cuisine, and this soup has been enjoyed for generations as a comforting and nourishing meal.
Ingredients
- 2.5 to 3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken or meat (cut as desired)
- 5 pt (2.36 liter) cold water
- 2 level tablespoons salt
- 3 level tablespoons peanut butter or ground peanuts
- 2 level teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 medium chopped onions
- pepper (as desired)
How to prepare
- Place chicken/meat in a saucepan with cold water, onions, and salt.
- Cover and bring to a boil slowly. Simmer gently for 20 minutes.
- Mix peanut butter with 0.25 pt (118 ml) of the chicken/meat stock and add to the boiling chicken/meat.
- Add the remaining ingredients and cover.
- Simmer very gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.
Variations
- Add vegetables such as sweet potatoes, okra, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Use different types of meat such as chicken, beef, or lamb for variety.
- Spice up the soup with chili peppers or hot sauce for a kick of heat.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
- Serve the soup hot with a side of rice or bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Liberian Peanut Soup hot with a side of rice or bread for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use almond butter or cashew butter as a substitute for peanut butter.
- Substitute vegetable broth for the water for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Make Ahead Tips
Liberian 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 the soup in a bowl garnished with chopped peanuts and a sprig of fresh parsley. Pair with a side of rice or bread for a complete meal.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Liberian Peanut Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 320 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 12g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 18g per serving
Saturated Fat: 4g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 25g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Iron: 15% of daily value per serving
Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving
Alergens
Contains peanuts
Summary
Liberian Peanut Soup is a rich and hearty dish that is high in protein and healthy fats. It is a great source of iron and vitamin C, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Summary
Liberian Peanut Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty soup is packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal for the whole family. Enjoy this traditional West African dish with a side of rice or bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Liberia. My grandmother, Mama Abena, was the one who introduced me to the wonderful world of cooking.
Mama Abena was a renowned cook in our village, known for her delicious and hearty meals. She had a vast collection of recipes that she had gathered over the years, from friends, family, and even travelers passing through our village. One day, she came across a recipe for Liberian Peanut Soup and decided to give it a try.
I remember the day like it was yesterday. The sun was shining brightly, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Mama Abena had gathered all the ingredients for the soup, including peanuts, chicken, vegetables, and spices. She set to work in the kitchen, chopping, stirring, and simmering the ingredients together in a large pot.
As the soup cooked, the aroma filled the air, making my mouth water with anticipation. Mama Abena would occasionally let me taste the soup, adjusting the seasonings until it was just right. Finally, after hours of cooking, the soup was ready.
I eagerly sat down at the table with Mama Abena and my family, ready to taste the fruits of her labor. As I took my first spoonful of the Liberian Peanut Soup, I was transported to a world of rich and savory flavors. The creamy peanut base combined with the tender chicken and fresh vegetables created a harmony of tastes that danced on my taste buds.
From that moment on, Liberian Peanut Soup became a staple in our household. Mama Abena would often make it for special occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. She would also teach me how to make it, passing down the recipe and the tradition from one generation to the next.
Over the years, I have experimented with Mama Abena's recipe, adding my own twist to it. I have tried different variations, such as adding coconut milk for a creamier texture or substituting different vegetables for a new flavor profile. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the essence of Mama Abena's Liberian Peanut Soup always remains.
As I grew older and ventured out into the world, I carried Mama Abena's recipe with me. I would often make the soup for friends and colleagues, introducing them to the flavors of Liberia and the warmth of Mama Abena's kitchen. The soup became a symbol of my heritage, a connection to my roots and the memories of my childhood.
Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing a pot of Liberian Peanut Soup for my own grandchildren, I am filled with a sense of pride and nostalgia. The recipe has traveled with me through the years, a constant reminder of Mama Abena's love and the culinary traditions that she passed down to me.
I am grateful for the day that Mama Abena discovered the recipe for Liberian Peanut Soup, for it has brought me joy, comfort, and a sense of belonging. And as I serve the soup to my grandchildren, I know that the tradition will continue, linking us to our past and our future.