Nkatenkwan

Nkatenkwan Recipe from Sierra Leone | Peanut Stew with Onion, Leek, and Carrots

Region / culture: Sierra Leone | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 70 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Nkatenkwan, also known as groundnut soup, is a popular Ghanaian dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This hearty soup is made with a base of peanuts, vegetables, and spices, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Nkatenkwan has been a staple in Ghanaian cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to traditional West African cooking methods. Peanuts, or groundnuts as they are commonly known in Africa, have long been a key ingredient in many African dishes, including soups, stews, and sauces. Nkatenkwan is a dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

1 liter chicken, beef, or vegetable soup
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
1 large leek, well washed and roughly chopped, plus some chopped green parts
2 medium carrots, sliced
a few dried red chili peppers
125 g peanut cheese with bits, preferably homemade
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

How to prepare

Place onions, leeks, and carrots in a heavy pan and cook over high heat. Cover the pan halfway and cook for approximately 30 minutes on low heat. Mash the vegetables to make a soup. Return the soup to the pan and bring it to a rapid boil. In a separate bowl, mix half of the soup with the Peanut Cheese. Combine this mixture with the remaining soup in the pan. Cover the pan and let the soup cook for another 30 minutes. Add chili peppers and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Remove the chili peppers. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

Add chicken or beef for a meatier version of the soup.
Use different vegetables such as okra, spinach, or eggplant for added flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the taste to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, roast the peanuts before blending them into a paste.

- For a thicker consistency, add more peanut paste to the soup.

- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your spice preference.

- For a creamier texture, blend some of the vegetables into the soup before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Nkatenkwan hot with a side of rice, fufu, or boiled yam for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a heavy-bottomed pan to cook the soup slowly and evenly.

- Stir the soup occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought peanut butter as a substitute for homemade peanut paste.

- Substitute cow's milk cheese for a dairy-free alternative such as vegan cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

Nkatenkwan 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 the soup with chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of coconut milk for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Nkatenkwan pairs well with a crisp green salad, plantains, or a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Nkatenkwan 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: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 10g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Nkatenkwan is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

Contains peanuts and dairy (cheese)

Summary

Nkatenkwan is a nutritious and filling dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Nkatenkwan is a delicious and nutritious Ghanaian soup that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Alice in her small village in Ghana. She invited me to her home for a traditional Ghanaian meal, and I was excited to try something new.

As we sat down at the table, the aroma of peanut soup filled the air. Alice explained to me that this dish was called Nkatenkwan, and it was a beloved staple in Ghanaian cuisine. I watched intently as she prepared the meal, taking note of each ingredient and technique she used.

Alice had learned to make Nkatenkwan from her mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each adding their own touch to make it uniquely their own. As I savored the rich and creamy soup, I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

After my visit to Ghana, I returned home with a newfound passion for cooking. I reached out to Alice and asked her to teach me how to make Nkatenkwan. She was thrilled to share her knowledge with me, and we spent hours in the kitchen together, chopping vegetables, pounding peanuts, and simmering the soup to perfection.

Through Alice's patient guidance, I learned the intricacies of making Nkatenkwan. I discovered that the key to this dish is in the peanut paste, which gives the soup its unique flavor and texture. I also learned that Nkatenkwan is traditionally served with fufu, a staple starch in Ghanaian cuisine.

As I honed my skills in making Nkatenkwan, I began to experiment with different variations of the recipe. I added my own twist by incorporating fresh herbs and spices, giving the dish a more vibrant and complex flavor profile. I also learned to adjust the consistency of the soup to my liking, making it thicker or thinner depending on my mood.

Over the years, I have shared my love for Nkatenkwan with friends and family. I have hosted countless dinner parties where I have served this dish, always receiving rave reviews from my guests. I have even entered cooking competitions, showcasing my culinary skills and the rich heritage of Ghanaian cuisine.

As I look back on my journey to mastering the art of making Nkatenkwan, I am grateful for the experiences and memories that have shaped me as a cook. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as it not only connects me to my dear friend Alice and her homeland of Ghana, but also to the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that make up the world of cooking.

In my kitchen, the spirit of Nkatenkwan lives on, as I continue to perfect this timeless recipe and share it with those I love. I am proud to carry on the tradition of making this beloved dish, knowing that each spoonful is a taste of history, culture, and the bonds that tie us together. And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Nkatenkwan, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to celebrate the beauty of diversity in all its forms.