Senegalese Chicken Soup

Senegalese Chicken Soup Recipe | Traditional Cuisine from Senegal

Region / culture: Senegal | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Senegalese Chicken Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of West African cuisine with the comforting warmth of a traditional soup. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with a taste of exotic flavors.

History

Senegalese Chicken Soup is a popular dish in Senegal, a country located in West Africa. It is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish. The combination of spices, peanut butter, and chicken creates a delicious and satisfying soup that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 large onion, diced
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chopped garlic
6 tbsp curry powder
2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups tomato puree
2 cups crushed plum tomatoes
salt and pepper, to taste
0.5 cup smooth peanut butter
1 lb (454 g) chicken white meat, diced
1 cup thinly sliced green onions
Chopped peanuts and cilantro, for garnish

How to prepare

Cook the onions in olive oil until they are soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for two minutes. Add the curry powder, cayenne, and coriander, and fry for an additional two minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add a small quantity of olive oil until it becomes moist.
Add the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan well with a wooden spoon. Add the tomato puree, crushed plum tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes. Stir often and scrape the bottom every few minutes. Do not let it boil.
Combine the peanut butter and half of the soup in a blender or food processor and puree, adding small quantities of broth as necessary if it is too thick. When it becomes smooth, add the puree to the remaining soup and stir well. If the soup seems too thick, add more broth to taste.
Cook the chicken in boiling water until it is done (about 15 to 20 minutes). Drain and add it to the soup. Add the green onions to the soup, cook for 5 more minutes, and then serve.
Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and cilantro for garnish.

Variations

Add diced sweet potatoes or yams for a touch of sweetness.
Use shrimp or fish instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Stir in some chopped okra for a traditional African touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the onions until they are soft and translucent to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Be careful when adding the spices, as they can easily burn and become bitter. Stir constantly to prevent this from happening.

- Pureeing the peanut butter with some of the soup before adding it to the pot helps to create a smooth and creamy texture.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. Add more for a spicier soup or less for a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Senegalese Chicken Soup with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Puree the peanut butter with some of the soup to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Senegalese Chicken 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 Senegalese Chicken Soup in colorful bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Senegalese Chicken Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of chilled white wine or a fruity iced tea complements the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Senegalese Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to thin out the soup if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 22g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Vitamin C: 15mg per serving

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Senegalese Chicken Soup is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Summary

Senegalese Chicken Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of West Africa to your table. With a rich and creamy broth, tender chicken, and a hint of spice, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the exotic flavors and warm comfort of Senegalese Chicken Soup today!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was leafing through an old cookbook that I had found at a flea market. As I turned the pages, a bright and colorful photograph caught my eye - Senegalese Chicken Soup. The vibrant reds and yellows of the ingredients leaped off the page, and I could almost smell the fragrant spices through the paper.

I had always been intrigued by exotic flavors and cuisines from around the world, and this recipe seemed like the perfect blend of bold and comforting flavors. I knew I had to try it.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I would need and set to work in my cozy kitchen. The recipe called for a mix of onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and a blend of spices that I had never used before - coriander, cumin, and turmeric. As the ingredients simmered together in the pot, the aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

Finally, the soup was ready. I ladled myself a steaming bowlful and took a hesitant sip. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the warmth of the spices, the tanginess of the tomatoes, the richness of the chicken broth. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I was hooked.

From that day on, Senegalese Chicken Soup became a regular feature in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or just for myself on a cold winter night. Each time I made it, I would tweak the recipe slightly, adding a pinch more of this spice or a dash more of that. I loved experimenting with different combinations of flavors and textures, always striving to perfect my own version of the dish.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family members who all raved about it. They would ask me for the recipe, and I would happily oblige, passing on the knowledge and love that I had poured into that soup pot so many times before.

But the true magic of Senegalese Chicken Soup lies not just in its flavors, but in the memories that it holds for me. It reminds me of that chilly autumn day when I first discovered it, of the countless times I have made it for loved ones, of the joy and comfort that a simple bowl of soup can bring.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the years that have passed since that fateful day at the flea market, I am grateful for the journey that this recipe has taken me on. It has connected me to a world far beyond my own, to a culture and cuisine that I may never have experienced otherwise.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I will always hold a special place in my heart for Senegalese Chicken Soup. It is more than just a dish - it is a story, a memory, a piece of my culinary soul. And I will cherish it always.