Spicy Peanut Soup

Spicy Peanut Soup Recipe from Ghana and Thailand

Region / culture: Ghana, Thailand | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Peanut Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the richness of peanut butter with a hint of heat from cayenne pepper and Thai chile peppers. This soup is perfect for those looking for a unique and satisfying meal that will warm you up on a cold day.

History

Spicy Peanut Soup has its origins in West African cuisine, where peanuts are a staple ingredient in many dishes. Over time, this recipe has evolved and been adapted in various ways to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 large onion, diced
3 large cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
3 diced celery stalks
2 diced carrots
2 diced medium starchy potatoes
2 red Thai chile peppers - the long thin ones
3 – 5 cups vegetable stock
8 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
12 oz (340 g) corn kernels, fresh, canned or frozen
salt and pepper to taste
0.5 cup crushed salted roasted peanuts

How to prepare

For this soup, it is recommended to dice the vegetables into smaller pieces, ideally 0.25" or less.
Remove the seeds and membranes from the hot peppers, then finely chop them.
In a large stock pot, heat the oil.
Sauté the onion and garlic in the oil over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes.
Add the cayenne, stir, and sauté for an additional minute.
Include the potatoes, carrots, celery, and chopped chili pepper.
Stir and sauté for four more minutes, then add the stock.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Add the peanut butter and corn, stirring until the peanut butter is dissolved.
Taste for salt and pepper, and adjust as needed.
Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
Serve the soup hot, sprinkled with crushed peanuts on top.
Despite its appearance, this soup is not as spicy as you might expect.
The peanut butter helps to reduce the spiciness from the cayenne, red chile, and black pepper.

Variations

Add diced chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
Stir in a spoonful of coconut milk for a creamy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the vegetables into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Thai chile peppers to suit your spice tolerance.

- For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Peanut Soup with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the stock helps to develop their flavors and create a rich base for the soup.

- Simmering the soup on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and creates a deliciously thick and hearty texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

- Swap out the red Thai chile peppers for jalapeños or serrano peppers for a milder heat.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Spicy Peanut Soup with a drizzle of sriracha sauce or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spicy Peanut Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 8g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains peanuts

Summary

Spicy Peanut Soup is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron.

Summary

Spicy Peanut Soup is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the nutty flavor of peanut butter with a spicy kick from cayenne pepper and Thai chile peppers. This soup is perfect for warming you up on a cold day and is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I had just returned from a trip to the bustling markets of Marrakech. The vibrant colors, the intoxicating smells, and the lively atmosphere all left me feeling inspired and adventurous in the kitchen.

As I unpacked my bags, I stumbled upon a small, weathered notebook tucked away in the bottom of my suitcase. Curious, I opened it up to find a collection of handwritten recipes from my travels. One recipe in particular caught my eye - Spicy Peanut Soup.

The recipe was simple yet intriguing, with a combination of flavors that I had never tried before. I could almost taste the rich peanut butter, the spicy kick of the chili peppers, and the subtle sweetness of the coconut milk. I knew right then and there that I had to recreate this dish in my own kitchen.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring out the peanuts, chopping the peppers, and simmering the broth. As the fragrant aroma of the soup filled my kitchen, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation building inside me.

Once the soup was ready, I hesitantly took my first spoonful. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the creamy richness of the peanut butter, the fiery heat of the peppers, and the comforting warmth of the coconut milk. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds and left me craving more.

From that moment on, Spicy Peanut Soup became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself on a quiet evening at home. Each time I prepared it, I felt a connection to the unknown individual who had written down the recipe in that little notebook, a connection that transcended time and distance.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its bold flavors and comforting warmth.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I discovered the recipe for Spicy Peanut Soup, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories that have shaped my culinary journey. Cooking has always been a way for me to express myself, to connect with others, and to explore the world around me. And in this simple yet delicious soup, I have found a little piece of magic that I will cherish for years to come.