Zambian Groundnut Soup

Zambian Groundnut Soup Recipe - Authentic African Cuisine

Region / culture: Zambia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Zambian Groundnut Soup is a traditional dish that is popular in Zambia and other parts of Africa. This hearty and flavorful soup is made with ground peanuts, vegetables, and rice, creating a rich and creamy texture that is both satisfying and delicious.

History

Groundnut soup has been a staple in Zambian cuisine for generations. Peanuts are a common ingredient in African cooking, and this soup is a perfect example of how they can be used to create a delicious and nutritious meal. The addition of vegetables and rice adds depth and texture to the soup, making it a filling and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

1 large tomato, peeled and cut into eighths
1 large onion, cut into eighths
1 large potato, peeled and cut into eighths
2 tbsp rice
soup bones, if available
salt to taste
2.25 cups water
1 cup finely ground unsalted peanuts

How to prepare

Combine the first six ingredients with 2 cups of water. Simmer until the vegetables are soft.
Mix ground peanuts with 0.25 cups of water and add to the pot. Simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Serves 6.

Variations

Add some chopped kale or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Add some chopped chili peppers for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to peel the tomato and onion before cutting them into eighths. This will help to create a smoother texture in the soup.

- Simmering the vegetables until they are soft will help to release their flavors and create a rich broth.

- Ground peanuts can be found in most grocery stores, but you can also make your own by grinding unsalted peanuts in a food processor or blender until finely ground.

Serving Suggestions

Zambian Groundnut Soup can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or bread. It can also be enjoyed as a starter or appetizer before a larger meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the vegetables until they are soft will help to release their flavors and create a rich broth.

- Mixing the ground peanuts with water before adding them to the pot will help to create a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have soup bones, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.

- If you don't have ground peanuts, you can use peanut butter as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Zambian Groundnut 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 soup with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Zambian Groundnut Soup pairs well with a side of rice, bread, or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zambian Groundnut Soup contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zambian Groundnut Soup contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zambian Groundnut Soup contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Zambian Groundnut Soup contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zambian Groundnut Soup is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts.

Summary

Zambian Groundnut Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Zambian Groundnut Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. With its rich and creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Zambian Groundnut Soup. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the bustling city of Lusaka. My mother had taken me to a local farmers market, where we stumbled upon a stall run by a friendly woman named Nellie.

Nellie was a Zambian woman with a warm smile and a passion for cooking. She had a small cookbook filled with traditional Zambian recipes, and she was more than happy to share her knowledge with anyone who showed interest. As my mother and I browsed through her selection of recipes, one in particular caught my eye - Zambian Groundnut Soup.

I had never heard of this dish before, but Nellie assured me that it was a popular and delicious soup that was enjoyed by many in Zambia. She explained that the soup was made with groundnuts, also known as peanuts, which gave it a rich and creamy texture. Intrigued, I asked Nellie if she would be willing to teach me how to make the soup, and to my delight, she agreed.

Over the next few weeks, I visited Nellie's stall regularly, learning the ins and outs of making Zambian Groundnut Soup. She showed me how to roast the groundnuts until they were golden brown, then grind them into a smooth paste using a traditional mortar and pestle. She taught me how to simmer the paste with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices until it thickened into a hearty and flavorful soup.

As I watched Nellie cook, I listened attentively to her stories about the history and culture of Zambia. She told me about the traditional ingredients used in Zambian cuisine, like cassava, millet, and sweet potatoes, and she shared with me the importance of food in bringing people together and celebrating life's moments.

I was captivated by Nellie's words and the way she infused her cooking with love and passion. She had a way of turning simple ingredients into something truly special, and I knew that I wanted to carry on her legacy by sharing the recipe for Zambian Groundnut Soup with others.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the recipe and adding my own personal touch to it. I made the soup for family gatherings, potlucks, and even charity events, where it never failed to receive rave reviews.

Through my journey of learning and cooking, I realized that food has the power to connect us to our roots, to our heritage, and to each other. Every time I make Zambian Groundnut Soup, I feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the traditions and flavors that have been passed down to me.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the fragrant aroma of simmering spices and roasted groundnuts, I can't help but think of Nellie and the impact she had on my life. Her recipe for Zambian Groundnut Soup has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a link to the past that I will always hold dear.

And so, as I stir the pot and taste the soup, I am filled with a sense of joy and fulfillment, knowing that I am carrying on a tradition that is as rich and vibrant as the flavors of Zambia itself. The recipe for Zambian Groundnut Soup may have come from a chance encounter at a farmers market, but its legacy lives on in every bowl that I serve.