Savory Spiced African Peanut Soup
This delightful African Peanut Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of roasted peanuts, fresh vegetables, and spices. Inspired by my time at the Colophon Bookstore in Fairhaven, this soup is both savory and a little spicy, creating a unique and satisfying flavor profile that defies the expectation of sweetness. It's an excellent choice for chilly days, providing warmth and nourishment. Perfect for gatherings, this soup can serve a crowd or be made in smaller batches for a cozy dinner. Each bowl comes alive with the fresh juice of lemon and a sprinkle of crushed chili peppers, adding a refreshing twist.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh ginger
1 ounce (scrubbed and chunked)
garlic cloves
2 (unpeeled)
dried chili pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (dry)
canned tomatoes
3 (28 ounce) cans (drained and quartered)
unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1 3/4 cups (whole)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
chicken stock
1 1/2 cups (liquid)
water
3 cups (liquid)
cooked chicken breast
1/2 lb (cubed)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
flour
1/2 cup (all-purpose)
lemon wedges
8 (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the scrubbed and chunked ginger, garlic cloves, and dried chili pepper flakes. Blend until finely chopped.
2
Next, add two cans of drained and quartered tomatoes, the dry roasted peanuts, and chopped onion to the processor. Pulse until the mixture is chunky, but be careful not to over-blend; you may need to do this in batches.
3
Transfer the chunky mixture to a large soup pot. Add the remaining can of tomatoes, chicken stock, water, and the cooked, cubed chicken. Stir to combine.
4
In a separate bowl, make a paste by mixing together the melted butter and flour. Gradually add this paste to the pot, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
5
Bring the soup to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
Once ready, ensure the soup has cooled to a comfortable eating temperature of 145°F. Serve hot, garnished with a few whole peanuts and a squeeze of lemon juice from a wedge. For extra heat, provide crushed chili flakes on the side. This soup pairs beautifully with a loaf of warm French bread and butter.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Spiced African Peanut Soup?
It is a hearty and comforting dish that combines roasted peanuts, fresh vegetables, and various spices for a unique flavor profile.
Is this African Peanut Soup sweet?
No, this version is savory and slightly spicy, defying the expectation of sweetness often associated with peanut-based dishes.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a soup served at the Colophon Bookstore in Fairhaven.
How do I prepare the ginger for this soup?
You should use 1 ounce of fresh ginger that has been scrubbed and chunked before being processed.
Do the garlic cloves need to be peeled?
The recipe specifies using 2 unpeeled garlic cloves which are finely chopped in a food processor.
How many cans of tomatoes are required?
You will need three 28-ounce cans of tomatoes in total.
What type of peanuts should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 cups of unsalted dry roasted peanuts.
Should the peanut and vegetable mixture be smooth?
No, you should pulse the mixture in the food processor until it is chunky, being careful not to over-blend.
How much chicken is included in this recipe?
The soup uses 1/2 lb of cooked chicken breast, which should be cubed before adding.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened using a paste made from 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
How do I prevent lumps when adding the flour paste?
Gradually add the butter and flour paste to the pot while stirring continuously.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once all ingredients are combined, let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
At what temperature should the soup be served?
The soup should be cooled to a comfortable eating temperature of approximately 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Serve the soup garnished with whole peanuts, a squeeze of lemon juice, and optional crushed chili flakes.
What should I serve alongside this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with a loaf of warm French bread and butter.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian adaptable, likely by substituting the chicken and chicken stock with plant-based alternatives.
How much liquid is needed for the base?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock and 3 cups of water.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it includes dried chili pepper flakes and is described as having a savory and spicy flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including the garnishes.
What kind of flour is used for the paste?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to chop the ginger, garlic, chili flakes, tomatoes, peanuts, and onions.
How are the tomatoes prepared before processing?
Two of the cans should be drained and the tomatoes quartered before being pulsed.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as an excellent choice for chilly days, providing both warmth and nourishment.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe requires one medium onion, chopped.
What is the purpose of the lemon wedges?
The lemon wedges provide fresh juice that adds a refreshing twist to the savory flavor of the soup.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, it is suitable for gatherings but can also be made in smaller batches.
How much dried chili pepper flakes are used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dry chili pepper flakes inside the soup, with more available for garnish.
Does the recipe use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe does not specify, but it notes that 1/2 cup of melted butter is used for the thickening paste.
Is the chicken added raw to the soup?
No, the recipe specifies using cooked chicken breast that has been cubed.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is categorized with a tag as an 'easy recipe' suitable for home cooks.