Spicy West African Peanut Yam Soup
Experience the vibrant flavors of West Africa with this rich and hearty peanut yam soup. Inspired by Moosewood recipes, this delightful dish combines the creamy texture of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of yams and carrots, creating a comforting yet spicy meal. The kick of cayenne adds warmth, while the fresh scallions or chives sprinkled on top provide a refreshing crunch. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal!
N/A
Servings
294
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped onions
2 cups (Chop finely)
Peanut oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Fresh gingerroot
1 teaspoon (Grated and peeled)
Chopped carrot
1 cup (Chop into small pieces)
Chopped sweet potatoes
2 cups (Peel and chop into cubes)
Vegetable stock or water
4 cups (Use for cooking)
Tomato juice
2 cups (Use as a base)
Smooth peanut butter
1 cup (Add at the end)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (optional) (To taste)
Chopped scallions or chives
1 cup (For garnish)
Instructions
1
Heat the peanut oil (or vegetable oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the cayenne pepper and grated ginger, sautéing for an additional minute to release their flavors.
3
Add the chopped carrots and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
4
Incorporate the chopped sweet potatoes (and any white potatoes, if using) into the pot. Pour in the vegetable stock (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
6
Using a blender or food processor, carefully puree the soup in batches, blending the cooked vegetables with the cooking liquid until smooth.
7
Return the pureed soup to the pot over low heat. Gradually mix in the smooth peanut butter until fully incorporated and creamy.
8
Taste the soup, adjusting the sweetness according to your preference. If needed, add a tablespoon of sugar to enhance the flavors.
9
Allow the soup to reheat gently, stirring occasionally. If you desire a thinner consistency, add additional water, stock, or tomato juice as necessary.
10
Ladle the soup into bowls and generously top with freshly chopped scallions or chives before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
26.5
Carbs
9.5
Protein
3.8
Fiber
3.8
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy West African Peanut Yam Soup?
It is a rich and hearty soup inspired by West African flavors, combining creamy peanut butter with the natural sweetness of yams and carrots.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The primary ingredients include onions, peanut oil, cayenne pepper, fresh ginger, carrots, sweet potatoes, vegetable stock, tomato juice, smooth peanut butter, sugar, and scallions.
Is this peanut yam soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is labeled as vegetarian and uses vegetable stock or water as its base.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 294 calories in a serving of this soup.
What type of oil should be used for sautéing?
The recipe suggests using either peanut oil or vegetable oil.
How long should I sauté the onions?
You should sauté the chopped onions for approximately 5 minutes until they become translucent.
Does the recipe require fresh ginger?
Yes, it calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh gingerroot that has been grated and peeled.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper to provide a spicy kick.
How many cups of sweet potatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chopped sweet potatoes, which should be peeled and cubed.
What can I use if I do not have vegetable stock?
You can use 4 cups of water as a substitute for vegetable stock.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
How do I achieve a smooth texture for the soup?
You should use a blender or food processor to puree the soup in batches until it is smooth.
When should the peanut butter be added?
The smooth peanut butter should be mixed in gradually after the soup has been pureed and returned to the pot over low heat.
Is sugar a required ingredient?
No, 1 tablespoon of sugar is optional and can be added to taste to enhance the flavors.
What is the recommended garnish?
The soup should be topped with 1 cup of freshly chopped scallions or chives before serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 17.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup provides 9.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many grams of fiber are in a serving?
There are 3.8 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 26.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If you desire a thinner consistency, you can add additional water, stock, or tomato juice as necessary.
Can white potatoes be used in this recipe?
Yes, the instructions mention that you can incorporate white potatoes along with the sweet potatoes.
What inspired this soup recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Moosewood recipes and the vibrant flavors of West Africa.
How much tomato juice is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of tomato juice to be used as a base.
How much carrot is needed?
You will need 1 cup of carrot chopped into small pieces.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 11.
What is a suggested side dish?
Serving the soup with crusty bread is recommended for a complete and satisfying meal.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 3.8 grams of sugar per serving.
What is the preparation for the onions?
The onions should be chopped finely before sautéing.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich and hearty nature.
What type of peanut butter is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of smooth peanut butter.