African Peanut Soup

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Rich, creamy, and loaded with bold spices, African Peanut Soup is comfort food at its finest. This West African-inspired dish blends the earthiness of peanuts with the sweetness of tomatoes and the warmth of ginger and garlic to create a velvety, deeply satisfying bowl of goodness. It’s one of those soups that feels like a hearty stew and tastes even better the next day.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a meatless meal or adding shredded chicken for extra protein, this soup is flexible, affordable, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a soul-hug in a bowl. Serve it with rice, flatbread, or just a spoon—either way, you’ll want seconds.

What Kind of Peanut Butter Should I Use?

For the most authentic taste, opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter. The simpler the ingredients, the better—look for peanut butter that lists just “peanuts” (and maybe salt). Avoid sweetened or emulsified versions, as they can throw off the balance of savory and spice in this dish.

Ingredients for the African Peanut Soup

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3/4 cup natural peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups chopped kale or collard greens
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped roasted peanuts and cilantro for garnish
• Cooked rice (optional, for serving)

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How To Make the African Peanut Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Spices and Vegetables

Sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Add the diced sweet potato and stir everything together, letting the spices coat the vegetables.

Step 3: Build the Base

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Stir in Peanut Butter

Scoop the peanut butter into a small bowl and ladle in a bit of the hot soup broth. Whisk until smooth, then stir this mixture back into the pot. This helps avoid clumps.

Step 5: Add Greens and Finish

Stir in the chopped kale or collard greens. Simmer for 5-10 more minutes until the greens are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, and serve over rice if desired.

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Serving and Storing African Peanut Soup

This soup is a meal all on its own but pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, flatbread, or even warm naan. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and gets better as the flavors deepen. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

You can, but the soup will have a chunkier texture. Smooth, natural peanut butter gives the best creamy consistency.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! It’s naturally vegan when made with vegetable broth and without any meat additions.

Can I add protein to the soup?

Definitely. Shredded chicken or chickpeas work wonderfully if you’re looking to boost the protein content.

How spicy is it?

That depends on the cayenne pepper. If you want a milder soup, leave it out or start with just a pinch.

Can I blend the soup?

Yes, for a smoother texture, blend part or all of it before adding the greens.

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Want More Soup Ideas with Comforting Flavors?

If you love African Peanut Soup, you’ll likely enjoy these other warming dishes too:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a silky, savory main.
• Cajun White Chicken Chili packed with bold spices and beans.
• Cozy Chicken Vegetable Soup for a nourishing bowl of veggies and herbs.
• Thick and Creamy Seafood Chowder that feels like a coastal hug.
• Creamy Crab and Shrimp Bisque if you want something extra indulgent.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can revisit it whenever you need a cozy meal idea.

And tell me how it turned out for you in the comments. Did you go spicy or keep it mellow? Try it with chicken or stick to vegan? I always love hearing your tasty tweaks and tips. Let’s keep the kitchen conversation going.

For even more comforting dishes, visit my Pinterest page where I share new recipes daily!

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