Pin it
This spicy peanut soup with sweet potato combines earthy richness with vibrant spices for a comforting meal that warms the soul. The creamy peanut butter base melds beautifully with tender sweet potatoes and aromatic spices, creating layers of flavor that develop with each spoonful.
I first discovered this soup during my exploration of global recipes and it quickly became my emergency comfort food. On particularly hectic weeknights, I can almost make it with my eyes closed, and my dinner guests always ask for the recipe before leaving.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing without overwhelming the delicate spices
- Yellow onion: Creates the aromatic foundation every good soup needs
- Fresh garlic cloves: Add essential pungency and depth
- Grated ginger: Brings warming properties and distinctive zing
- Jalapeño: Delivers customizable heat that enlivens the entire dish
- Ground cumin: Offers earthy warmth that complements the peanut butter perfectly
- Ground coriander: Adds subtle citrus notes that balance the richness
- Cinnamon: Brings subtle sweetness and complexity
- Cayenne pepper: Provides controllable background heat
- Sweet potatoes: Create hearty texture while adding natural sweetness and vibrant color
- Red bell pepper: Contributes sweetness and bright color contrast
- Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity that cuts through the richness
- Vegetable broth: Forms the liquid foundation
- Natural creamy peanut butter: Creates the signature velvety texture
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the flavor and adds depth
- Kale or spinach: Lighten the soup while adding nutritional power
- Fresh lime juice: Brightens all flavors and cuts through richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer the flavor foundation:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Add diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden at the edges. Watch carefully to prevent browning too quickly. The onions should soften and become aromatic before adding the next ingredients.
- Build the aromatic base:
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped jalapeño to the softened onions. Stir constantly for exactly one minute to release their fragrant oils without burning the garlic. This brief cooking time prevents bitterness while maximizing flavor development.
- Bloom the spices:
- Sprinkle cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne over the aromatics. Stir continuously for 30 seconds until you can smell the spices toasting. This crucial step activates the essential oils in the spices. Add sweet potatoes and bell pepper, stirring to coat every piece with the spice mixture.
- Create the soup base:
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice, then add vegetable broth. Measure peanut butter into the pot and add tomato paste. Whisk continuously until the peanut butter fully melts into the broth, creating a smooth consistency without any clumps.
- Develop flavors through simmering:
- Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer. Cover partially with a lid and maintain a steady simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Check the sweet potatoes periodically with a fork. They should become completely tender while still holding their shape.
- Incorporate the greens:
- Add chopped kale or spinach to the soup. Gently stir until the greens wilt and become tender, approximately 5 minutes. Finish with fresh lime juice squeezed directly into the pot, stirring to distribute evenly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
The sweet potatoes truly make this dish special. When shopping, look for Garnet or Jewel varieties with deep orange flesh. Their natural sweetness creates the perfect counterpoint to the earthy peanut butter and spices. My children were initially skeptical about this combination, but now they specifically request this soup on cold evenings.
Make Ahead And Storage
This soup actually improves with time as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Store in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator. The soup will thicken considerably when chilled. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop.
Perfect Peanut Butter Selection
The peanut butter you choose dramatically impacts the final flavor. Look for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils. The ingredient list should ideally contain only peanuts and perhaps a touch of salt. Avoid brands with hydrogenated oils or sweeteners as they can make the soup overly sweet. For the smoothest consistency, stir the peanut butter well before measuring, especially if it has separated in the jar. Room temperature peanut butter incorporates more easily than refrigerated.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this soup into a complete meal with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve alongside a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette for brightness. For a heartier meal, spoon the soup over cooked brown rice, quinoa, or millet to create a satisfying grain bowl. The toppings truly elevate each serving. Roasted chopped peanuts provide essential crunch, while fresh cilantro and green onions add color and fresh flavor. A dollop of coconut yogurt creates beautiful contrast and adds cooling creaminess against the spice.
Cultural Context
This recipe draws inspiration from West African peanut stews, particularly the Ghanaian groundnut soup and Senegalese mafé. Traditional versions often include chicken and different vegetables depending on the region. Peanuts, despite their name, are actually legumes native to South America that were introduced to Africa during the colonial era. They quickly became integral to many African cuisines because of their protein content and ability to grow in challenging conditions. This adaptation maintains the spirit of those traditional dishes while incorporating ingredients more readily available in Western kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this soup less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and jalapeño for a milder flavor. Adjust to your taste preference.
- → What type of peanut butter should I use?
Natural creamy peanut butter works best, but crunchy peanut butter can add texture if preferred.
- → Can I substitute sweet potatoes?
Yes, butternut squash or carrots can be used as alternatives to sweet potatoes.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- → What can I serve with this soup?
Serve with cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Toppings like chopped peanuts, cilantro, or green onions add extra flavor.