African Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup Recipe

Introduction

This African sweet potato soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together warm spices and creamy peanut butter for a unique twist. It’s hearty, nutritious, and perfect for cozy evenings or anytime you crave something soothing and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (plus more to garnish)
• 2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 large parsnip (peeled and cubed)
• 1 red pepper (de-seeded and roughly chopped)
• 400 g (14oz) can chopped tomatoes
• 900 ml (4 cups) hot vegetable stock
• 2-3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
• Salt and pepper to season
• Handful finely chopped roasted peanuts to garnish (optional)
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil to fry

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot and add the cumin seeds, chilli flakes, and grated ginger. Fry for about a minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sugar. Stir and cook over medium-low heat for several minutes until the onion softens.
3. Step 3: Stir in the cubed sweet potato, parsnip, chopped red pepper, and canned tomatoes. Cook for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Step 4: Pour in the hot vegetable stock, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
5. Step 5: Use a blender or immersion blender to pulse the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. Step 6: Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in the peanut butter until fully incorporated, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra chilli flakes, chopped roasted peanuts, and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth for added texture.
• Add a splash of coconut milk to make the soup creamier and add subtle sweetness.
• Adjust the chilli flakes to your preferred spice level or substitute with fresh chili peppers.
• Use ground cumin if cumin seeds are not available, but toast them lightly for better aroma.
• For a vegan option, ensure peanut butter is free from dairy and use vegetable stock.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. The soup may thicken when chilled; add a splash of water or stock when reheating to reach desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup keeps well and can be made a day ahead. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it an ideal make-ahead meal.

Is it possible to freeze this soup?

Absolutely. Freeze the cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.

African Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 412 reviews

This African sweet potato soup is a creamy, comforting dish bursting with vibrant flavors from spices like cumin, ginger, and chili flakes. It combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and parsnip with a rich peanut butter finish, making it a hearty and nutritious option perfect for any season.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: African
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Base

• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (plus more to garnish)
• 2 tsp finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil to fry

Vegetables

• 3 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 1 large parsnip (peeled and cubed)
• 1 red pepper (de-seeded and roughly chopped)
• 400 g | 14oz can chopped tomatoes

Liquids and Seasonings

• 900 ml | 4 cups hot vegetable stock
• 2–3 tbsp smooth peanut butter
• Salt and pepper to season

Garnish (Optional)

• Handful finely chopped roasted peanuts
• Additional chilli flakes
• Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the flavor base: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, chilli flakes, and grated ginger and fry them for about one minute to release their aromas. Then add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and sugar. Stir continuously over medium-low heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the vegetables and tomatoes: To the pot, add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, parsnip, and roughly chopped red pepper. Stir everything together for a couple of minutes to coat the vegetables in the spices and soften them slightly. Then pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and mix well.
3. Simmer the soup: Pour in the hot vegetable stock and bring the contents to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4. Blend the soup: Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until the soup achieves a smooth, creamy consistency with no chunks remaining.
5. Finish with peanut butter: Return the blended soup to the pot if using a blender, and stir in the smooth peanut butter until fully incorporated. Heat through gently, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of extra chilli flakes, a handful of finely chopped roasted peanuts, and a drizzle of olive oil for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• You can adjust the chili flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
• For a nuttier flavor, toast the peanuts before chopping and using as garnish.
• This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or steamed rice for a fuller meal.
• Using an immersion blender is easier and safer for blending hot liquids compared to a traditional blender.
• The peanut butter adds richness and depth but can be substituted with almond butter for a slightly different taste.

Keywords: African sweet potato soup, peanut butter soup, vegetarian soup, spicy sweet potato soup, comforting soup, healthy soup recipe