Best 8 Spicy West African Peanut Soup Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to West Africa, where the vibrant flavors of Spicy West African Peanut Soup await. This hearty and comforting dish, also known as Maafe or groundnut soup, is a symphony of bold spices, creamy peanut butter, and tender meat. Immerse yourself in the diverse recipes featured in this article, each offering a unique twist on this beloved soup. From the classic version bursting with traditional herbs and spices to innovative takes incorporating vegetables, seafood, or even lamb, there's a Maafe recipe to satisfy every palate. Prepare to embark on a flavor-filled adventure as you explore the culinary treasures of West Africa.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

VEGETARIAN PEANUT SOUP



Vegetarian Peanut Soup image

This West African-inspired peanut soup recipe is a creamy and comforting, spicy vegan soup. Made with a simple combination of peanut butter, tomato paste and collard greens, this soup comes together quickly and would be a great weeknight meal. If you love spicy flavors like me, don't hesitate to use liberal amounts of ginger and garlic.

Provided by Cookie and Kate

Categories     Soup

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons peeled and minced fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 bunch collard greens (or kale), ribs removed and leaves chopped into 1-inch strips
3/4 cup unsalted peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1/2 cup tomato paste*
Hot sauce, like sriracha (AKA rooster sauce)
1/4 cup roughly chopped peanuts, for garnish
Cooked brown rice, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine the broth and water in a medium Dutch oven or stock pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the onion, ginger, garlic and salt. Cook on medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
  • In a medium-sized, heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and tomato paste, then transfer 1 to 2 cups of the hot stock to the bowl. Whisk the mixture together until smooth, then pour the peanut mixture back into the soup and mix well. Stir in the collard greens and season the soup with hot sauce to taste.
  • Simmer for about 15 more minutes on medium-low heat, stirring often. Season with additional salt or hot sauce if desired. Serve over cooked brown rice if you'd like, and top with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 431 calories, Sugar 13.8 g, Sodium 1510.8 mg, Fat 29.6 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 32.8 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 16.6 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT SOUP



West African Peanut Soup image

This West African peanut soup recipe is made with simple ingredients like peanut butter and tomato paste, but has a unique delicious flavor!

Provided by Yumna Jawad

Categories     Entree

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon canola oil
2 large onions (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger (optional)
3 oz tomato paste
1 sweet potato (chopped)
6 cups vegetable broth or water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
8 oz shredded chicken (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large, heavy pot. Add onions and ginger, and cook for 5-10 minutes until the onions are very soft and translucent, but not browned.
  • Add tomato paste and mix with the onions until they are well coated. Add the sweet potatoes to the pot, season with salt and cayenne pepper, and mix with the onion and tomato paste mixture.
  • Pour the vegetable broth or water into the pot and bring mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover for 20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are cooked. Stir in the peanut butter until it's well blended with the mixture. Add spinach and/or chicken, if desired, and stir to combine.
  • Serve over white rice with crushed peanuts, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 21 g, Fat 26 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 28 mg, Sodium 755 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving

VEGAN WEST AFRICAN PEANUT SOUP



Vegan West African Peanut Soup image

Spicy, nutty and delicious West African peanut soup, inspired by my time in Ghana. A hearty stew with incredible depth of flavor that can even be made nut-free using sunflower seed butter! Naturally gluten-free too.I know the ingredients list looks long, but most are pantry items and it really comes together easily :).

Provided by Yup, it's Vegan

Categories     Soup

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 and 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
1 large yellow or white onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 inch fresh ginger (minced)
2 small chili peppers (minced (I recommend red chilis, but use jalapeno if needed))
1 and 1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp white pepper ((or use regular pepper))
1 large sweet potato (peeled and cubed (about 1.5 cups) or use carrot or squash)
2 tbsp tomato paste
14 oz. crushed tomatoes ((or use 1 and 1/2 cups diced fresh tomatoes))
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
2 bay leaves
1 sprig rosemary ((optional))
1 large sprig fresh thyme ((optional))
1/2 bunch collard greens (cut into 1-inch slices (about 2.5 cups) or use kale)
2 tbsp vinegar (divided)
salt and pepper ((to taste, for serving))
fresh cilantro ((for serving))

Steps:

  • Warm the oil in a large pot. When shimmering, add the onion, garlic, ginger, and chilis with a pinch of salt, and cook on medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the paprika, coriander, and pepper, and stir. Cook for about 60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the cubed sweet potato, tomatoes and tomato paste, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the tomatoes are starting to break down and release their juices.
  • Add the broth and peanut butter, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the bay leaves, rosemary and thyme sprigs, and collard greens. Partially cover and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the collards are tender and the sweet potato is soft. Stir in half of the vinegar.
  • Remove the bay leaves and fresh herb sprigs. Season to taste with salt (this dish generally needs a lot) and pepper, and add the rest of the vinegar if more acidity is needed. Serve with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, and accompanying starch of choice such as potatoes or rice.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 bowl, Calories 354 kcal, Carbohydrate 28 g, Protein 11 g, Fat 20 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 227 mg, Fiber 7 g, Sugar 7 g, UnsaturatedFat 14 g

SPICY PEANUT AND PUMPKIN SOUP



Spicy Peanut and Pumpkin Soup image

This recipe is a promise of warmth on those cool autumn nights. Habanero chiles and peanuts both feature heavily in Nigerian cuisine, and this soup is an adaptation of a long-simmered stew common to much of West Africa. Don't be afraid of a chile with seeds: The fragrant oils from these peppers are worth every bite. The peanut butter and coconut milk mellow the warmth of the chile to a gentle, lingering heat, but you can also take the chile out before the soup is puréed. An optional spoon of honey to the soup will round out the flavors, and a dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt will further temper the heat. Serve with a baguette or sourdough bread for dipping.

Provided by Yewande Komolafe

Categories     dinner, weekday, soups and stews, appetizer, main course

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, peeled and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 (1-inch) piece ginger, peeled and chopped
1/2 habanero or bird's eye chile
1 (14-ounce) can pumpkin purée
3 cups water or chicken or vegetable stock
1 (13-ounce) can coconut milk
1 tablespoon agave or honey (optional)
1/4 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter
Salt
2 tablespoons sliced fresh chives
1/4 cup crème fraîche or yogurt (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large stock pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and ginger, and cook, stirring frequently until softened and just beginning to brown around the edges, about 4 minutes. Stir in the chile and pumpkin purée, and whisk in the water or stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and allow to simmer on low, giving an occasional stir, for 20 minutes or until slightly reduced and thickened. Remove the chile after the soup simmers if you don't care for much spice.
  • Add coconut milk, agave or honey (if using), and peanut butter to the pot. Using an immersion blender or working in batches in a standing blender, purée the soup until smooth. Season with salt and keep warm over low heat. Do not bring soup up to a simmer or boil at this point. (This reduces the risk of the oils in the peanut butter separating and breaking the soup's smooth texture.)
  • Divide soup between bowls, sprinkle with the chives and a dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt, or a drizzle of olive oil to make it vegan. Serve with a warm crusty baguette or chunks of warm sourdough for dipping.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 477, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 30 grams, Fat 37 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 21 grams, Sodium 1115 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 0 grams

SPICY AFRICAN PEANUT SOUP



Spicy African Peanut Soup image

We served this on Christmas Eve to friends and family and it was a universal hit! Very filling and its orange colour looks beautiful in a bowl.

Provided by Sackville

Categories     Yam/Sweet Potato

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups stock or 3 cups water
2 slices fresh ginger
1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cayenne or 2 fresh chili peppers
1 tablespoon oil
2 onions, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup tomato juice
2 garlic cloves, chopped
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan over high heat.
  • Add pepper, ginger, carrots, garlic, onions and cayenne or chilies.
  • Cook for 2 minutes, then add potato and stock.
  • Bring to the boil and simmer 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the vegetables to a food processor and purée until smooth.
  • Return the purée to the saucepan and stir in peanut butter and tomato juice or mash the vegetables in the saucepan until slightly lumpy.
  • Add sugar, salt and pepper.
  • Serve sprinkled with green onions.

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT SOUP



West African Peanut Soup image

Tomatoes and peanut butter? YES! The first time I tried this at a health food restaurant, I was hooked. About 5 years of tweaking the recipe to my personal taste has created a spicy, sweet favorite amongst my friends and family. Luckily there is always enough for everyone!

Provided by DRUMNWRITE

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes

Time 1h20m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, very finely diced
2 large bell peppers, (any color) finely chopped
6 large cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes with juice
8 cups vegetable broth
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup uncooked rice
1 (18 ounce) jar creamy peanut butter
½ cup chopped roasted peanuts

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
  • Add rice to soup and stir. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 25 minutes, or until rice is tender.
  • When rice is cooked, whisk in peanut butter and return to a simmer, and serve. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 458.5 calories, Carbohydrate 30.7 g, Fat 32.8 g, Fiber 6.4 g, Protein 17.4 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 777 mg, Sugar 11.1 g

SPICY WEST AFRICAN PEANUT SOUP



SPICY WEST AFRICAN PEANUT SOUP image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Vegetable     Stew     Quick & Easy     Dinner     Healthy

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 carrots, chopped
3 lbs. sweet potatoes, chopped
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
1 head of garlic, chopped
(1) 28 oz. can of stewed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
Cayenne pepper to taste (start with 1/8 teaspoon)
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
8 oz. heavy cream
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped (substitutions: tofu or shrimp)

Steps:

  • 1. Combine the vegetable broth, stewed tomatoes, potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, garlic in a medium pot and bring to a boil over high heat. 2. Reduce the heat to medium, add the chopped chicken, and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. 3. Add the peanut butter, cream, and cayenne pepper and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and sweet potatoes are fork tender. 4. Puree as desired.

WEST AFRICAN PEANUT SOUP



West African Peanut Soup image

A Moosewood recipe. I haven't tried it, but this is supposed to be rich and spicy. Don't skip the chopped scallions or chives!

Provided by MsBindy

Categories     Yam/Sweet Potato

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups chopped onions
1 tablespoon peanut oil or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh gingerroot
1 cup chopped carrot
2 cups chopped sweet potatoes (up to 1 cup white potatoes can be substituted)
4 cups vegetable stock or 4 cups water
2 cups tomato juice
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 cup chopped scallions or 1 cup chives

Steps:

  • Saute the onions in oil until just translucent.
  • Stir in the cayenne and ginger.
  • Add the carrots and saute a couple more minutes.
  • Mix in the potatoes and stock.
  • Bring the soup to a boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • In a blender or food processor, puree the vegetables with the cooking liquid and the tomato juice.
  • Return the puree to the soup pot. Stir in the peanut butter until smooth.
  • Taste the soup. Its sweetness will depend on the sweetness of the carrots and sweet potatoes. If it is not naturally sweet, add just a little sugar to enhance the other flavors.
  • Reheat the soup gently, using a heat diffuser if needed to prevent scorching.
  • Add more water, stock, or tomato juice for a thinner soup.
  • Serve topped with plenty of chopped scallions or chives.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
  • If you don't have peanut butter, you can use another type of nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter.
  • To make the soup spicier, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • If you don't like spicy food, you can omit the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • For a creamier soup, blend the soup until smooth before serving.
  • Serve the soup with rice, bread, or your favorite side dish.

Conclusion:

This Spicy West African Peanut Soup is a delicious and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold day. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. The soup is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you are looking for a new soup recipe to try, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!

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