Name: African Peanut Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: African-inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger); 2 carrots, sliced; 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups chopped collard greens or kale

Creamy, spicy, and wonderfully hearty, African Peanut Soup is a bold celebration of flavor that warms you from the inside out. This West African-inspired dish combines nutty peanut butter with tomatoes, spices, and tender vegetables for a comforting, stew-like soup that feels both exotic and deeply familiar. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside rice, this soup is rich in history and nourishment.

Perfect for chilly evenings or when you want a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, African Peanut Soup is incredibly easy to make and fully customizable. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in veggies while giving your tastebuds a jolt of something exciting and unique. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian or vegan with simple swaps.

Why You’ll Love This African Peanut Soup

This soup isn’t your everyday dinner, but once you try it, it just might become one. The blend of creamy peanut butter and spicy seasonings brings depth you won’t find in many other soups. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that gets better with time, making it ideal for leftovers. Plus, it’s pantry-friendly, and you probably have most of the ingredients on hand already. It feeds a crowd, freezes well, and can easily be adjusted for dietary preferences.

Can I Use Crunchy or Natural Peanut Butter?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a nice texture to the soup, especially if you like little bites of peanuts throughout. Natural peanut butter works great too, just make sure it’s well stirred before adding to avoid excess oil or separation. Whatever kind you choose, make sure it’s unsweetened and unsalted so you can better control the flavor of your soup.

Ingredients for the African Peanut Soup

To make the magic happen, you’ll need a mix of wholesome vegetables, rich peanut butter, and some bold spices. This combination creates a nourishing and deeply flavorful soup you’ll want to make again and again.

Olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor right from the start.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.

Garlic: Essential for a rich, aromatic layer of flavor.

Ginger: Fresh or ground, it brings warmth and earthiness.

Carrots: Slightly sweet and perfect for balancing the spice.

Sweet potatoes: These add creaminess and heartiness to the soup.

Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity and richness.

Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor that gives the broth depth.

Vegetable broth: Forms the savory backbone of the soup.

Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient, for richness and that classic nutty taste.

Cayenne pepper: Brings a kick of heat – adjust to taste.

Salt and black pepper: Balances all the flavors.

Collard greens or kale: For a pop of color, nutrients, and texture.

How To Make the African Peanut Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, letting them cook until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add the chopped carrots, sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Stir in Peanut Butter

Add the creamy peanut butter and cayenne pepper. Stir until the peanut butter is fully melted into the soup, creating a smooth and thickened texture.

Step 5: Add Greens and Season

Toss in chopped collard greens or kale and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the greens are tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls and enjoy it as-is or with rice, naan, or flatbread on the side.

How to Serve and Store African Peanut Soup

This African Peanut Soup feeds about 6 people generously and can stretch further if served with a starch like rice. It’s perfect for meal prep since the flavors deepen after a day or two in the fridge. To store, let the soup cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

What to Serve With African Peanut Soup?

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A simple side of fluffy rice soaks up the creamy broth perfectly.

Warm Flatbread or Naan

Great for dipping and scooping.

Fried Plantains

Their caramelized sweetness is a tasty contrast to the spicy soup.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Adds cool crunch and freshness.

Grilled Chicken

If you want to bulk up the protein for meat-eaters.

Couscous

An alternative grain that also complements the rich flavors.

Roasted Chickpeas

Add a crispy, protein-packed topper.

Lime Wedges

For a tangy finish that brightens every spoonful.

Want More Soup Ideas with a Twist?

If you love the flavor-packed comfort of this African Peanut Soup, here are more recipes to cozy up with:

• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for cheesy, indulgent comfort.
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup with Mediterranean flair.
• Chicken Pot Pie Soup that tastes like grandma’s kitchen.
• Easy Homemade Naan Bread if you’re craving something warm and dippable.
• Boilermaker Tailgate Chili when you want a bold, meaty punch.