Groundnuts soup, also known as peanut soup, is a popular and delicious soup dish that is enjoyed in many parts of the world, particularly in Africa. It is a hearty and nutritious soup that is made with groundnuts (peanuts), meat, vegetables, and spices. Groundnuts soup is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, fufu, or yam.

Ingredients

• 1 cup groundnuts (peanuts)
• 1 pound meat (beef, chicken, or fish)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon palm oil
• 4 cups water
• Vegetables of your choice (such as carrots, potatoes, green beans, or spinach)

Instructions

1. Wash the groundnuts and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. While the groundnuts are soaking, cook the meat until it is browned.
3. Add the onion, tomatoes, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using) to the meat and cook until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the ginger, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Drain the groundnuts and add them to the pot.
6. Add the water and bring the soup to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for 30 minutes, or until the groundnuts are tender.
8. Add the vegetables of your choice and cook until they are tender.
9. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve the soup hot with your favorite sides.

Tips

• For a richer flavor, you can roast the groundnuts before blending them.
• If you don’t have a blender, you can grind the groundnuts using a mortar and pestle.
• If you want a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the pot at the end of cooking.
• To make a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the meat.

Variations

• Groundnuts soup with spinach: Add a handful of chopped spinach to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Groundnuts soup with coconut milk: Add 1/2 cup of coconut milk to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Groundnuts soup with prawns: Add 1/2 pound of cooked prawns to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking.

FAQs

Q: What is the best type of meat to use in groundnuts soup?

A: Any type of meat can be used in groundnuts soup, but beef, chicken, and fish are the most popular choices.

Q: Can I make groundnuts soup without a blender?

A: Yes, you can make groundnuts soup without a blender. Simply grind the groundnuts using a mortar and pestle.

Q: How can I make my groundnuts soup thicker?

A: To make groundnuts soup thicker, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the pot at the end of cooking. To make a cornstarch slurry, simply mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water.

Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of groundnuts soup?

A: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of groundnuts soup. Simply omit the meat.

Q: How long can I store groundnuts soup?

A: Groundnuts soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Groundnuts soup is a delicious and nutritious soup dish that is easy to make. It is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, and it can be made vegetarian or vegan. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, groundnuts soup is sure to please everyone at the table.