African Peanut Soup, probably one of the most common soups from home I’ve seen here in the states. Served at local markets by non African vendors and I must say, they almost always nail it! I say it’s oh so good everyone wants a taste of it.
There is something about the smell of pan roasting peanuts that brings back some very memorable childhood moments. Peanuts are such a stable in many cuisines but its almost always a must have pantry item in most west African homes ( At least my home).
From savory ‘n spicy soups, to decadent puddings, desserts, snacks and more, that nutty flavor takes on whatever facade you want it to.
Soups from Africa!Can’t help but compare other versions to my mother’s.
So now the debate to use peanut butter or roast your peanuts. To be honest it never crossed my mind people used peanut butter for this soup. It was all about the whole shebang back home; you buy your raw peanuts, roast it over a three stone fireplace in a large pot (Try not to eat It all), blend into a thick paste and then you go from there. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using a container of all natural, no salt added peanut butter, I just prefer not to. What can I say, old habits die hard. Simple thing like pan roasting my own peanuts might seem like too much work for others ; but to me, it takes me back to my mother’s kitchen. And it’s worth the extra prep time.
West African Peanut Soup with Tilapia
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cup Raw Unpeeled peanuts You can use creamy all natural peanut butter
- 1 Medium Onion sliced
- 2 Large Roma Tomatoes diced
- 1 Large Habanero pepper
- 1 Sprig Parsley/ green onion
- 2-3 Inches Leeks (Green part)
- 2 medium Tilapia fillets
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 inch cube ginger
Instructions
- Roast peanuts over low to medium heat in a pan until crunchy and some nuts start to peel. Remove from heat, let cool and blend into a smooth paste. Then add 2 cups of water and mix into a smooth creamy mixture. Set aside
- In a wide , deep saucepan , heat oil and saute onions for about 3 minutes. Then add in diced tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add creamy peanut mixture, 3 cups of water and bring to a gentle simmer. DO NOT cover. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, adding small amounts of water if the sauce is becoming too thick. Cook until foam clears out.
- Season to taste with salt, add in blended spices (garlic, ginger, green onions, habanero, leeks, parsley) and tilapia fillets. Cover and cook until fish is ready, about 10-15 minutes
- Season to taste again with more salt if necessary. Serve with rice
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