FoodieAtlas
Recipes around the World
Groundnut soup smells like comfort—peanut butter, tomato, and spices simmering together into something rich and almost silky. This is the soup that feeds communities, the kind you make in large pots for family gatherings where everyone eats from the same collective meal. Chicken or beef becomes tender in the peanut-based sauce while cumin and coriander add warmth and depth. Served with fufu, rice balls, or plantains, groundnut soup is sustenance both in the belly and the spirit—proof that one pot and humble ingredients can create something that brings people together.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and hot peppers (if using). Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes have softened.
Stir in the paprika, cumin, coriander, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.
Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter with a small amount of the hot soup broth until smooth.
Stir the peanut butter mixture into the pot, blending well with the soup. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Smooth peanut butter is convenient and works beautifully. Authentic groundnut paste from peanuts is richer in flavor, but quality peanut butter gets you 95% of the way there. Just make sure it's pure peanut without added oils or sugar.
Mix the peanut butter with hot broth first (tempering it) before stirring it into the soup. This prevents clumping and ensures even creaminess throughout the soup.
Absolutely. Beef adds a deeper, richer flavor. Use a tougher cut like chuck or brisket and let it simmer longer (about 40-50 minutes) to become tender.
Groundnut soup should be hearty and creamy but still pourable—somewhere between stew and regular soup. Add more broth if you want it thinner, or simmer longer if you want it thicker.
Yes, you can use extra vegetables like carrots and cabbage, or just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The soup will be lighter but still flavorful and satisfying.