West African-Inspired Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup

West African-Inspired Sweet Potato and Peanut Soup

A velvety, deeply comforting soup balancing the earthy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the creamy finish of coconut milk, warmed with ginger and vibrant spices.

50mEasy4 servings

Equipment

Heavy-bottomed pot
Immersion blender
Wooden spoon
Chef knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

4 servings

Aromatics and Base

  • 15 g coconut oil, melted
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic, minced
  • 15 g fresh ginger, peeled and grated

Spices

  • 3 g ground cumin
  • 2 g ground coriander
  • 1 g cayenne pepper

Body

  • 500 g sweet potato, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
  • 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
  • 800 ml vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred

Creaminess and Flavor

  • 120 g unsweetened smooth peanut butter, stirred well
  • 200 ml full-fat coconut milk

Finishing and Garnish

  • 15 ml lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • 10 g fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 20 g roasted peanuts, crushed

Nutrition (per serving)

520
Calories
14g
Protein
50g
Carbs
33g
Fat
9g
Fiber
16g
Sugar
878mg
Sodium

Method

01

Heat the coconut oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent.

5mLook for: Onions are translucent and lightly golden at the edges
02

Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Stir constantly to release the essential oils of the spices.

2mLook for: Spices lightly toast and coat the onionsFeel: Aroma is highly fragrant
03

Stir in the cubed sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Look for: Liquid reaches a rolling boil
04

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer until the sweet potatoes are completely soft and yield easily to a fork.

20mFeel: Sweet potatoes mash effortlessly when pressed
05

Remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until completely smooth and velvety. If using a standard blender, work in batches and allow steam to escape.

Look for: No visible chunks of sweet potato remainFeel: Texture is thick and uniform
06

Whisk the peanut butter and full-fat coconut milk into the pureed soup until they are thoroughly dissolved and incorporated.

Look for: Color becomes a uniform, creamy orange-brown
07

Return the pot to low heat. Allow the soup to warm through gently for a few minutes. Do not let it boil, as the coconut milk and peanut butter could cause the soup to separate.

5m
08

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts.

Look for: Garnishes are brightly contrasted against the rich soup

Chef's Notes

  • Always choose a natural peanut butter consisting only of peanuts and salt. Processed peanut butters with added sugars and palm oils will make the soup overly sweet and alter the texture.
  • For a deeper, caramelized flavor profile, try roasting the sweet potato cubes in the oven at 200 C (400 F) for 25 minutes before adding them to the pot, rather than boiling them from raw.
  • The acidity of the lime juice added at the very end is crucial. It cuts through the rich, heavy fats of the peanuts and coconut, instantly brightening the entire flavor profile of the dish.

Storage

Refrigerator: 5 daysStore in an airtight container. Soup will thicken as it chills.

Freezer: 3 monthsFreeze in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the texture.

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