African Sweet Potato Soup

African Sweet Potato Soup: A Nutty and Spicy Comfort Dish

This African Sweet Potato Soup is a creamy, nutty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warming up on cooler days. Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and parsnips with the richness of peanut butter and a touch of spice, this hearty soup is both comforting and satisfying. Topped with crunchy roasted peanuts, it’s a nourishing and delicious option for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (plus more for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large parsnip, peeled and cubed
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 400 g (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes
• 900 ml (4 cups) hot vegetable stock
• 2-3 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• Salt and pepper to season
• Handful of finely chopped roasted peanuts (optional garnish)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Directions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the cumin seeds, chili flakes, and fresh ginger, frying for about 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the onion, garlic, and sugar, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

2. Add the Vegetables:

• Stir in the sweet potatoes, parsnip, and red pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the vegetables absorb the flavors from the aromatics.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and mix well to combine.

3. Simmer the Soup:

• Pour in the hot vegetable stock and bring the soup to a boil.
• Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fully cooked.

4. Blend the Soup:

• Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
• Once blended, return the soup to the pot and place it over low heat.

5. Stir in Peanut Butter:

• Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of peanut butter, making sure it fully incorporates into the soup.
• Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra chili flakes, a handful of chopped roasted peanuts, and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and texture.

Recipe Notes:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

A Deliciously Nutty and Spicy Soup

This African Sweet Potato Soup offers a delightful balance of creamy sweetness from the sweet potatoes and parsnip, with a hint of heat from the chili flakes and the rich, nutty depth of peanut butter. The cumin and ginger provide a warm, aromatic base, while the tomatoes and red pepper add freshness and color. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this soup is a comforting and flavorful option.

Garnish it with roasted peanuts for a satisfying crunch, or adjust the chili flakes to your spice preference. Pair it with warm, crusty bread for a complete meal that’s both nourishing and packed with flavor!

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