Abenkwan: Ghanaian Peanut Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240g) ground peanuts 1 cup (240g) ground peanuts
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) palm oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) palm oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups (60g) spinach leaves 2 cups (60g) spinach leaves
• 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the palm oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until they soften.
4. 4.
   Add the ground peanuts to the pot and mix well.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and water, stirring to combine.
6. 6.
   Add the cubed sweet potatoes and simmer for about 15 minutes or until they are tender.
7. 7.
   Stir in the spinach leaves and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Season the soup with chili powder, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground peanuts — Make sure to use unsalted ground peanuts for the best flavor and texture.
• Palm oil — If palm oil is not available, you can substitute it with vegetable oil.
• Spinach leaves — Rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems before adding them to the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the sweet potatoes and spinach.
• Adjust the amount of chili powder according to your spice preference.
• Serve the Abenkwan with a side of fufu or steamed rice for a complete Ghanaian meal.
• Garnish the soup with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Abenkwan hot in bowls, accompanied by fufu or steamed rice. Sprinkle some chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Abenkwan in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the soup. Serve it alongside a plate of fufu or steamed rice for an authentic Ghanaian dining experience.