Liberian Peanut Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15g) grated ginger 1 tablespoon (15g) grated ginger
• 1-2 chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference) 1-2 chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust according to spice preference)
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 bunch of collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped 1 bunch of collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chili peppers to the pot. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Stir in the peanut butter until well combined with the onion mixture.
4. 4.
   Add the diced sweet potatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. 5.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
6. 6.
   Return the soup to the pot and add the chopped collard greens. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Liberian Peanut Soup hot, garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peanut butter — Use a creamy peanut butter without added sugar or salt for the best results.
• Collard greens — Make sure to remove the tough stems before chopping the leaves for a tender texture in the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier soup, leave the seeds in the chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more vegetable broth if desired.
• To enhance the flavors, you can add a splash of lime juice before serving.
• If you prefer a chunkier soup, reserve some of the sweet potato cubes and collard greens to add back into the pureed soup.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Liberian Peanut Soup as a main course accompanied by crusty bread or cooked rice. The soup can also be enjoyed as a starter or a side dish alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and texture. Serve it in a deep bowl to showcase its creamy consistency.