West African Peanut Soup

West African Peanut Soup is a rich, deeply flavorful, and soul-warming dish enjoyed across West Africa — especially in Ghana and Nigeria. This beloved soup blends creamy peanut butter with tomatoes, aromatics, warm spices, and tender vegetables to create a silky, comforting bowl that is both nourishing and bold. With layers of savory, nutty, and slightly spicy flavors, this soup brings an authentic taste of West African cuisine to your kitchen with simple, accessible ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and rich with the unique flavor of peanut butter

Balanced with spices, vegetables, and tomato for incredible depth

Easy to make with everyday pantry ingredients

Naturally filling and protein-rich

Customizable — add chicken, sweet potatoes, or greens

Warm, comforting, and perfect for cold weather

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1 red bell pepper, diced

1–2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 medium sweet potato, peeled & diced

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon cumin

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

¾ cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup chopped kale or spinach

Salt & pepper to taste

Crushed peanuts & fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat oil in a pot and cook onion, garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
2. Add Tomato Base
   Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to deepen the flavor, then add crushed tomatoes.
3. Season Well
   Add paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Add Sweet Potatoes & Broth
   Add diced sweet potato and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender.
5. Make the Peanut Mixture
   Scoop 1 cup of hot broth into a bowl. Whisk in the peanut butter until smooth, then pour back into the pot.
6. Add Greens & Finish Cooking
   Add kale or spinach and simmer another 5–10 minutes until the soup thickens and flavors blend.

Conclusion

West African Peanut Soup is rich, nourishing, and bursting with warm, traditional flavors. This creamy and comforting soup provides the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes while staying simple and wholesome. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with rice, this dish brings a taste of West Africa straight to your kitchen — and it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite.