Save Peanut Butter Soup is a deeply comforting dish from West Africa that always surprises with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Peanut butter gives the soup body and richness, while tomatoes and warming spices create layers of flavor that make this meal truly special. Hearty enough for chilly nights and exciting enough for any dinner table, this soup has become a favorite in my home for sharing stories and warm meals.
I first made this soup when I wanted to recreate a taste of West Africa in my kitchen. The aroma alone drew my family to the table before I could even finish ladling it into bowls.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: provide juicy, tender protein and infuse the broth with richness. look for bone in pieces with skin removed for best flavor
- Smoked fish: brings an added depth and traditional smokiness. choose deboned fillets for easy eating or skip for a lighter touch
- Large onion: forms the savory base. pick a firm onion with glistening skin
- Tomatoes: add freshness and a hint of tang. use ripe medium red tomatoes for maximum flavor
- Red bell peppers: lend sweetness and color. opt for bright shiny peppers with no soft spots
- Garlic: gives a sharp aromatics punch. use firm smooth cloves
- Scotch bonnet pepper whole: infuses the broth with fruity heat. keep it whole for control
- Tomato paste: thickens and concentrates the tomato flavor. aim for deep red paste for a richer result
- Smooth peanut butter unsweetened and natural: creates the core creamy texture. choose a fresh jar without added sugar
- Chicken stock or water: becomes the flavorful liquid component. use good quality stock for richness
- Vegetable oil: helps gently sauté the veg. neutral flavored oil is best
- Salt and black pepper: wake up all the flavors. use freshly ground pepper for spice
- Ground crayfish: imparts traditional umami and depth. if using source from reputable African markets
- Ground ginger: brings gentle warmth. use fresh jarred powder for best punch
- Ground coriander: offers citrusy herbal notes. fresh ground for brightness
- Steamed white rice or fufu: is the perfect side for soaking up the broth
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Cook onions in hot vegetable oil over medium heat until they turn translucent about three minutes. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.
- Build the Vegetable Base:
- Add garlic, tomatoes, red bell pepper, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for five to seven minutes. Allow the ingredients to soften and grow fragrant this infuses the oil with their flavors.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Toss in the chicken pieces. Stir often and cook until all sides are just turning golden which should take about five minutes. This browning step adds flavor to the entire soup.
- Simmer with Spices:
- Pour in the chicken stock. Drop in the whole Scotch bonnet, ground ginger, coriander, crayfish if you have it, and a hearty pinch of salt and pepper. Turn up the heat until the mixture boils.
- Slow Cook for Tenderness:
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup bubble quietly for fifteen minutes. The chicken will almost cook through in this step.
- Blend the Peanut Butter:
- Scoop one cup of hot broth from the pot and pour it over the peanut butter in a separate bowl. Stir slowly until the mix is completely smooth. This step stops the peanut butter clumping in the soup.
- Incorporate the Peanut Mixture:
- Slowly add your creamy peanut mixture back into the pot. Stir well to blend with the bubbling soup. This is when the magic thickening happens.
- Add the Smoked Fish:
- Gently stir in the flaked smoked fish. Let the pot simmer without a lid for twenty minutes. Soak in the sights and smells while the soup thickens and oil starts to float on top.
- Remove the Scotch Bonnet:
- Carefully fish out the whole Scotch bonnet pepper at the end. Throw it away or serve on the side if anyone wants extra heat.
- Serve:
- Spoon the soup over hot rice or fufu to soak up each drop. Dish up right away for best experience.
Save Whenever I stir in that swirl of peanut butter I remember how it always made my kitchen smell like a celebration. My favorite part is the moment the oil rises to the top, something my grandmother always said meant the soup was ready for guests.
Storage Tips
Once cooled, keep leftover soup in a covered container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze in single serve portions and thaw overnight before reheating over gentle heat. The flavor only improves by the next day.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or even boneless breast if preferred. For a vegetarian twist, use hearty mushrooms or cubed tofu and rely on vegetable stock. If you cannot find smoked fish just add a touch of smoked paprika for similar depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed white rice for the classic pairing. If you want to go fully traditional, try with fufu or pounded yam. A side of sautéed greens like spinach or collards makes it a complete meal.
Cultural and Historical Roots
Known in West Africa by many names, peanut butter soup is a celebration dish rooted in community warmth and sharing. Every family has their signature blend and variations show up across Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and beyond. The Scotch bonnet pepper and crayfish give it unmistakable West African soul.
Seasonal Adaptations
In summer, use sweet ripe tomatoes for the richest flavor. During colder months, add diced sweet potato for extra heartiness. If fresh peppers are scarce substitute with a spoonful of good quality red pepper paste.
Success Stories
Friends who had never tried West African foods rave about this soup after the first spoonful. My kids ask for it as their special birthday dinner because the flavors are both bold and comforting. If you love peanut butter as much as we do this recipe will find a permanent home in your rotation.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Double the recipe during a weekend cook and freeze half. When ready to eat just heat on the stovetop. The texture remains creamy and smooth even after freezing. Avoid adding the rice or fufu until you serve.
Save One bowl of this Peanut Butter Soup is never enough. A spoonful brings the warmth of West Africa right into your kitchen.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of peanut butter works best?
Choose smooth, unsweetened, natural peanut butter for authentic flavor and creamy texture.
- → Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and fish and use vegetable broth as the base to keep the rich flavor.
- → Is it possible to adjust the spice level?
Definitely. Control heat by adding or removing the Scotch bonnet pepper early in the cooking process.
- → What is the ideal accompaniment?
This soup is traditionally paired with steamed rice or fufu, both perfect for soaking up flavors.
- → Can I use palm oil instead of vegetable oil?
Palm oil brings classic West African taste and a deeper color—use it as a traditional alternative.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, just verify all ingredients such as stock and peanut butter to ensure they are gluten-free.