Name: West African Peanut Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: West African Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1–2 fresh chilies, chopped (optional, for heat); 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes; ½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky); 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional, for non-vegetarian); 2 cups chopped spinach or kale; Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something magical about the way West African Peanut Soup brings together savory, nutty, and subtly spicy flavors all in one velvety bowl. This soulful creation is not just a meal, but an embrace—the kind that warms from the inside out. Brimming with creamy peanut butter, tomatoes, and fragrant spices, every spoonful sings with comfort, tradition, and a touch of adventure. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner or seeking a show-stopping soup to share, West African Peanut Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort dish.

West African Peanut Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary! The lineup for West African Peanut Soup is brilliantly simple, yet each element delivers unmistakable character—contributing depth, brightness, or a little kick. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Vegetable Oil: This is the flavor foundation—choose a neutral oil to let the spices shine.
Onion: Diced onion lends natural sweetness and depth to kick off your base.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses aromatic, slightly pungent notes that elevate the savoriness of the soup.
Fresh Ginger: A little grated ginger offers warmth and gentle heat for extra complexity.
Red Bell Pepper: Its sweet crunch softens as it cooks, adding color and an irresistible mellow flavor.
Fresh Chilies (optional): For those who like it hot, a chopped chili or two introduces a customizable zing.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes create a tangy, robust body—the backdrop for all the other flavors.
Natural Peanut Butter: The heart of this soup! Choose smooth for velvety texture or chunky for a rustic feel.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Broth makes the base rich and deeply savory; either veggie or chicken adds a delicious backbone.
Ground Cumin: Earthy cumin brings essential warmth and that unmistakable hint of smokiness.
Smoked Paprika: This spice offers layers of smokiness, subtly balancing out sweetness from the vegetables.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those craving more heat, a pinch or two of cayenne totally transforms the finish.
Shredded Chicken (optional): For a meaty, protein-rich twist, add cooked chicken—just skip it to keep things vegan.
Spinach or Kale: Tender greens not only up the nutrition, they add a beautiful splash of color.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for dialing in the perfect seasoning when everything comes together.
Chopped Peanuts and Cilantro (for garnish): A sprinkle on top delivers crunch, freshness, and lots of flair.

How to Make West African Peanut Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Cook everything together, stirring often, until the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible and the onions turn soft and translucent. This essential step kickstarts a savory flavor base that will echo through every bite of your West African Peanut Soup.

Step 2: Add Bell Pepper and Chilies

After your aromatics are fragrant, add the red bell pepper and chopped chilies if you like a bit of extra heat. Sauté them for an additional 3–4 minutes, letting their flavors meld gently and their color brighten your pot. The bell pepper brings sweet juiciness and the chilies, of course, let you control just how fiery your soup will be.

Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes

Next, pour in your can of diced tomatoes. Let them simmer with the other vegetables for about 5 minutes. This gives them plenty of time to break down and add their tangy, slightly sweet richness, building the savory body that’s so distinctive in West African Peanut Soup.

Step 4: Whisk Peanut Butter with Broth

Before you add your peanut butter to the main pot, whisk it together with a cup of the broth in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. This little trick ensures a perfectly creamy texture—no lumps in sight! Then pour it in, followed by the rest of your chosen broth.

Step 5: Add Spices and Simmer

Now stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if using, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well, bring your soup to a gentle simmer, and let the magic happen as those flavors blend. If you’re adding shredded chicken, slide it in alongside your chopped spinach or kale and let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes, until the greens are tender and the soup is piping hot.

Step 6: Final Taste and Serve

Take a sip and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt or a dash more heat. When everything is just right, ladle your West African Peanut Soup into bowls and finish each one with a handful of chopped peanuts and a generous sprinkle of cilantro. Serve immediately for maximum comfort!

How to Serve West African Peanut Soup

Garnishes

Don’t skimp on toppings! Fresh cilantro brightens every bowl and chopped peanuts add a wonderful crunch that contrasts the luscious soup. You can even toss on thinly sliced chilies or a lime wedge for an extra burst of flavor and color. The garnishes are more than just pretty—they pull each bite together with freshness and texture.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, West African Peanut Soup is served with fluffy white rice, pillowy fufu, or slices of warm flatbread—each perfect for scooping up every last drop. You can also pair it with crusty bread, millet, or even steamed sweet potatoes. The neutral sides soak up all that wonderful broth and turn the soup into a hearty, complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-factor presentation, serve the soup in small bowls or mugs as a starter at dinner parties, or try ladling it over brown rice in a wide shallow bowl for a striking layered look. Tiny shooters of West African Peanut Soup make unique appetizers at gatherings, and family-style platters let everyone garnish their own. Play with serving vessels—think mini cocottes, handled mugs, or even hollowed-out bread rolls!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about West African Peanut Soup is how well it keeps. Pop leftovers into an airtight container and stash in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen as they mingle—so tomorrow’s lunch might taste even better than tonight’s dinner!

Freezing

West African Peanut Soup is a dream for the freezer. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze—just warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If it has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency. Garnish fresh, and enjoy each reheated bowl just as much as the first!

FAQs

Is West African Peanut Soup spicy?

It can be! The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; you control the level of heat by adding more or less chili and cayenne. Keep it mild for the family, or spice it up if you love fiery flavors.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely—West African Peanut Soup is already plant-based at its core. Simply use veggie broth and leave out the chicken. The result is just as hearty and flavorful!

What type of peanut butter works best?

Natural peanut butter is the way to go, as it provides pure peanut flavor with healthier fats and no added sugar. Smooth peanut butter creates a silky base, while chunky offers delightful bits of peanut throughout the soup.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to customize with carrots, sweet potatoes, or squash for added sweetness and texture. Just dice them small so they cook evenly in the soup.

How do I prevent a grainy texture in the soup?

Whisk the peanut butter with broth until it’s completely smooth before adding it to the pot. Taking this extra step makes a huge difference and ensures a creamy, luxurious West African Peanut Soup every single time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for a meal that delivers comfort, bold flavor, and a touch of culinary adventure, West African Peanut Soup is sure to win hearts. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and share it with friends—the only thing better than enjoying this bowl of goodness is seeing someone else discover how incredible it is! Happy cooking!