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There's been a lot of celebrating going on at The Café lately, with birthdays, reunions and all sorts of Christmas festivities. Oh, and of course, lots of indulgent treats to go along with the parties. A few days ago, I began to realize that my sweet tank* was quite full - in fact it was full to the brim! I was craving something healthy, flavorful and fun. Something unique and delicious that I could serve to guests, yet at the same time, use for quick, easy meals during this busy pre-Christmas week.
African Peanut Soup? Yes, and you'll never guess where I found the inspiration for this delightful recipe. I was thumbing through the Costco store monthly magazine and paused to read an article about their rotisserie chicken. We love their wonderful golden brown, perfectly cooked chicken and pick one up quite frequently to use for sandwiches, salads, soups, etc.
This particular article had letters from happy customers sharing their favorite ways of using the Costco rotisserie chicken. There was a pasta recipe, a chicken dip, a sandwich and several others, but the one that really caught my eye was one called Easy African Peanut Soup. Peanut soup? It sounded a bit strange, but as I read the list of ingredients, I was quite intrigued. I did a bit of research on African Peanut Soup and, while I didn't end up using the Costco recipe, it was definitely where I got my inspiration.
I know, I know, I really do know; you're thinking this combination of ingredients sounds quite strange. You're right, I thought the same thing! But PLEASE, try this! It is amazing; my husband and son-in-law were the first ones to try it and they both said, "WOW!" with the first bite. If you're looking for a delicious, fun, very flavorful entree, sure to bring rave reviews - this is IT!
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion roughly chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and roughly chopped
- 2 " piece ginger peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground or crushed coriander seed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon tumeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 quart low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups peeled and roughly chopped carrots
- 16 ounce can peeled plum tomatoes
- 1 large sweet potato peeled and roughly chopped
- ¼ cup roughly chopped cilantro packed
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce
- 1½ teaspoons salt more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- 1 can light coconut milk
- 2 cups shredded roasted chicken breast rotisserie chicken is great
- cooked jasmine rice for topping (I use ½ cup per serving)
- finely chopped bell pepper any color, for topping
- finely chopped fresh cilantro for topping
- roughly chopped salted peanuts for topping
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Heat oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or dutch oven. Add onions and pepper and sauté until soft and translucent. Add garlic, ginger and spices and continue to sauté for 2 more minutes.
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Add the chicken stock, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, cilantro, brown sugar, Sriacha, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes until all veggies are super tender.
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Add coconut milk and peanut butter and puree with a stick blender or a regular blender. If using a regular blender, be sure to allow mixture to cool a bit before pureeing.
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Add roasted chicken and cook for another minute or two until chicken is heated through. Ladle into bowls and garnish with a scoop of rice and a sprinkle of the chopped bell pepper, cilantro and peanuts.
Kitchen Riffs says
I've heard of this soup before but had completely forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder! Your version looks terrific. And I love the idea of a sweet tank - I can put that concept to good use! Terrific photo up top - super food styling.
Angie's Recipes says
A very flavourful and satisfying soup! My husband is a huge fan of peanuts and I am very sure he will be very happy to have this as his dinner.
Kim Garceau says
I'm sooooo curious about the taste of this soup! I'm bookmarking this recipe so I can try it during the Holidays!
The Mom Chef says
Wow, I'm thinking I'd need to get a reserve healthy tank so I can eat twice as much of this soup. It sounds amazing.
bellini says
I have gad a similar soup so can attest to the fact that it is delicious.
Rogier says
Thx for the recipe! I've made this today, and its really good! In my variation, i added some lime when served, a must for me..
Stephanie says
Wow, this soup looks amazingly good...and healthy! I love your son's theory, it seems to be the one my son wants to live by but he has a tough mom who went through the same phase 😉 Happy Holidays Chris!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I have heard of peanut soup before but never have had it. I'll be making it sound as the flavor must be wonderful.
Debra Eliotseats says
All of these flavors sound wonderful.
(I have OD'ed on sweet stuff too. I would much rather make savory dishes during the holidays. May add this to my repertoire.)
scrambledhenfruit says
This sounds absolutely divine- all of those flavors together make for a delicious combination. I've had peanut soup, but this sounds even better. 🙂
Sandra Lee says
I would love every drop of this!
Jocelyn + Cathy says
Perfect for a cold, rainy day! Reminds me of Disneyland too...
Madonna says
I encourage everyone to try this. The first time I heard of this I thought it sounded disgusting. I mean peanut butter, tomatoes, and peppers, yuck, but someone I trust said it was delicious, so I gave it a try. Oh my goodness this is so good I couldn’t stop eating it. I have only had the vegetarian version made with chickpeas. I will have to try this with the chicken.
I agree with your son. No matter what I have had I need a tiny sweet to complete the meal or I feel deprived.
Vicki Bensinger says
Ooh this sounds so good with the coconut milk, peanut butter and sriracha. Plus the photo makes it very inviting. Nice recipe. I'll have to save this to try when the weather gets cold out again.
Lizzy Do says
I have never sampled an African peanut soup, but you've never lead me astray, Chris! It's certainly gorgeous and there's a definite chill in the air 🙂
Beth says
I think those flavors sound wonderful together. What a perfect soup for a chilly day!
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
Love your son's idea of tanks. It's true I believe.
What a great soup and one I don't think I've ever tasted. Love the peanuts in it and the presentation is fantastic.
Sam
Lisa {Authentic Suburban Gourmet } says
What a beautiful and unique soup - a must try. I love how you found the inspiration - it is true that inspiration is all around us, we just have to be aware! Happy Saturday!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
This soup looks wonderful, Chris! I love the flavors!
Pondside says
It sounds delicious and looks beautiful. I have everything at hand except for the cilantro and peanuts. I even have the chili sauce! What a good-sounding soup for a chilly December night.
Sue/the view from great island says
This is a masterpiece, Chris! I love the sound of it all, the peanuts, the coconut milk, the spices, it sounds fabulous. Oh, and I've known about the tank theory for years, just didn't know it had a name!
Patty says
Another beautiful soup-you really are a good soup recipe finder;-) With all the holiday eating a bowl of soup for dinner sounds just perfect to me;-)
Patti says
Oh, my stars, does this sound divine! I love peanut butter and coconut milk. And though I don't know much about turmeric, I suspect it has curry-like qualities, since the soup is that beautiful curry powder color. I LOVE curry...can never get enough of it. I am definitely going to try this soup.
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
I second how delicious this soup is, Chris. It's one of my favorites. Your recipe has a few more ingredients than mine and I can't wait to try your version. If your readers are looking for an absolutely delicious soup THIS IS IT!
Jennifer@ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
It's like you know me!!! 🙂 The soup is absolutely perfect!!! Funny where we get some creative recipe ideas from! Gotta love Costco! Have a wonderful weekend!!