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Ghanaian Peanut Butter Soup in white bowl with chicken
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Ghanaian Peanut Butter Soup Recipe - Groundnut Soup

Known as Groundnut Soup, this beloved West African dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Rich peanut butter, aromatic spices, tomatoes, and tender meat come together to create a comforting bowl that's perfect with Omo Tuo, fufu, or rice.
Course Dinner
Cuisine African, Ghanaian
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 955kcal
Author Savory Thoughts

Equipment

  • Large Saucepan

Ingredients

  • 4-5 Heaping Spoon Peanut Butter; Use creamy textured peanut butter
  • Baked Hen; Normally found at the international stores.

    I purchased a 5½-pound baking hen, used one half for the soup, and saved the remaining half for another meal.

  • 1 Star Anise
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • Savory Thought's All Purpose Seasoning To Taste; Use your favorite all purpose seasoning if you do not have the Savory Thoughts Seasoning.
  • Salt To Taste; Optional
  • Water; 1 cup to blend with the ingredients, and the 4 cups for the soup. If you do not want to use water, you can substitute it for broth (vegetable, beef, or chicken)
  • ½ cup Neutral Oil

To Marinate & Cook The Chicken

  • 1 Medium Onion; Not Sweet
  • 1 Habanero Pepper; Optional but highly recommended
  • 6 Garlic Cloves
  • 4 tbsp. Tomatoes Paste
  • 2 Thumb Sizse Ginger; Peeled.
  • 1 cup Water

Ingredients For The Soup

  • 2 medium size onions; Cut in quarters. Do not use sweet onions. Use 2 medium onions or 1 large onion.
  • 3 Large Tomatoes
  • Habanero Pepper(s); Optional. To taste.
  • 1 cup Peanut Butter; See tips in the post
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper

Instructions

  • Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
    Add the onion, habanero pepper, garlic cloves, tomato paste, ginger, and 1 cup of water to a blender. Blend until smooth.
    Clean the baking hen properly then place the baking hen pieces in a large bowl. Pour the blended mixture over the chicken and season generously with the all-purpose seasoning and salt, if using.
    Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
    Cook the Chicken
    Transfer the marinated chicken along with the marinade to a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
    Cover and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes or until cooked, stirring occasionally, until the chicken begins to release its natural juices. Check for doneness. It should be almost fork through. 
    Pour in 4 cups of water (or broth) and continue cooking for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
    Ghanaian Peanut Butter Soup Step-by-Step Photo Guide
  • Prepare the Peanut Butter Soup Base
    Add the star anise and bay leaves. While the chicken cooks, add the onions, tomatoes, red bell pepper, and additional habanero pepper(s), if using, to a blender.
    Blend until smooth. If needed, add a small amount of water to help the ingredients blend.
    In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter with about 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot. Whisk until smooth and pourable. This helps prevent lumps from forming in the soup.
    Ghanaian Peanut Butter Soup Step-by-Step Photo Guide
  • Finish the Soup
    Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove the star anise if desired.
    Add the blended vegetable mixture to the pot and stir well.
    Slowly pour in the peanut butter mixture while stirring continuously.
    Add the neutral oil and stir to combine.
    Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
    Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional all-purpose seasoning or salt.
    Ghanaian Peanut Butter Soup Step-by-Step Photo Guide
  • Serve
    The soup is ready when the flavors have fully come together and the oil naturally rises to the surface. This is one of the easiest signs that the soup has finished cooking.
    Serve hot with Omo Tuo (rice balls), fufu, white rice, boiled yam, or enjoy it on its own.
    Ghanaian Peanut Butter Soup Step-by-Step Photo Guide

Notes

**** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
 
 
 
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Calories are estimated per serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 6servings | Calories: 955kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 95g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 201mg | Sodium: 764mg | Potassium: 1209mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 42IU | Vitamin C: 422mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 26mg