Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
Ingredients:
Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Protein Options:
- Option 1 – Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Option 2 – Fish: 1 pound firm white fish, cut into large chunks
- Option 3 – Vegetarian: Omit protein or add 1 (15oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Vegetables:
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup chopped okra (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Thickener and Flavor:
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (natural is best)
Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
Spice it Up:
- Stir in tomato paste, curry powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
Build the Broth:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Choose Your Protein:
- Chicken: Add chicken pieces and simmer for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Fish: Add fish chunks and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Vegetarian: Skip to the next step.
Add the Vegetables:
- Add the sweet potato, okra, and diced tomatoes with their juice to the pot.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes more, or until the sweet potato is tender.
Peanut Butter Magic:
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the hot broth from the pot with the peanut butter until smooth.
- Pour this mixture back into the soup and stir well. Simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken
Taste and Adjust:
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and additional cayenne if desired.
Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and/or lime wedges if you like.
- Enjoy with rice, couscous, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Tips:
- Peanut Butter: Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best flavor and to control added sugar.
- Customization: Experiment with other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or eggplant.
- Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired heat preference.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegetable broth and omit the fish/chicken for a fully vegan recipe.
Enjoy the rich and flavorful taste of Senegal with this soup!
