A delight for vegetarian and soup lovers, this African inspired vegetarian peanut soup is a unique combination of peanut butter and tomato paste which imparts a rich, satisfying flavor. The collard greens add an earthy touch, making this recipe a heartwarming and nourishing choice especially during cold seasons.
While most of the ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, collard greens might be one you'll need to look out for at your local supermarket. These greens are part of the cabbage family and are packed with nutrients, providing a health boost to this soup. If you don't have access to collard greens, kale or spinach make great substitutes.
Ingredients for Vegetarian Peanut Soup
Vegetable broth: Used as the liquid base of the soup. It adds depth and a complex flavor.
Red onion: Provides a sweet and mild flavor that forms part of the aromatic base of the soup.
Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, spicy undertone.
Garlic cloves: Essential for enhancing taste.
Collard greens: Adds an earthy flavor and is packed with nutrients.
Peanut butter: Lends a creamy, rich and nutty taste.
Tomato paste: Gives the soup body and a tangy sweetness.
Hot sauce: Adds heat to the soup, adjust to your preference.
Peanuts: Used for garnish, they provide a delightful crunch.
Brown rice: Served with the soup, it makes the dish more substantial and satisfying.
One reader, Jerry Melvin says:
This vegetarian peanut soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the combination of peanut butter and collard greens is simply divine. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying it out!
Cooking Techniques for Vegetarian Peanut Soup Recipe
How to prepare the peanut soup: A step-by-step guide on how to prepare the soup, including the initial boiling of the broth and water, and the subsequent addition of ingredients.
How to whisk the peanut butter and tomato paste mixture: Instructions on how to combine the peanut butter and tomato paste with hot stock to achieve a smooth mixture.
How to simmer the soup: Guidelines on simmering the soup on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring often to ensure even cooking.
How to serve the peanut soup over brown rice: Instructions on serving the soup over cooked brown rice and topping it with chopped peanuts for added flavor and texture.
How To Make Vegetarian Peanut Soup
Enjoy a bowl of our West African-inspired peanut soup for lunch today! It’s got spicy seasonings and tender veggies that takes less than an hour to cook.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4cupslow-sodium vegetable broth
- 2cupswater
- 1medium red onion,chopped
- 2tbspfresh ginger,peeled and minced
- 4garlic cloves,minced
- 1tspsalt
- 1bunchcollard greens,or kale, ribs removed and leaves chopped into 1-inch strips
- ¾cupunsalted peanut butter,chunky or smooth
- ½cuptomato paste
- hot sauce
- ¼cuppeanuts,roughly chopped, for garnish
- brown rice,cooked, for serving, optional
Instructions
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Combine the broth and water in a medium Dutch oven or stock pot.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the onion, ginger, garlic and salt.
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Cook on medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
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In a medium-sized, heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and tomato paste, then transfer 1 to 2 cups of the hot stock into the bowl.
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Whisk the mixture together until smooth, then pour the peanut mixture back into the soup and mix well.
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Stir in the collard greens, then season the soup with hot sauce to taste.
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Simmer for 15 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring often.
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Season with additional salt or hot sauce, if desired.
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Serve over cooked brown rice then top with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 391.02kcal
- Fat: 29.70g
- Saturated Fat: 5.64g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.58g
- Carbohydrates: 23.43g
- Fiber: 5.59g
- Sugar: 10.93g
- Protein: 15.41g
- Sodium: 896.14mg
- Calcium: 89.85mg
- Potassium: 763.95mg
- Iron: 2.47mg
- Vitamin A: 55.55µg
- Vitamin C: 14.15mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting This Peanut Soup Recipe
To ensure your peanut soup has a smooth consistency, it's crucial to properly mix the peanut butter and tomato paste with the hot stock. Whisking them together in a separate bowl before adding them back into the soup helps to prevent clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Additionally, when adding the collard greens, make sure to stir them in thoroughly to allow them to wilt and infuse their flavor into the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and measure ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Utilize leftovers: Repurpose leftover ingredients or meals to create new dishes and reduce food waste.
Efficient tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and immersion blenders to speed up prep and cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Vegetarian Peanut Soup Recipe
low-sodium vegetable broth - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock is a suitable substitute for low-sodium vegetable broth as it provides a similar flavor and can be used in equal amounts.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can be used as a substitute for red onions in this recipe, as they offer a slightly milder flavor but still provide a good base for the soup.
collard greens - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for collard greens, as it has a similar texture and flavor profile, and will work well in the soup.
unsalted peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for unsalted peanut butter, providing a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor to the soup.
peanuts - Substitute with cashews: Cashews can be used as a substitute for peanuts, adding a rich and creamy texture to the soup while providing a nutty flavor.
brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a substitute for brown rice, adding a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture to the soup.
Presentation Ideas for Peanut Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the vegetarian peanut soup, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup and its accompaniments.
Garnish with precision: Carefully sprinkle a few whole peanuts on top of the soup to add a delightful crunch and visual interest. This small touch adds a layer of sophistication to the presentation.
Incorporate color contrast: Consider serving the soup alongside a scoop of fluffy brown rice to create a striking contrast in colors and textures. The rice not only complements the soup but also adds an element of elegance to the overall presentation.
Focus on balance: Pay attention to the distribution of elements in the bowl, ensuring that each component is thoughtfully placed to create a harmonious and balanced presentation.
Emphasize the greens: Arrange the collard greens in a way that adds height and dimension to the dish. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also showcases the freshness of the ingredients.
Highlight the bowl: Select a beautiful, high-quality bowl that complements the colors of the soup and enhances the overall presentation. The right vessel can elevate the dining experience and leave a lasting impression.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Vegetarian Peanut Soup
- Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for simmering soups and stews.
- Stock pot: A large pot used for making stocks, soups, and boiling pasta.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing them together.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
- Knife: Essential for chopping and dicing vegetables and other ingredients.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for the recipe.
- Saucepan: A small, deep pan used for heating and cooking sauces and soups.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients in pots and pans.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Vegetarian Peanut Soup
- Let the vegetarian peanut soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag.
- If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the soup, place the airtight container or freezer-safe bag in the freezer.
- Frozen vegetarian peanut soup can be stored for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a little vegetable broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce to taste before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Peanut Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover vegetarian peanut soup to a saucepan and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without scorching or burning.
Microwave method: pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave the soup on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: if you have a larger quantity of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover it with the lid, and set it on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the soup is heated through. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup without much hands-on attention.
Add a splash of vegetable broth or water: if the leftover soup has thickened during storage, you can add a small amount of vegetable broth or water to thin it out and improve its consistency when reheating.
Adjust the seasonings: after reheating the soup, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, hot sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
Garnish and serve: once the soup is heated through, ladle it into bowls and garnish it with fresh toppings like chopped peanuts, cilantro, or a dollop of yogurt. Serve the soup with freshly cooked brown rice for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Interesting Fact About Peanut Soup
The peanut soup recipe is a rich source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal for vegetarians.
Is Making Vegetarian Peanut Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This vegetarian peanut soup recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. With affordable ingredients like vegetable broth, peanut butter, and collard greens, it offers a budget-friendly option for families. The rich flavors and nutritional value make it a great addition to any meal plan. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Vegetarian Soup Healthy?
This vegetarian peanut soup recipe is a nutritious and wholesome meal option. Here's why:
- The soup is based on a low-sodium vegetable broth, which provides a flavorful foundation without excessive salt.
- Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and calcium.
- Peanut butter offers healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
- Ginger and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties and can boost the immune system.
- Brown rice is a whole grain that provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to reduce added sugars and oils.
- Consider using low-sodium tomato paste to further reduce the salt content.
- Add more vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, to increase the nutrient density of the soup.
- Experiment with different leafy greens, like spinach or kale, to vary the nutritional profile.
- Use a variety of whole grains, such as quinoa or millet, to provide a range of nutrients and textures.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate the already healthy vegetarian peanut soup recipe to new heights of nutrition and flavor. The key is to focus on whole, minimally processed ingredients that work together to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Vegetarian Peanut Soup Recipe
This vegetarian peanut soup recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of peanut butter, tomato paste, and collard greens creates a rich and hearty base, while the addition of hot sauce provides a subtle kick. Serving the soup over brown rice adds a satisfying element, and the sprinkle of chopped peanuts adds a delightful crunch. The recipe's use of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques makes it accessible for home cooks, and the end result is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to please both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
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Why trust this Vegetarian Peanut Soup Recipe:
This vegetarian peanut soup recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of peanut butter and tomato paste creates a rich, creamy base, while the addition of collard greens infuses the soup with a vibrant, earthy essence. The use of fresh ginger and garlic cloves adds depth and warmth to the dish, elevating its aromatic profile. Furthermore, the incorporation of unsalted peanuts provides a satisfying crunch, complementing the velvety smoothness of the soup. With its harmonious blend of wholesome ingredients, this recipe promises a nourishing and satisfying dining experience.
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