Maafe West African Peanut Soup

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds (450-900g) beef (or chicken)
• ¼ cup (60ml) oil (or more)
• 1 teaspoon (2-3g) smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon (1-2g) white pepper
• 2 fresh tomatoes, (chopped)
• 1 medium onion, (chopped and divided)
• 3-4 cloves garlic
• 2-3 tablespoons (8-12g) parsley
• ½ cup (64g) ground peanuts (or peanut butter powder)
• 3-4 cups (700-840ml) broth (chicken or beef (reserved from boiling))
• 1 pound (450g) vegetables (or more (potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc.))
• 1 whole scotch bonnet, (habanero or ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional))
• salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, season the meat with salt and boil until tender. Cooking time varies depending on which cut of meat you are using.

2. 2

   Remove the meat and reserve the stock (broth). You should have at least 3-4 cups of stock.

3. 3

   In a large pot, heat oil over low heat, then add the meat. Sauté stirring frequently to remove any browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Remove and set aside.

4. 4

   Blend the tomatoes, half the onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor or blender.

5. 5

   Add the other half of the onion, chopped to the pan, and saute for about a minute.

6. 6

   Pour the blended ingredients into the saucepan. Add the paprika and white pepper and sauté for 7-10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and add stock as needed.

7. 7

   Add the potatoes, carrots, peanut butter paste, scotch bonnet pepper, and about 3 cups of broth.

8. 8

   Continue cooking until potatoes tender—10 minutes or more, depending on the vegetables.

9. 9

   Toss in the browned beef and adjust the soup thickness to the desired consistency. Serve and enjoy!