Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato

Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato is a bold, rich, and soul-warming dish inspired by West African flavors. Creamy peanut butter, tender sweet potatoes, and warming spices blend together in a savory broth that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. With just the right amount of heat and a velvety texture, this soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is more than just flavorful—it’s loaded with plant-based goodness and is surprisingly easy to make. The ingredients are pantry staples, and the result is a luxurious, restaurant-worthy dish you can whip up in under an hour.

• Bold, complex flavor with a creamy texture
• Vegan-friendly and gluten-free
• Protein-rich thanks to peanut butter
• Hearty enough to serve as a full meal
• Great for batch cooking and leftovers

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Tomato paste
• Crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Natural peanut butter (unsweetened and unsalted)
• Vegetable broth
• Coconut milk (optional for added creaminess)
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Cayenne pepper or chili flakes (to taste)
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro (for garnish)

directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add tomato paste, cumin, coriander, and cayenne. Cook, stirring, for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Add the diced sweet potatoes and stir to coat.
5. Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
6. Stir in the peanut butter and coconut milk (if using). Mix well until smooth and creamy.
7. Use an immersion blender to blend part or all of the soup to your desired texture, or leave it chunky for more bite.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, topped with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add Greens: Stir in chopped kale, spinach, or collard greens during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Protein Boost: Add chickpeas, lentils, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Extra Creamy: Blend the entire soup until smooth and stir in extra coconut milk.
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
• Different Spice Level: Adjust cayenne to your heat preference, or add hot sauce when serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
This soup freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

FAQs

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients, it’s completely vegan.

How spicy is this soup?

It has a mild to moderate heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I use chunky peanut butter?

Yes, but it will slightly change the texture. For a smooth soup, stick with creamy peanut butter.

What if I don’t have coconut milk?

You can skip it or replace it with more broth. Coconut milk just adds extra creaminess.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients (except peanut butter and coconut milk) and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in peanut butter and coconut milk at the end.

Do I need to blend the soup?

Not necessarily. You can leave it chunky, blend just part of it, or make it completely smooth—totally up to your texture preference.

What kind of sweet potatoes should I use?

Any orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (like Garnet or Jewel) work great for their creamy texture and natural sweetness.

Can I substitute the tomato paste or crushed tomatoes?

You can use tomato sauce or diced tomatoes in a pinch, but it may slightly affect the consistency.

What toppings go well with this soup?

Chopped peanuts, cilantro, scallions, or a swirl of coconut cream add flavor and texture.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Yes, just reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder version suitable for kids.

Conclusion

Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato is a flavorful, nourishing bowl of comfort that’s perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a meal that feels like a warm hug. With a rich base, a bit of heat, and loads of wholesome ingredients, this soup is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll crave it again and again.

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