Nkatenkwan
This Ghanaian dish, called Nkatenkwan or groundnut soup, is popular throughout West Africa. It’s typically a creamy chicken-peanut-soup.
A Soup With So Many Options
With our variations, the soup can be modified to your taste. For instance, use other vegetables and/ or make it a clear soup.
Grains of the Paradise
Add a finish of grains of paradise (included). They are native to West Africa, mainly from Ghana, and a mild but pungent alternative to black pepper.
Variations
Substitute okra with green beans, kale, or cabbage.
Substitute peanut butter with other nut butter.
For a clear soup, skip peanut butter.
For a preparation without food processor and more tips, please see the notes at the after the recipe instructions.
The Nkatenkwan Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:
[1] Ginger, rosemary, bay leaves
[2] Grains of paradise
Ghanaian Nkatenkwan
This renowned Ghanaian delicacy, known as Nkatenkwan or groundnut soup, holds a cherished place in the culinary landscape of West Africa. Traditionally, it boasts a luscious blend of chicken and peanuts, resulting in a creamy and savory broth. However, with our array of creative adaptations, this soup becomes a canvas for personalization, allowing you to tailor it to your unique palate. For a distinctive finishing touch, we recommend sprinkling grains of paradise, indigenous to West Africa, particularly Ghana. These aromatic seeds, with their subtle yet zesty flavor, offer a delightful twist, serving as a gentle yet flavorful alternative to conventional black pepper.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks [1]
Fresh Produce
- 2 cups okra [2] cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium tomatoes quartered
- 1 large onion quartered
Packaged Goods/Staples
- 5-6 cups broth chicken or vegetable
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter [3]
- salt & pepper
Culinary Spice Kit
- [1] Ginger, rosemary, bay leaves
- [2] Grains of paradise whole
Suggested Sides
- fresh bread
- cooked rice
- cooked sweet potatoes
- cooked yam
Instructions
Step 1 - Prepare Chicken Soup
- In a large POT, combine 3 cups of broth, vegetables, chicken, Nkatenkwan [1] spices, and salt & pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and remove the chicken from the pot. Set it aside.
Step 2 - Blend the Soup (without Chicken)
- Transfer the cooked soup to a FOOD PROCESSOR [4].
- Blend the mixture until smooth. Set it aside.
Step 3 - Incorporate Peanut Butter and Chicken into the Soup
- In the same POT, heat 2 cups of broth.
- Gradually add peanut butter to the broth, stirring constantly until it dissolves and incorporates smoothly.
- Pour in the blended soup and add the reserved chicken. Mix well.
- If desired, adjust the consistency by adding more broth for a thinner soup.
- Cook the soup over medium-low heat for an additional 20 minutes.
Serving
- Before serving, sprinkle Nkatenkwan [2] spices to taste from a grinder or use them whole.
- Accompany the soup with your preferred sides.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
[1] Substitute drumsticks with 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into pieces, or beef stew. Adjust cooking time and add more broth if necessary.
[2] Substitute okra with green beans, kale, or cabbage.
[3] Substitute peanut butter with any other nut butter. If you prefer a clear soup, skip the peanut butter.
[4] Without food processor: Finely chop the onion and skip the step 2.
Substitute kidney beans with black-eyed peas.
