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.
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.