Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato: A Bold and Comforting Plant-Based Delight

If you’re in the mood for something rich, nourishing, and full of flavor, this Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato is a must-try. Inspired by West African peanut stews, this hearty soup blends creamy peanut butter, tender sweet potatoes, protein-rich chickpeas, and earthy kale into a bowl of comforting warmth with just the right amount of heat. Aromatic garlic, ginger, and cumin infuse the broth with depth, while tomato paste adds richness and body. This plant-based recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect choice for chilly nights, meal prepping, or when you need a cozy dish with a little kick. Served over rice and topped with fresh cilantro, peanuts, or a splash of hot sauce, each spoonful is a savory-sweet balance that keeps you coming back for more. Best of all, it’s easy to make with pantry staples and comes together in just one pot—making cleanup as effortless as the cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold, Balanced Flavors – The combo of spicy, sweet, savory, and nutty is unique and unforgettable.
2. One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in a single pot for easy prep and cleanup.
3. Nutrient-Packed – Loaded with veggies, legumes, and healthy fats for a nourishing meal.
4. Plant-Based & Satisfying – Naturally vegan and hearty enough to please everyone at the table.
5. Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or packed lunches.

Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh grated ginger
• Sweet potato
• Ground cumin
• Red chili flakes
• Tomato paste
• Vegetable broth
• Creamy natural peanut butter
• Chickpeas
• Kale
• Salt

For serving:

• Brown or white rice
• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped peanuts
• Additional red chili flakes or hot sauce

Variations

• Add Protein: Include cubed tofu or shredded cooked chicken for extra protein (non-vegan version).
• Leafy Green Swap: Replace kale with spinach, collard greens, or Swiss chard.
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for allergy-friendly soup.
• Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess.
• Lower Carb Option: Serve without rice or over cauliflower rice.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Sweet Potato and Spices

Add the diced sweet potato, cumin, and chili flakes. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices and cook for 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in Tomato Paste

Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Add Peanut Butter

Stir in the peanut butter until fully dissolved into the broth. This will thicken the soup and give it a creamy, nutty flavor.

Step 6: Add Chickpeas and Kale

Add chickpeas and chopped kale. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes, until the kale is wilted and tender.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Season with salt to taste. Serve hot over rice and top with cilantro, chopped peanuts, and extra chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Dice sweet potatoes evenly for even cooking.
• Use natural peanut butter for a smoother, richer consistency.
• Don’t skip the tomato paste—it adds umami and depth to the broth.
• Adjust spice level to your taste with more or less chili flakes.
• Stir well after adding peanut butter to avoid separation.

How to Serve

Serve this soup ladled over a scoop of brown or white rice for a complete meal. Top with chopped fresh cilantro, roasted peanuts for crunch, and a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat. It also pairs beautifully with flatbread or a side of roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, enjoy it on its own as a thick, nourishing stew.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the soup completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir well to re-incorporate any separation of peanut butter or broth.

FAQs

1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, but creamy peanut butter blends more smoothly into the soup. Crunchy will add a different texture.

2. Is this soup spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat. Adjust the chili flakes or hot sauce to your preference.

3. Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture?

Yes! Blend half or all of the soup for a creamier consistency.

4. What if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can use tomato puree or sauce, but reduce the amount of broth slightly to maintain thickness.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes—add all ingredients except peanut butter and kale, cook on low for 6–7 hours, then stir in peanut butter and kale before serving.

6. What kind of kale should I use?

Any variety works—curly kale, lacinato, or even baby kale.

7. How do I keep the peanut butter from clumping?

Add it gradually and stir well to help it dissolve evenly into the hot broth.

8. Can I make this nut-free?

Yes, substitute with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a similar creamy texture.

9. Is this gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your vegetable broth and peanut butter are certified gluten-free.

10. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Fresh is best for texture, but canned can work if added later in the cooking process to avoid over-softening.

Conclusion

Spicy Peanut Soup with Sweet Potato is the kind of comforting, bold-flavored dish that turns a simple dinner into something special. With its rich texture, warming spices, and balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements, this soup is a hearty and wholesome option for any day of the week. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking for something nourishing and new, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a favorite. Serve it up with rice and all your favorite toppings for a customizable bowl of goodness that satisfies every time.

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