Nigerian groundnut soup, also known as peanut soup, is a delicious and popular dish in Nigeria. It is made with groundnut paste or peanut butter, and it is often cooked with various meat or fish, vegetables, and spices to create a rich and flavorful soup.
In Nigeria, it is common to enjoy peanut stew or groundnut soup alongside a carbohydrate such as rice or a local staple known as ‘swallow,’ like eba.
Although groundnut soup is popular throughout the country, it originated in the Northern region and is traditionally known as ‘miyar gyada.’ This soup holds significance in special occasions like weddings and funerals. Below is a basic recipe for groundnut soup.
COOKING INGREDIENTS
Raw peeled groundnuts
Assorted meat
Dry fish
Stock fish
Palm Oil
Pumpkin leaves (Ugwu) or Bitterleaf
Ground crayfish
Seasoning cubes
Blended scotch bonnet pepper
Ground dry cayenne pepper
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Soak the stockfish and dry fish for a few hours. The length of time depends on how hard the stock fish is. Some even need to be boiled a bit.
When soft, clean the fish, remove the bones and separate them into small pieces.
Roast the raw groundnuts in a pan, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool down completely then grind into powder with a dry mill.
Wash and cut the Nigerian pumpkin leaves into tiny pieces.
Start cooking the shaki first as it is the toughest meat in the bunch.
When the shaki starts to curl, add the dry fish and stockfish. Add beef and stock cubes and cook till all the meat and fish are well done.
Add the crayfish, salt and pepper, cover and cook till it boils.
Transfer the meat and fish to another pot/container leaving the stock in the pot.
Add the ground groundnuts and stir very well till there are no lumps. Reduce the heat to very low and start cooking.
Stir every 5 minutes and top up the water if necessary. This mixture burns easily so watch it closely and stir as often as necessay.
Cook till a thin film of clear oil appears on the surface. Add palm oil and stir very well.
Add the beef and fish, stir and cook on low heat till it boils. For those who prefer their groundnut soup without vegetables, the soup is ready at this time.
If you prefer it with vegetables, add the vegetables, stir and leave to simmer. Stir again and it is done.
