Sopa de Maní
Sopa de Maní, or Bolivian Peanut Soup, is a rich and comforting dish. It features a creamy peanut broth base, often made with beef or chicken, and includes vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas. It's typically served with a side of llajua (spicy salsa) and sometimes garnished with fried potatoes or fresh herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Beef (stewing beef or ribs)
- 6 cups Water or Beef Broth
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Carrots(diced)
- 2 medium Celery stalks(diced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(diced)
- 4 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup Roasted peanuts(unsalted)
- 1.5 cups Water for peanut paste
- 0.25 cup Quinoa
- 0.5 cup Peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Oregano(dried)
- 0.25 cup Parsley or Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, combine beef, water/broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until meat is tender.
- 2
While the meat simmers, prepare the peanut paste: In a blender, combine roasted peanuts and 1.5 cups of water. Blend until smooth.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut paste is very smooth to avoid a gritty texture. - 3
In a separate large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until vegetables begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
- 4
Add the cubed potatoes, cumin, and paprika to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well.
💡 Tip: This builds the aromatic base of the soup. - 5
Add the cooked meat (removed from the broth, shredded if desired) and the blended peanut paste to the pot with the vegetables. Stir in the quinoa and 4 cups of the reserved beef broth.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well combined. - 6
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes and quinoa are tender.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 7
Stir in the peas and dried oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
💡 Tip: Add more broth or water if the soup is too thick. - 8
Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro. Llajua (spicy salsa) can be served on the side.
💡 Tip: Fried potato strips are a traditional garnish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using roasted peanuts provides a richer flavor than raw peanuts.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth.
- ✓The soup thickens as it cools; add more liquid if reheating.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some versions include chicken instead of beef.
- Pasta or rice can be added for extra heartiness.