Ghanaian Peanut Butter Soup (Nkatenkwan)
Nkatenkwan is a rich and flavorful peanut butter soup, a beloved staple in Ghanaian cuisine. It's typically made with chicken or meat, blended with tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, and of course, peanut butter, creating a creamy and savory broth. Often served with fufu or rice, it's a comforting and hearty dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces or meat (such as goat or beef)
- 1 cup Smooth peanut butter
- 2 medium Onions(1 chopped, 1 for blending)
- 3 large Tomatoes(ripe)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1 inch piece Fresh ginger
- 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers(adjust to spice preference)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 6 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp Palm oil or vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- 1-2 Seasoning cubes (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using meat, boil it with some chopped onion, salt, and seasoning cube until tender. If using chicken, you can brown it first or add it later. Set aside the cooked meat and its broth.
- 2
In a blender, combine the tomatoes, 1 onion, garlic, ginger, and scotch bonnet peppers. Blend into a smooth paste.
- 3
In a large pot, heat the palm oil or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- 5
Add the blended tomato-onion mixture to the pot. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the oil starts to separate.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with a little warm water or broth until it forms a smooth, pourable paste. This helps prevent lumps.
- 7
Add the peanut butter paste to the pot with the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine. Pour in the reserved meat broth and additional chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- 8
Add the cooked meat (if using) or chicken pieces to the soup. Season with salt to taste. If using seasoning cubes, add them now.
- 9
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for at least 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the peanut butter to fully integrate. The soup should thicken.
- 10
Adjust seasoning if needed. If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth or water. Serve hot with fufu, rice, or boiled yams.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Roasting the peanut butter slightly before adding liquid can deepen its flavor.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet peppers to control the heat level.
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is well-whisked to avoid lumps in the soup.
🔄 Variations
- Add some okra or garden eggs towards the end of cooking for added texture.
- Use different types of meat like beef, lamb, or even fish.