Cookbook:M'batata (Sweet Potato And Peanut Soup)
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M'batata (Sweet Potato And Peanut Soup) | |
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Category | Soup recipes |
Difficulty |
Cookbook | Recipes | Ingredients | Equipment | Techniques | Cookbook Disambiguation Pages | Recipes
M'batata is a flavorful and creamy soup popular in the Central African Republic. It combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of peanuts, resulting in a comforting and nourishing dish.
Ingredients
[edit | edit source]- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon chile powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup coconut milk (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment
[edit | edit source]- Large pot
- Blender or food processor
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Soup ladle
- Potato masher or fork
Procedure
[edit | edit source]- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot and stir them together with the onions and garlic for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring that the sweet potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily mashed with a fork, usually around 15–20 minutes.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, toast the peanuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly browned. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the peanuts.
- Transfer the toasted peanuts to a blender or food processor and process them until they form a smooth peanut butter-like consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor a few times to ensure everything is well blended.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash the sweet potatoes until they are smooth and creamy in texture.
- Return the pot to low heat and add the peanut butter to the mashed sweet potatoes, stirring well to combine. The soup will become thick and creamy.
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder (if desired), salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes.
- If using coconut milk, pour it into the pot and stir it into the soup, adding an extra layer of creaminess and flavor. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Ladle the m'batata into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired.
Notes, tips, and variations
[edit | edit source]- M'batata is best served hot, and it pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad. This comforting soup is a wonderful representation of Central African cuisine, combining the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of peanuts to create a truly delicious and satisfying dish.